If you’re feeling low on energy or want to further boost your vitality, this article is for you.
How you live your life is largely dependent on your daily energy levels. When your energy is high and stable during the day, it can help keep you focused and unstoppable. Yet, if you are constantly tired each day, it can leave you feeling foggy, lethargic and unmotivated. As many as one third of Americans report a feeling of extreme fatigue on a daily basis (1). The good news is that, most often, some simple lifestyle changes can help you feel more energized and ready to take on each day!
If you’re feeling low on energy or want to further boost your vitality, this article is for you. Today, we’ll dive into how CoQ10 can be a powerful enzyme to give you energy on a cellular level. This can translate to more sustainable energy all day long.
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a very important nutrient, or more specifically a coenzyme, found in almost every cell within the human body. It plays a pivotal role in energy production because of its direct influence on energy synthesis in the mitochondria (our literal cellular powerhouses). It is also a powerful antioxidant and aids in the process of DNA replication and repair (2). If CoQ10 levels get too low, it can largely affect each cell’s ability to generate the fuel it needs for everyday function.
How Does it Work?
CoQ10 is typically at its highest levels within the body around the age of twenty. Then, it gradually declines from there with each decade of life. The main theory surrounding why this decline happens is that the body loses its efficiency to convert CoQ10 to its active form, known as ubiquinol.
CoQ10 has two primary forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinone is the inactive form of CoQ10 that is stored within the cell until it is needed. Whereas, ubiquinol is the active form that is readily available for cellular use and energy. Each cell’s mitochondria, the part of our cell that creates energy, uses CoQ10 to create the chemical adenosine tripohastate (ATP). ATP is the primary form or energy our cell’s need to carry out every basic (and complex) function in the body (3). Optimal cellular energy production helps us think better, feel better, move better, look better and perform better.
Additionally, as the mitochondria create ATP, free radicals are inevitably produced as part of the energy creating process. Amazingly, CoQ10’s presence is crucial for neutralizing these excess byproducts as well. Thus, it should be clear how vital this nutrient is since it helps cells efficiently create energy while neutralizing excess byproducts. Basically, CoQ10 is a heavyweight champion when it comes to optimizing cellular vitality!
How to Boost Your Energy Naturally with CoQ10
There are a few primary factors that can affect the levels of CoQ10 in your body. If they get too low, it can leave you feeling exhausted. These factors include aging, certain pre-existing conditions, and even our genetics (4). If any of these factors are present, consuming additional daily CoQ10 can help keep levels higher and optimized.
There are two primary ways to increase your CoQ10 levels:
- Dietary changes.
- Foods with the highest levels of CoQ10 include fatty fish, organ meats, and whole grains. Eating a balanced whole foods based diet will always help your energy levels! Adding these foods to your diet can certainly increase levels, however, your ability to absorb CoQ10 (and other nutrients) and determining if you’re getting enough can be difficult with this method. Plus, not everyone likes fish and organ meat.
- Supplementation.
- Sometimes a balanced diet isn’t enough, particularly when suboptimal heart and brain health is present. This is where a CoQ10 supplement can be a game changer for boosting cellular energy. Ideally, the supplement should be in its active form (Ubiquinol) for better absorption and bioavailability. Always check that your supplement contains ubiquinol instead of ubiquinone to ensure the highest quality and efficiency.
It’s important to keep in mind that CoQ10 is a fat soluble nutrient, meaning it requires fat consumption for proper absorption. Thus, the ultimate option for maximizing your ubiquinol absorption is to eat a diet rich in healthy fats (such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, ghee, and fish) when taking your supplement. This ensures that the body can properly utilize the supplement and maximize its potential health benefits.
The Benefits of CoQ10 Supplementation
The greatest benefit of having proper CoQ10 levels in the body is the steady form of energy it provides. This basic building block for energy utilization is what gives you a sustainable stream of energy all day long (and at night while your body is repairing itself). Consuming this essential nutrient as a part of your daily routine is much different than reaching for caffeine or sugar for a quick fix. CoQ10 addresses your lack of energy at the source — without the energy crashes of these other options.
Additionally benefits of CoQ10 include the following:
- Provides heart health support
- Increases your daily stamina
- Reduces stress levels
- Taps into your body’s natural energy reserves
- Crash free energy all day long
Get the Energy You Need
Most forms of energy we consume on a regular basis are fleeting. They make it feel like our energy levels are on a constant roller coaster ride that we don’t have any control over. Take back the control and feel your best each day with steady, sustainable energy. CoQ10 is a great option to consider for all of its great health benefits. If you’re ready to say yes to more energy, taking a Ubiquinol supplement might be the perfect remedy for you!
If you have a medical condition, are taking medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your health practitioner before adding a CoQ10 supplement or any other supplement to your daily regimen.
QUICK DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither the author(s) nor the publisher of this content take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All readers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
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