Natural Energy Supplements: How to Support Your Brain and Body

Taking care of your health means listening to your body. And when your energy levels crash, it can be tempting to reach for a big cup of coffee to get that caffeine kick. But now there are countless other alternatives to fueling your day: natural energy supplements. These include nootropics, vitamin B12, superfood supplements, greens powder and antioxidants, amongst others.

Keeping your energy levels stable requires, at a minimum, getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising. However, sometimes that’s just not enough. Natural energy supplements can help you tap into your full potential of energy on a cellular level.

Your brain makes up about 2% of your body weight but uses 20% of your body’s total energy.^[1] When you provide your brain with the right nutrients and fuel, it can function optimally, which in turn can lead to increased vitality and overall energy for the body. Another important area in the body that affects energy levels is the gut. A well-balanced gut, with a diverse, healthy microbiota and efficient nutrient absorption can contribute to sustained energy and overall well-being.

Discover how natural energy supplements can play a part in your wellness stack. Below we’ll explore a few of our favorite products to help you get the most out of your day.

Natural energy supplements for your brain

Feeding your brain with the right nutrients can not only enhance cognitive function but also stabilize energy levels. Here we’ll explore science-backed solutions to supporting brain health. Start with a solid foundation for brain health with a healthy diet, quality sleep and plenty of stress management tools—and use natural energy supplements to fill in the gaps.

Nootropics

Nootropics are also known as brain-boosting supplements or “smart drugs.” They are supplements ranging from plant extracts to chemicals your body naturally produces.^[2] Depending on your body chemistry, they can help boost your mood, enhance cognition^[3] and decrease stress.^[4]

There is no one-size-fits-all pill when it comes to nootropics. To choose a nootropic for you, explore which benefit you’re interested in, like better focus or alertness. Then, look at the different types of products that fit your needs. Make sure the nootropic supplements you choose contain science-backed ingredients. Here are a few options:

Greens for body and mind support†

Our blend of greens doesn’t stop at one full serving of veggies in every scoop. They also include vitamins, minerals, digestive aids, superfoods and the nootropics citicoline and panax ginseng. These nootropics may support your focus^[5] and help curb minor mental fatigue.^[6]

NeuroMaster to support memory and focus†

This supplement contains coffee fruit extract, which has been shown to increase BDNF, a protein that helps generate and strengthen your brain cells.^{[7] [8]} Try this supplement if you’re looking for support with learning, improved memory and healthy brain aging.

Smart Mode to support mental clarity and alertness^†

This caffeine-free supplement relies on a blend of brain-supporting nutrients and adaptogens to support better concentration. It includes the nootropic citicoline, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), L-tyrosine and antioxidant-rich rosemary and artichoke leaf extract.

Polyphenomenal for antioxidant support^†

Help your brain fight oxidative stress and free radicals with broad-spectrum polyphenols like Quercetin.^[9] This supplement is powered by nine antioxidants from sources like pomegranate, turmeric and blueberries).

Methyl B-12 for brain support and energy†

Vitamin B12 helps support healthy cells, including those in your brain.^[10] Plus, it plays an important part in energy production in your body. Adequate B12 levels can help combat fatigue and increase overall vitality.^[11]

Quality fats to add to your diet

One way to help keep your brain young is to add quality fats to your diet.

You might not think of fatty foods as natural energy supplements or energy boosters. But quality fats (like what you get from grass-fed butter, grass-fed ghee and wild-caught fatty fish) contain nutrients that help power your brain.^[12]

That’s because fatty acids play a key role in determining how well your brain functions—from neurotransmitters to neuroprotection.^[13] If you’re looking to get more quality fats into your diet to boost your energy levels, here are a few options you can try:

Grass-Fed Ghee

Thoughtfully-sourced ghee, butter and wild-caught fish are sources of beneficial fatty acids like omega-3s and CLA. They’re also rich in some of the best vitamins for overall wellness and other naturally occurring carotenoids.

More From Bulletproof

Satiety Index

Sedentary Lifestyle Risks: How to Add Movement into Your Day

What is Yoga Nidra and can it replace a full night’s sleep?

Fun Ways to Exercise: 23 Unconventional Workout Ideas

Brain Octane Softgels

Brain Octane Oil contains C8 MCT oil, the most ketogenic MCT oil. Brain Octane Softgels are a handy way to supply more energy to your brain in the form of ketones, especially if you’re following a keto diet.

Omega Krill Complex

This is a unique blend of omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil and fish oil that supports brain health, cognition and memory.^[14] It also contains antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and support healthy aging.^[15]

Natural energy supplements

Even with a nutrient-rich diet, there are days when you may need extra support. Natural energy supplements are a convenient way to not only address deficiencies in your diet but also target specific health goals. Plus, you can adjust your supplementation according to your needs as they change throughout your life.

