“The object of all health education is to change the conduct of individual men, women, and children by teaching them to care for their bodies well, and this instruction should be given throughout the entire period of their educational life.” — Charlie H.
*Paxherbals, FIIRO, LASCODA partner to establish efficacy, safety, dosage for herbal medicine in Nigeria
ARE you always feeling exhausted? Do you regularly have general body pains especially at the joints? Do you feel constantly lethargic, bloated, moody and just not yourself? If the answer is yes, then you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Other symptoms include mental fog, muscle pain, and irregular bowel movements.
However, several studies have shown that some of the most common causes of decreased energy include the use of certain medications, thyroid issues, depression and anemia. Chronic fatigue may also be a symptom of more serious conditions as well, such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes or kidney problems.
But there are natural remedies. Several studies, reports and medical experts have proffered solutions to boost energy levels.
These are some proven methods, which have been reviewed. Vegetable juice/plant based diet
According to a study published in Americanjournalof Biochemistryandmolecularbiology, herbal preparation of fluted pumpkin ( ugu in Ibo/ Telfairiaoccidentalis) has been employed in the treatment of anaemia, chronic fatigue and diabetes.
Another study published in Internationaljournalofbiological Sciencesandapplications by Arowora K. A., Ezeonu C. S., Imo C. and Nkaa C. G. from the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, concluded: “This research shows that the leafy vegetables studied contain appreciable levels of calories, protein, and amino acids. They are also good sources of quality protein and amino acids. Considering the levels of protein and amino acids composition in these leaf vegetables, they may be useful as sources of cheap and quick amino acid and protein replenishment for malnourished children especially pumpkin leaves with high protein levels and good quality amino acids, coupled with high energy composition. However, in as much as some leaf vegetables show exceptionally good qualities of amino acid, it is advisable to consume different varieties so as to provide the body with the assorted amino acids required for proper functioning.”
According to a certified doctor of natural medicine, doctor of chiropractic and clinical nutritionist, Dr. Josh Axe, drinking fresh vegetable juice is a shock to your body — in a good way! Losing the vegetable fibre during juicing makes them easier for your body to absorb and digest. And because less work is required for your body to reap the nutritional benefits, you will notice an increase in energy levels. Additionally, drinking your veggies helps provide important vitamins and minerals while also supplying energy to your cells.
If you feel an illness coming on, vegetable juice is also a good way to stop it in its tracks and keep energy up before it dips. Skip store-bought juices, which are often loaded with sugar, preservatives and other unpronounceable ingredients — they will leave you feeling worse and even more exhausted!
One of the healthiest, most natural and efficient ways to boost your energy is by making the right food choices. Following a primarily raw, plant-based diet that prioritizes vegetables and fruits, such as the Hallelujah Diet, can raise your energy levels, all while optimizing overall health and promoting longevity.
To increase your energy while burning fat, Dr. Joseph Mercola suggested eating the following foods: olives and olive oil; raw nuts; coconuts and coconut oil; and avocados.
Mercola is an alternative medicine proponent, osteopathic physician, and web entrepreneur.
Improve sleep quality
Can’t sleep? Spending your nights tossing and turning can definitely make you feel exhausted the next day. While you sleep, your body is restoring and repairing the day’s damage. Squeezing in more sleep is one of the easiest methods for how to get energy in the morning.
If you are having trouble sleeping, try my list of natural sleep aids. Plus, here are some of my favorite tips:
*Keep a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same times each day, including weekends. This will help regulate your internal body clock.
*Eliminate caffeine after 3 p.m. because the effects can last up to 12 hours.
*Write out what is stressing you out or keeping you up at night before heading to bed.
Adaptogenic herbs
Dr. Edward Group of Global Healing Center recommends adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are natural substances that work with a person’s body and help them adapt, most notably, to stress. Adaptogens are a natural ally in dealing with persistent stress and fatigue because they work with regulating important hormones.
There are a number of naturally adaptogenic herbs that you might consider trying on for size. They can be taken in capsulated supplement form, brewed in teas, or simply cut up and used to spice up a meal. For maximum health benefits, it is best to include a healthy variety of these herbs in your diet. Some of the most popular adaptogenic herbs include: Asian ginseng; holy basil/sweet basil ( Effirin in Yoruba, Nchuanwu in Ibo); milk thistle; Indian ginseng; rosemary; Aloe vera; astragalus; Moringa oleifera
The seeds, leaves, roots, and oils of the Moringa Oleifera plant are used throughout Southeast Asia an ingredient in many common dishes. As part of traditional medicine, it supports the immune response, eases swelling, and promotes energy and adrenal health.
