The silly season is suddenly upon us in all of its waist-expanding glory, just when we managed to shed last year's seasonal pounds.
In the festive flurry of present buying, social commitments and finishing work for the year, it's all-too-easy for stress levels to soar and leave us completely exhausted.
Reaching for a fruit mince pie or two is a tempting pick-me-up solution, but low energy levels may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, warns nutritionist Sarah Flower.
Magnesium and Vitamin B are essential for the day-to-day running of our energy process, but according to the expert there is a lesser-known nutrient our bodies also require.
Sarah said: "Coenzyme Q10 is one of the main nutrients need in the manufacture of energy within the mitochondria."
Mitochondria are found in most cells and are essential for energy conversion.
Sarah continued: "Just like magnesium, low levels of Coenzyme Q10 have been found in those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
"CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant, which not only helps boost the immune system and protect the heart, but can also keep the mitochondria healthy."
The important nutrient is found in fatty fish, beef and poultry as well as nuts, seeds and oils.
It can also be consumed in some fruit and vegetables, including raw strawberries, broccoli and cauliflower.
If you can't include these foods in your day-to-day routine, coenzyme Q10 supplements are also available.
For adults, a dose of 30 to 200 milligrams a day is recommended, depending on why you're taking it and your level of deficiency.
Still feeling lack lustre? Sarah also recommends a caffeine detox.
She said: "When we are tired our first response is to reach for a cup of coffee or tea, or worse, sugary energy drinks.
"Whilst a cup or two a day is not going to cause much harm, mainlining caffeine and sugar is going to wreak havoc with your blood sugar and adrenal function.
"It will also dehydrate you, all of which leave you feeling more tired and drained, perpetuating the need for more caffeine and sugar. Avoid this cycle and steer clear of these stimulants."
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