Here are some of our most popular supplements you may want to try:

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a major role in regulating your mood and energy levels.^[16] This essential mineral contributes to how much energy your mitochondria can make,^[17] which in turn impacts how your brain functions. Difficulty focusing, fluctuating mood and anxiety are signs of magnesium deficiency meaning the mitochondria in your brain are having a hard time.

Bulletproof Magnesium provides a science-backed dose of highly absorbable magnesium citrate that supports your brain, muscles and nervous system. You can also obtain more magnesium by eating foods that naturally contain both this critical mineral and tryptophan—an amino acid that supports serotonin, the brain chemical that enhances your mood and mental clarity.^[18] That includes foods like dark chocolate, spirulina, spinach and avocados.

An easy and delicious option for boosting your magnesium and tryptophan levels is with Dark Chocolate Energy Collagen Protein. Also available in Vanilla Bean, this caffeine-free supplement includes a blend of adaptogens, MCT oil and grass-fed collagen protein that supports sustained energy and healthy bones, joints and muscles. Mix it in with your daily cup of coffee, smoothie or milk of choice.

Or, consider Forbose, which was formulated to support energy production. It may contribute to the creation and use of ATP, which provides energy to your cells.^[19] Its science-backed ingredients feature D-ribose, Coleus forskohlii root extract and magnesium. Try this supplement if you are looking to power-up your workout or need extra energy to recover from a tough brainstorming session.

Stress Management

One often overlooked strategy for improving overall wellness is stress reduction. Being stressed all the time impacts your body in a ton of negative ways. Chronic stress can lead to a lack of energy both mentally and physically.20

Managing your stress levels is a great way to help fight fatigue. Getting enough sleep and practicing self-care to calm your nervous system is a good start. If you want extra help, consider supplementing with adaptogens like ashwagandha, ginseng and Rhodiola rosea.

Adaptogens are natural substances used in herbal medicine. They help manage your stress response—your body’s natural sequence of reactions in response to perceived stress. When you get a surge of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, your body increases blood flow to your muscles, and you experience a racing heart. A healthy system has an easier time returning to baseline. When you’re chronically stressed, your body will have a harder time staying balanced.^[20]

Adaptogens act on your body’s stress response in different ways, depending on your body chemistry and which ones you use. For example, ashwagandha supports the adrenals, the glands that produce cortisol (the stress hormone). You can up your ashwagandha with Zen Mode, which also includes a blend of adaptogens and nutrients like holy basil, L-theanine and vitamin B6.

Gut Health

The bacterial balance in your gut affects your body from your energy levels to your immune system.^[21] That’s why maintaining optimal gut health is a crucial element for a healthy mind and body.

Your gut microbiome is the ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive system. When you have a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, your body can more efficiently break down your food and remove toxins that would otherwise slow you down. Your gut bacteria also synthesize B vitamins, which help your body produce energy.^[22]

If you’re dealing with symptoms like lack of energy, digestive problems and difficulty concentrating, your gut bacteria might be to blame. The problem is that a lot of factors can throw your microbiome out of whack, like stress, changes in your weight, diet, lack of sleep and alcohol—to name a few.

The good news is that you can start improving your gut health today. Tackle the biggest offenders first, by cutting back on processed sugars and eating more nutrient-dense foods. Then, try out gut-supporting supplements like:

InnerFuel Prebiotic for fiber and immune support†

Prebiotics feed probiotics, your good gut bacteria. With prebiotic fiber from organic acacia, guar fiber and Larch Arabinogalactan, InnerFuel Prebiotic supports healthy digestion and diverse gut bacteria.

Gut Health Collagen Protein for prebiotics, probiotics and gut health nutrients†

This collagen protein powder makes it easy to support healthy digestion with a convenient and unflavored drink mix. It contains ingredients to help protect the gut barrier.

Coconut Charcoal for detox and gas relief†

Take this supplement with you on the go for when you need fast relief from the discomfort of gas or after overindulging. Trap toxins and flush them out of your body, for a quick system cleanup.

Healthy gut bacteria are a key part of optimal energy for your brain and body. They break down your food into energizing nutrients. That translates to whole-body benefits that will help you feel your best. Make sure you take care of them so that they can take care of you.

While no supplement can replace a balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep, natural energy enhancers like nootropics, quality fats and magnesium, can complement your wellness routine. So, whether you’re looking to boost productivity at work, power through your workouts or simply stay alert and engaged in daily life, consider the potential benefits of trying natural energy supplements.