It’s almost common knowledge by now that vitamin B12 equates to adding energy to your body. Right? But did you know that it’s also a massive trigger for your acne? Yep. To put it quite plainly, vitamin B12 is should be used with care & caution – especially for acne-prone skin types.
We all know vitamins are crucial for a healthy body. They have a role in pretty much every function and chemical reaction in the human body: boosting the immune system, normal development, growth, helping cells and organs function properly, forming red blood cells, brain activity, healthy metabolism, and many others.
You get the picture – vitamins are much needed for the normal functioning of the entire body.
However, too much of a good thing can be bad. Many people are under the impression that the body gets rid of excess vitamins through urinating, but that’s not true for all the vitamins. An overdose of certain vitamins wreaks havoc in the human body, and not only does it reverse the initial benefits that came from taking it, but it also introduces new chaos and side effects that could’ve been easily prevented.
So what should you take to boost your energy instead of B12?
Magnesium Support for Energy
Let’s talk about a frequently depleted mineral almost everyone is deficient in.
Magnesium! As your body responds to stress, its magnesium levels decrease. Magnesium feeds the energy centers of cells in your body, including those in the adrenal glands. The lack of magnesium can easily set off the adrenal glands’ stress response, negatively affecting your mood and overworking these glands. It’s essential to maintain magnesium levels so the adrenal glands can operate smoothly.
Magnesium can also help you deal with adrenal fatigue symptoms.
It helps you battle stress-induced fatigue, allows you to get more high-quality sleep, and rebalances your metabolism. In general, having adequate magnesium levels aids in relaxation, thereby putting less stress on your adrenal glands.
Tell me who couldn’t use more rest and relaxation?
Herbal Supplements for Energy
Herbal supplements that produce energy are called adaptogens because they help your body adapt to stress. To be classified as an adaptogen, the herbal supplement should have no adverse side effects.
The following herbal supplements will help you naturally boost your energy without B12:
Licorice root: By taking a supplement with licorice root, you help stop your body from breaking down the cortisol released by the adrenal glands. As a result, it fights off decreased energy levels brought on by increased stress levels. This adaptogen also increases energy and endurance while strengthening immunity.
Rhodiola: This adaptogen helps your body maintain a balanced cortisol level during stressful periods. An overabundance of cortisol can negatively affect your memory, blood pressure, blood sugar, and metabolism. Studies have also shown it helps restore normal eating and sleep cycles after high-stress periods.
Ashwagandha: This powerful herbal supplement touts many health benefits. Ashwagandha improves the overall functioning of the adrenal glands, helping your body deal with stress by balancing hormone levels and increasing energy. This adaptogen has an overall calming effect.
Foods That Support Energy Levels
Did you know that having too much vitamin B12 in your diet triggers acne breakouts too? Including specific foods in your daily diet will help you combat adrenal fatigue symptoms & give you more energy throughout the day.
Eating foods with higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals is a great place to start. The idea is to maintain the levels of nutrients that your body depletes during stressful times to produce more energy for you later when you need it.
Protein
Lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts
These proteins increase energy levels and not blood sugar levels.
Healthy fats
Olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and avocados.
Healthy fats help with hormone production and healing.
Vegetables
Leafy greens and colorful vegetables
Kale, swiss chard, and spinach are high in magnesium.
Colorful vegetables are healthy forms of carbohydrates that provide a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.
Fruits
Low sugar fruits; avoid citric fruits
Fructose and potassium negatively affect the adrenal glands.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Besides your diet and supplements for adrenal fatigue, healthy habits are essential to regain optimal energy levels.
Here are three habits to implement in your life if you are trying to build your energy without using a B12 supplement.
Get enough sleep. Go to bed at a reasonable hour! That of course varies according to an individual’s schedule, but generally, it’s a good idea to call it a day anywhere from 9 pm to 11 pm. Some say a wave of cortisol is released later in the night, which upsets your sleep cycle.
Make rest breaks a priority throughout the day. A rest break doesn’t necessarily mean a nap. It calls for you to step away from your work or any stress-inducing activity. If you choose to exercise during your rest break, select low impact or yoga. High-intensity workouts prevent your body from producing adequate energy if you’re already depleted.
Change your mindset and live a balanced life. Identify the stressors in your life and try to eliminate them. If you can’t eliminate all of them, be sure to set aside time for more enjoyable activities that aren’t stress-inducing. Listen to what your body is telling you and rest when you are tired.
Final Thoughts
There are many things to consider when addressing your energy levels.
Life is a juggling act. It can get even more stressful when life throws you a curveball every so often. Most people have experienced long-term stress, including emotional, mental, or physical stress — or any combination of the above. Your body can respond to this stress in a multitude of ways, many of which you can link to adrenal fatigue.
So, if you are experiencing low energy, don’t lose hope because there are several things you can try to find relief from it. If you think B12 has been causing you to break out, schedule your initial consultation today & let us help get you started on YOUR clear skin journey.
Cheers to clear!
Rene