Ask the expert: how to boost energy levels

Hi Dora,

I've been getting plenty of sleep but keep feeling really drained and tired lately. I eat a reasonably healthy diet and exercise a couple of times a week. Is there anything I can eat or drink to help boost my energy levels without hitting the energy drinks?

Thanks Kerry

Dora says: I'm sorry to hear you are feeling so tired. If you haven't changed your routine or diet and you are more tired than normal then it's important to investigate a few things first with your doctor.

Ask your doctor to check your thyroid and iron levels because low levels can leave you feeling very lethargic.

You should also make sure you balance your blood sugar by combining your protein and carbohydrates at lunch and dinner and cutting out coffee and tea, which drain your energy and affect vitamin and mineral absorption. Have green tea instead, which is full of antioxidants.

Make sure you are properly hydrated and try taking a good quality multivitamin and mineral.

One of my favourite energy drinks includes a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in hot water with a cinnamon stick. The molasses is full of B vitamins and iron, which will boost your energy, and the cinnamon will help balance your blood sugar. You can take this once a day or when you are menstruating to help get your vitamin B12, which you need for energy and red blood cell production. You can also try some of the green spirulina, wheatgrass and chlorella powders and add to water or juice to give you a natural lift. These powders are very nutritious and will help you to detoxify your body and replenish your nutrient stores.

If you have any health or diet dilemmas, email your questions to Dora at msn-health-expert@hotmail.co.uk

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