Question: I’m ready to move and have more energy again after this long winter! What are some quick ways to work it into my busy schedule?
Answer: It has been a long winter here in NJ and I think we all are ready for a great boost!Â
I hear and understand the struggle of balancing healthy choices with a busy schedule so often at Solaris Whole Health, so we are constantly giving our clients quick tips to keep them going strong every time we see them. Â
The nutrition geek in me will relay to you that increasing your nitric oxide daily is a great way of boosting your physical and mental stamina. It was, in fact, Science Magazine’s molecule of the year in 2001 (I thought you’d like that). There have been over 60,000 studies done on nitric oxide in the last 20 years and in 1998, The Nobel Prize for Medicine was given to three scientists that discovered the signaling role of nitric oxide.
So what does this mean for you?! Nitric oxide has been shown to improve your memory, immune system, sleep quality, endurance and strength, among many other benefits. So how can you get more you ask? Here are the Top 3 ways to help BOOST your ENERGY and ENDURANCE everyday!
1. DO A TABATA! The most common way to increase your nitric oxide is through exercise. A Tabata is a 4 minute burst training routine developed by the Japanese to improve cardio health and build muscle with their athletes. We love Tabatas here at Solaris and yell out “Tabata Time†when we’re ready to start one! We do them in our office weekly to rejuvenate our energy, increase our stamina and our nitric oxide together! Everyone has 4 minutes in their day and doing Tabatas can be fun for the whole family! I suggest you check out Brad Gouthroor Rebekah Borucki on YouTube and download a Tabata timer app today!
2. EAT FOODS HIGH IN ARGE-NINE! Arginine can be found in foods that contain nuts, fruits, meats and dairy. It directly creates nitric oxide and citrulline inside the cell. Healthy food choices in this category are: caramelized onions, spinach, sesame seeds (also found in tahini as a spread ), shell fish like shrimp and crab, eggs and turkey. So an omelet (3 egg whites to 1 whole egg) with caramelized onions, spinach and turkey sausage would be a great way to start that energy cycle a couple days a week.
3. BRUSH YOUR TEETH! Did you know that gum disease decreases nitric oxide production. If you have periodontal disease, a gut imbalance of bacteria, acid reflux, low ph, ibs, constipation, diarrhea, bloat or gassiness your nitric oxide production has the potential to be consistently depleted. This translates to low immune, energy and endurance in the long run. If these symptoms are difficult to get under control I suggest contacting the respective health practitioners in your area. In the meantime, I guess what mom told us does help; brush, floss and eat clean healthy foods!