Improve Your Energy Levels By Biohacking Your Diet

Your energy levels are nothing short of a roller coaster if you're anything like me.

Sometimes I'm up at 100%, and sometimes I'm down in the dumps. What's worse is that I don't know when one will happen or how long it will last before I get back up again.

As someone who works out regularly, has plenty of food options at home and generally tries to stay fit by eating healthy foods and exercising — there should be no reason why my energy levels fluctuate so drastically. But they do! And it drives me crazy because I always want to feel good.

So, a few years ago, when my friend suggested I try biohacking my diet — meaning optimizing everything from what goes into my body (food) to what gets taken out (exercise) — I was intrigued enough to give it a try…and boy did it pay off! Here are the six foods I find to work best for me. 

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Root vegetables

Root vegetables are a great source of many nutrients. In addition, they are low in calories, so they can be eaten in large quantities without increasing your calorie intake.

  • Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beetroot contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for vision and helps keep our skin healthy, too – so eat plenty of root vegetables. If you want soft skin and clear eyes!

  • Root vegetables also contain high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This powerful antioxidant protects against free radicals that cause damage to cells inside us - especially those in our immune system, which need extra protection from oxidative stress as they fight off infections such as colds and flu (and even cancer).

  • The fiber found in these veggies helps keep your digestive system working well by slowing down how fast food leaves your stomach after eating it - preventing bloating or constipation after meals and allowing more time for nutrients to be adequately absorbed into the bloodstream

Matcha tea

Matcha tea is a type of green tea that's made from ground green tea leaves.

  • It contains the same antioxidant compounds found in other green tea, which may help you lose weight and boost your energy levels.

  • Matcha tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can help you focus without causing drowsiness.

Matcha tea is typically sold in powder form. You can mix the powder with water, drink it, or add matcha powder to smoothies or shakes. Try drinking a matcha tea with breakfast or adding it to your morning smoothie. However, avoid boiling matcha tea as it can destroy some health benefits.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds can be an incredibly healthy addition to your diet. They are a good source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamin E, zinc, and iron. The fiber in nuts also helps to decrease inflammation in the body. Nuts are also rich sources of magnesium which helps regulate blood sugar levels, while calcium helps build strong bones.

  • One nut that is exceptionally high in minerals is Brazil nuts which contain more than one hundred times more selenium than other types of nuts or seeds. Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone production and protects against autoimmunity disorders like Hashimoto's disease.

In addition, nuts have been shown to help prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals and contain significant amounts of vitamin E, which can help improve skin health and boost immunity.

Fermented foods

Fermented foods are a great way to get your gut in order and improve digestion, which can help with energy levels. They can also boost your immune system, which is essential for overall good health.

  • If you're looking for ingredients that will give you an energy boost, fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are perfect choices!

  • Who doesn't love a refreshing glass of kombucha or kvass? These fermented drinks have been around for centuries—and it's easy to see why they're so popular: they provide probiotics (good bacteria) that support digestion and healthy gut flora.

  • While not all fruits contain enough sugar for fermentation (or enough nutrients), some types do—including apples and grapes!

You might wonder how something so healthy can taste so good: fermented foods are naturally probiotic and contain essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes when prepared correctly. Because they're rich in nutrients, they provide an energy boost that lasts longer than most other food sources. In addition to boosting your digestive health, fermented foods help you maintain a healthy weight. Even if you're not looking to lose weight, these foods won't add extra pounds because they provide very few calories while

Fresh herbs

A number of herbs are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, which can help improve your digestion. They can also reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to a better night's sleep.

  • Herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary have anti-bacterial properties that can help fight off infections caused by things like parasites or bacteria.

  • Herbs also possess antioxidant properties, which can reduce oxidative stress on the body and protect it from damage caused by harmful toxins we encounter daily (like pollution).

  • If you suffer from anxiety or depression while living in a busy city like New York City, herbs may be able to help you get through those rough days because they provide calming effects on the brain, such as lavender!

And if all that wasn't enough—herbs also contain an essential oil called terpenes that has been shown to support healthy weight loss by reducing hunger cravings and increasing energy levels, so you're less likely to feel tired throughout the day!

Cacao powder

Cacao powder is made from raw cacao beans roasted at low temperatures. When cacao beans are roasted at high temperatures, they lose most of their nutrients—but when they're roasted slowly over time (as with dark chocolate), many more nutrients are preserved in the final product than would otherwise be present in its raw form. As a result, cacao powder is known as "the food of the gods" because it has so many benefits:

  • It's full of antioxidants that fight disease-causing free radicals

  • It contains serotonin which helps improve moods

  • It contains magnesium which helps relax muscles and nerves

  • It contains iron which helps boost energy levels

Lastly, cacao is rich in calcium and potassium, which keep your heart healthy and help lower blood pressure. To start with this bio-hack, add a tablespoon or two days to a smoothie or baked goods. You'll start feeling the benefits immediately!

Nutritional biohacking can improve energy levels

Biohacking is a way of improving your health and wellbeing. It's the art of using your body's natural processes to help you feel healthier. Biohacking can be used to identify any aspect of your diet, from what you eat, to how it affects your energy levels and sleep quality.

The above foods are just a few ways to use nutritional biohacking to improve your diet and life.

Hopefully, this article has inspired you to look into your diet and lifestyle. If you're interested in learning more about biohacking your diet, please check out the Bio-Hackers cookbook!


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The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Our content may include products that have been independently chosen and recommended by Dr. Monisha Bhanote and our editors. We may earn a small commission if you purchase something mentioned in this article.


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by Dr. Monisha Bhanote

✅ EVIDENCE-INFORMED REVIEWED ARTICLE

About the Author

Monisha Bhanote, MD, FCAP, ABOIM, is one of the few quintuple board-certified physicians in the nation. She combines ancient wisdom with mind-body science to naturally bio-hack the human body through her expertise as a cytopathologist, functional culinary medicine specialist, and integrative lifestyle medicine doctor. Known as the Wellbeing Doctor, Dr. Bhanote has diagnosed over one million cancer cases, provides health programs at DrBhanote.com, and leads wellness workshops and retreats worldwide. Featured in Shape, Reader’s Digest, and Martha Stewart Living, Dr. Bhanote serves on several clinical advisory boards and is a go-to health and wellness expert for Healthline, Psych Central, and Medical News Today.

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