You’re a mom. Chances are, you’re just so. dang. tired. But how tired is normal? And is there anything you can do about it? (Besides getting the proper amount of sleep- because that isn’t possible all the time with kids.)
I love coffee. I love coffee so much, I drink it all throughout the day, every single day. It’s like I can’t ‘survive’ without drinking it.
But it comes a cost. I get shaky, irritable and sometimes almost paranoid after I have too much. Or if I don’t have it right in the morning, a raging headache will sink in.
Why do we do this to ourselves? I think sometimes it’s because we think it’s easy and there aren’t other good options.
I started researching vitamins and natural energy supplements that can boost your energy without weird side effects.
As it turns out, there are a ton of natural energy supplements that are great for us moms.
Sometimes the depth of your mom exhaustion is not normal. But it’s hard to determine what is normal when you are sleep deprived and running on empty. Start with one of the supplements or vitamins listed below and see if you notice a difference. If you don’t, give something else a try!
Here is where I am going to tell you that I am NOT a medical professional of any sort, anything that is listed here is meant for informational purposes only. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always check the instructions on the package. My full disclosure can be found here.
1. VITAMIN B12
Vitamin B12 is something you may be deficient in and not even know it.
It’s easy to add a B12 supplement to your diet! And you definitely want to because it helps with red blood cell formation and prevents anemia. It can also improve your mood and prevent symptoms of depression! And, as you know because it’s on this list, it can increase your energy.
Every time I’ve ever stopped taking it, I’ve noticed a dip in energy. I’m trying to make a habit of just taking it every day, no matter what! We’ve been using this kind for about 4 years.
2. IRON
If you’re unusually tired, it might be an iron deficiency. An iron deficiency affects 20-25% of the world’s population, the most affected being women and children.
Before you reach for a steak though, try some of these ultra healthy and heart happy plant based sources that are rich in iron:
- Beans and lentils
- Tofu
- Baked potatoes
- Cashews
- Dark, leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Taking an iron supplement has been know to:
- Treat anemia
- Boost hemoglobin
- Boosts immunity
- Improves concentration
- Reduces fatigue
- Improves sleep
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced iron supplement, try these!
3. SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that NASA used to supplement astronauts in space. Then it became recognized for it’s amazing health benefits! In fact, spirulina may be the most nutritious food on the planet. Yeah, sign me up!
Some of the amazing benefits of spirulina:
- It’s packed with protein, vitamin B1, B2, B3, iron, and magnesium.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Contains high levels of anti-oxidants
- Can lower bad LDL cholesterol
- Can reduce blood pressure
- Effective against anemia
- Increases the time it takes for you to get fatigued
Now Foods spirulina tablets are very reasonably priced and don’t taste bad going down! The only ingredient is organic, non-GMO spirulina. I’ve tried using the powder in smoothies or just drinking it and it is AWFUL. These tablets go down smooth and make it super easy.
4. RHODIOLA ROSEA
Rhodiola rosea is grown in colder, mountainous regions in Europe and Asia. People have been using it for centuries to treat anxiety, fatigue and depression.
It’s also an adaptogen, meaning it that when you consume it, it can help you adapt to stressful situations better.
This study shows that consuming Rhodiola fights fatigue, increases mental performance and combats stress. This stuff is seriously unreal!
Rhodiola can also increase brain function and improve exercise performance– sign me up!
Amazon has some good deals for Rhodiola Rosea, you can check them out here!
5. BEETROOT POWDER
Beetroot powder is a super healthy way to boost your energy levels. Beetroot powder can lower your blood pressure, boost brain power, improve athletic performance and encourage weight loss!
If you’re cool with mixing the powder in water or smoothies, you can try this product out. It’s about 100 servings for 12$.
If you don’t like the taste of beets (which I totally get) you can check out these beetroot veggie caps that are meant to be swallowed!
7. SHILAJIT
What is shilajit, you ask?
It’s a black, sticky substance found in the rocks of the Himalayas. It’s formed from plants and minerals breaking down at an extremely slow rate.
It’s commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Shilajit can fight chronic fatigue syndrome by boosting your body’s mitochondrial function. It can also slow down and aging and improve heart health.
This is the best source I could find for Shilajit. People rave about this stuff. It gives you good, clean energy and apparently even keeps your mood positive. Check out the reviews here!
Make sure that the Shilajit you buy is purified so it doesn’t contain any contaminants!
8. MACA ROOT POWDER
Maca Root is a plant native to Peru. It’s real claim to fame is increasing your libido and sex drive! Which sounds good to me!
Not only does Maca Root powder boost energy and endurance, it:
- Increases libido
- Increases fertility
- Improves mood
- Reduces blood pressure
- Improves learning and memory
I have tried Maca Root powder in smoothies. It has a distinctly nutty taste, which is kind of nice. You can check out Maca Root powders here.
Or you can always supplement with capsules if you don’t end up liking the taste!
***
Having kids is nuts!
You love them so much but they take everything out of you and sometimes you’re running on freaking fumes and that is no fun, for you or for them.
Sometimes, coffee doesn’t cut it. It barely lifts the fog you’re under, not from one sleepless night, but YEARS of not great sleep and constant worry over your kids.
Somebody once asked me if taking natural energy supplements or trying CBD oil to help you through the day was ‘cheating.’ Is it cheating to spritz lavender essential oil on your pillow to help you sleep? Is it cheating to eat good food and exercise knowing it will benefit you?
Are there any other natural energy supplements you’ve had a good experience taking? Let us know in the comments so we can try them too!