HEALTHY HAPPY WILD

MASTER THE SECRETS TO GETTING YOUR ENERGY AND LIFE BACK!

The secret to free-flowing natural energy lies with our mighty mitochondria, autophagy, and some key neurotransmitters, so come on then – let’s get to know them!

  1. Our Mighty Mitochondria

The circadian rhythm is a fascinating and complex system that governs many of our bodily functions, including the secretion of the hormone melatonin. While many people are aware of melatonin’s role in promoting sleep, few are aware of its crucial role in protecting our mitochondria.

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, responsible for producing the energy that our bodies need to function properly. However, when they become damaged and dysfunctional, they produce less energy, leading to fatigue and other health problems.

Melatonin plays a central role in protecting our mitochondria from damage, and it is much more powerful than other well-known antioxidants like vitamins C and E. It is able to penetrate inside our mitochondria to stabilise and protect them from damage caused by artificial light at night, which is known to suppress melatonin production.

By maintaining a strong circadian rhythm and ensuring adequate melatonin production, we can keep our mitochondria strong and healthy, producing plenty of energy to keep us feeling vibrant and alive. So if you want to stay energised and healthy, make sure to prioritise good sleep hygiene and take steps to protect your circadian rhythm. Your mitochondria will thank you for it!

  1. Autophagy (Cell Cleanup and Regeneration)

Have you ever heard of the amazing process of autophagy? It’s like recycling at the cellular level, where our body breaks down damaged or dysfunctional cell parts and rebuilds new healthy ones. This process is crucial for slowing down the ageing process and maintaining healthy mitochondria and high energy levels.

However, disrupted circadian rhythms can suppress autophagy, leading to cellular junk accumulation and a decline in energy levels. As we age, the importance of maintaining a strong circadian rhythm and efficient autophagy becomes even more critical.

But the effects of a disrupted circadian rhythm don’t stop there. It can also have a profound impact on our brain health and mood. Key neurotransmitters that affect mood (mentioned below), are regulated by the circadian rhythm. Disrupting this rhythm can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

So if you want to feel energised, maintain a youthful appearance, and keep your brain functioning at its best, it’s important to prioritise good sleep hygiene and support a strong circadian rhythm. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

  1. Key Neurotransmitters

It’s no secret that having a strong circadian rhythm is CRITICAL for neurotransmitter balance in the brain! The circadian clock regulates the function of several different key neurotransmitters that in turn affect our mood and our energy levels. These are the main players:

SEROTONIN

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating our mood, appetite, and sleep. But did you know that serotonin also has a significant impact on our energy levels?

Serotonin is involved in the regulation of our body’s circadian rhythms, which determine when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. It also influences the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps us fall asleep at night.

Low levels of serotonin are associated with fatigue and low energy levels, while higher levels are linked to feelings of happiness and energy. This is because serotonin helps to regulate our mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can drain our energy levels.

Serotonin also plays a role in regulating our appetite and digestion. It helps to control our cravings for carbohydrates and sweets, which can give us a quick burst of energy but ultimately lead to a crash. By regulating our appetite, serotonin can help us maintain a more stable and sustained level of energy throughout the day.

In addition, serotonin is involved in the regulation of our body’s internal temperature. It helps to control our body’s response to changes in temperature, which can affect our energy levels. For example, if we are too cold, our body will divert energy to maintaining our core temperature, which can leave us feeling tired and sluggish.

Overall, serotonin is a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in regulating our energy levels. By supporting healthy levels of serotonin through lifestyle habits such as exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene, we can optimise our energy levels and feel our best.

DOPAMINE

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in our energy levels by regulating our motivation, drive, and reward system. It is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.

Dopamine is involved in several key processes that affect our energy levels. For example, it is involved in the regulation of our sleep-wake cycle, which is critical for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm and promoting restful sleep. Additionally, dopamine helps to regulate our mood and emotions, which can impact our energy levels by either increasing or decreasing our motivation and drive.

When dopamine levels are low, it can lead to feelings of fatigue, lack of motivation, and even depression. This is because dopamine is involved in regulating our motivation and drive to pursue rewarding activities, such as exercise or socialising, which can help boost our energy levels. Low dopamine levels can also lead to disrupted sleep patterns and a weakened immune system, which can further contribute to feelings of fatigue and low energy. On the other hand, when dopamine levels are high, it can lead to feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels. This is often seen in individuals who experience a “runner’s high” or a sense of accomplishment after completing a challenging task or achieving a goal.

Overall, dopamine is an important neurotransmitter for regulating our energy levels by promoting motivation, drive, and reward. Low dopamine levels can lead to fatigue and lack of motivation, while high dopamine levels can increase energy levels and feelings of pleasure and reward.

GABA

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating our brain activity and overall energy levels. It works by blocking certain neurotransmitters that can cause excitability and overstimulation in the brain, leading to feelings of calmness and relaxation.

When GABA levels are low, it can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead to fatigue and a decrease in energy levels. This is because stress and anxiety trigger the release of cortisol and other stress hormones that can interfere with our body’s normal energy production and usage. 

On the other hand, when GABA levels are high, it can lead to feelings of relaxation and even drowsiness, which can also result in lower energy levels. This is why certain medications and supplements that increase GABA activity are sometimes used to treat insomnia and other sleep-related disorders.

Overall, GABA is important for maintaining a healthy balance of brain activity and regulating stress levels, which can directly impact our energy levels. While too little GABA can result in increased stress and anxiety, too much GABA can result in feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.

OREXIN

Orexin, also known as hypocretin, is a neuropeptide that is produced in the hypothalamus of the brain. Its primary role is to regulate wakefulness and promote alertness. Orexin is a key player in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, and it plays an important role in maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

Orexin neurons are activated by stimuli such as hunger, stress, and novelty, which in turn increases the release of orexin in the brain. Orexin then activates other neurons that promote wakefulness and arousal, leading to increased energy levels.

Research has shown that deficiencies in orexin production or signaling can lead to sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, which is characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden bouts of sleep. It has also been implicated in conditions such as depression and anxiety, which can affect energy levels and motivation.

Overall, orexin is an important regulator of wakefulness and energy levels, and its proper functioning is critical for maintaining optimal physical and mental performance throughout the day.

OK…. So you’ve got to know the key players, and by now should see the clear common denominator between them all – their sensitivity and dependency on our circadian rhythm. So, instead of getting even more personal with the players, let’s just provide them with the best playing field we can, and they will do the rest! How do we do this? Easy! We honour and nourish our Circadian rhythm… and the good news is you can start this today with 5 simple steps – and feel the rewards instantly. Ready to roll? Then check out my article 5 STEPS TO RECLAIM YOUR ENERGY RIGHT NOW!