I blogged a couple of days ago about shoulder issues and some treatment exercises. I put a video on YouTube and Facebook yesterday as a follow-up to the blog. Check it out.
A lot of people complain about a lack of energy (NRG), which is the responsibility of the adrenal glands (to secrete the hormones and neurotransmitters adrenaline, cortisol, and aldosterone). These hormones end up acting on the mitochondria, the energy factories within every cell, and also play a vital role in keeping organs youthful and healthy. Keeping these NRG factories powered up is key, and new research indicates that green-pigmented food is required. Green kiwifruit, green parsley, and green pepper are foods that are rich in the nutrient pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ for short. PQQ is a powerful antioxidant that shields the mitochondria from oxidative damage in organs like the brain and heart.
Over time, damage to the delicate DNA inside mitochondria can accelerate aging and lead directly to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Dietary PQQ not only shields these precious mitochondria from damage but also promotes the formation of new mitochondria. Since our GI tracts aren’t able to synthesize PQQ, you must get it from the diet. In addition to certain greens, miso, tofu, and soybean paste (natto) have good amounts. Coldwater fish like herring, sardines, salmon and tuna also contain PQQ-make sure it’s wild and not farmed.
Three other foods that act to charge your batteries are sesame seeds, H2O, and apples. Apples contain quercetin, a plant-based phytochemical that’s been linked to increased endurance in some studies.
Sesame seeds are loaded with magnesium, a mineral that cells need in order to turn the food we eat into energy our bodies can use. Add them to trail mix, sprinkle into stir-fry or a tossed salad, or spread with peanut butter for an NRG boost.
The first thing I tell patients who complain about fatigue is to make sure they are adequately hydrated. Here in Arizona, staying hydrated is especially difficult because most of your sweat evaporates-you don’t realize your losing water. Symptoms include foggy thinking, crankiness, and fatigue.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.