Reduce consumption of carbohydrates
While they do provide your body with energy, foods heavy in carbohydrates can leave you feeling sluggish. The main culprit? Simple carbs, like those found in sugary drinks, cookies and processed foods (think white bread and pasta), which burn through your body quickly. Though they provide a fast boost of energy, it is quickly followed by a crash as your blood sugar spikes and then drops.
The solution for how to boost energy when tired and keep blood sugar levels steady? Stick to whole-grain, low-glycemic carbohydrates that take the body longer to digest and avoid the crash and burn effect. Nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, oats and brown rice are all low-glycemic carbohydrates that will provide the body with a steady stream of energy.
Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes, drink less alcohol
Did you know that one of the first signs of dehydration is feeling tired or exhausted? That’s right — not drinking enough water could be the reason your energy levels are lacking and you feel exhausted.
COMMITTED to the development of natural products as well as establishing efficacy and safety, dosage for herbal medicine in Nigeria, Paxherbal Clinic and Research Laboratories (Paxherbals) has partnered with the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos (FIIRO) and the Lagos State Coconut Development Agency (LASCODA).
FIIRO has been at the forefront of innovative research in food technology, food processing and packaging technology and research in agro-allied products.
Paxherbals is already a household name within and outside Nigeria for focused and outstanding research and development of African herbal medicine.
LASCODA, which is located in Badagry last year introduced a specially-produced loaf made from coconut, known as `Eko Coconut Bread’ to promote the coconut value chain in the state.
Aside bread, LASCODA also produces coconut oil, coconut cream, soap, coconut water, hair cream, coconut body cream, coconut candy and many others, as other products that could be produced from coconut.
Coconut had been scientifically proven to have a lot of medicinal value when consumed on a regular basis including quick healing of wounds, cough and the prevention of cancer.
Director of Paxherbals, Fr. Anselm Adodo, told journalists that the scope of work to be executed by FIIRO and Pax Herbal include:
*To jointly pursue projects of mutual interest for collaboration on a non-exclusive basis. The areas to be considered include but are not limited to, joint research and development of natural products, joint patenting, and community action projects.
*To collaborate in the development of joint grant proposals to pursue initiatives in the area of development of herbal medicine, Bio-entrepreneurship, related science and innovation issues.
*To organize Bio-entrepreneurship training in the area of Bioentrepreneurship in addition to the existing modules being undertaken by FIIRO as a joint capacity building workshop.
*To mechanize the production process most especially in the drying of aqueous extracts to powder without destroying the active ingredients and develop various forms of dryers, freezers and microwave dryers.
*To jointly promote herbal medicine, establish efficacy and safety, dosage for herbal medicine in Nigeria.
Adodo commended the efforts of FIIRO in improving the economy of Nigeria through research, training and development. He recognized one of the research efforts of FIIRO, which led to the development of the cassava bread, and many others.
Director-general of FIIRO, Prof. Gloria Elemo, expressed her delight and satisfaction in the activities of PAXHERBALS. According to her, PAXHERBALS’ ability to maintain focus and consistency is admirable. According to her, “FIIRO is happy and proud to associate with PAXHERBALS and is excited to officially become a close ally of PAX in drug and food research and development.”
Elemo listed some of the areas of immediate collaboration as mushroom growing and training, Moringa processing and packaging, human capacity development for young Nigeria entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, PAXHERBALS has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on research collaboration with LASCODA. The MOU signing ceremony took place at the Lagos office of PAXHERBALS on May 23, 2018.
Adodo said the scope of the MOU with LASCODA include:
*To collaborate in areas of common interest including Technology transfer (Local and international) for mutual benefits and rapid industrialization of Lagos economy with Coconut at the Centre.
*To organize Bio-entrepreneurship training/ capacity building for the target audience of both parties using the existing modules being undertaken by PAX with Coconut Value Chain at the centre starting with the capacity building of LASCODA staff, youth and women in the Coconut producing areas of the state for skill, knowledge and attitude development.
*To pursue projects of natural interest for collaboration on a non-exclusive basis. The areas to be considered include but are not limited to joint research and development of natural products, joint patenting and community action projects starting with but not limited to rural intervention through Village Adoption Model and rehabilitation of the oldest Coconut plantation in Nigeria at Topo Island, badagry and retention of first School of Agriculture in Nigeria therein as a monument.
Chukwuma Muanya