The Best Supplements to Boost Your Energy—Naturally

If you’ve been lagging lately, it might be time to consider swapping out your energy drinks for natural supplements. Burning the midnight oil with the help of bottomless coffee and energy drinks might get you to your deadlines, but chances are, they’re doing more harm than good. While it’s hard to resist the promise of a quick fix, that 4 pm coffee at your desk could actually affect your heart, blood pressure, and even your mood. 

Energy drinks promise a quick jolt of energy and focus with a blend of caffeine and ingredients like taurine and guarana (as well as various flavorings and additives). While high doses of caffeine can be an effective short term solution, in high doses it can lead to nervousness, irritability, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and sleep problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Energy drinks are also stealth sugar bombs, with many containing as much as 54 grams can. If you’re consuming them regularly, all that extra sugar could raise your risk of weight gain and diabetes. 

Luckily, there are a variety of natural supplements that can kick start your productivity without the scary side effects. Put down the double espresso and check out our guide to the best supplements that boost your energy naturally. 

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, which mean it belongs to a class of supplements that works on the adrenal system to reduce stress and improve focus. Ashwagandha has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries, but now modern science is catching on, with varieties like KSM-66 Ashwagandha (the highest quality you can find). Studies have found that it increases endurance and reduces inflammation. It has also been proven to increase muscle mass and enhance thyroid function. Talk about a power player. 

2. Methylcobalamin (B-12)

A naturally occurring form of B12, Methylcobalamin can be taken as a supplement or found in foods like fish, eggs, and milk. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause weakness or fatigue and can be common in those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. As a supplement, Methylcobalamin can naturally boost your morning energy levels without the crash. 

A hormone that helps us metabolize fat and regulate testosterone, DHEA can aid in both increasing and regulating your energy levels. Studies show that it can boost metabolism and decrease dangerous belly fat, as well as increase a protein that helps rebuild tissue.

A relatively new player to the growing field of natural energy-boosting supplements, S7™ works by increasing vasodilation, aka blood flow, so your muscles get a dose of fresh oxygen. This is especially powerful during a workout, where that extra blood flow gives you more endurance. 

With so many effective supplements, there’s no reason not to kick your can addiction and embrace a natural option. From the gym to the office, you’ll feel better, stronger, and in charge of your health.