No more exhaustion - more energy in everyday life

Interview with Dr. med. dent. Eva C. Meierhöfer

Dr. Meierhöfer, you are a naturopath, coach and dental surgeon. How did this amazing combination come about?

For me the combination was a logical consequence.

During my medical studies, I noticed that there is a discrepancy between the narrow range of perspectives taught in dentistry studies and what modern science considers necessary in order to be able to solve many problems causally. That's why it was clear to me that after completing my studies, I would complete additional training as a naturopath in order to be able to put the current findings into practice.

During my work in practice, I saw that it is still not enough to look at the whole body. Our psyche, our emotions and habits also have such essential effects that they must be integrated into a holistic and sustainable approach. It's also good to know the options that make implementation as easy as possible for my clients. During my search, I came across various communication and coaching approaches that I integrated into my work.

Why do so many people feel drained and lacking in energy?

In my opinion, there are two factors at play here.
On the one hand, today we all have to deal with many stress factors - often due to innovations in our modern world - even in areas that we are not even aware of. These constantly rob us of energy.

On the other hand, many of us do not do enough to ensure that we always have enough energy. An important factor here is the socially transmitted belief that we always have to function. We are not created for this at all. We need rest periods in order to be able to regenerate, so that our system can free itself from stress and recharge its energy stores. With this we can become even stronger than before.

What are the most common energy thieves? And what can we do about it?

That's very individual.
Studies show that for many people the most problematic energy thieves are constant interruptions and distractions from modern media. In addition, there is too little sleep, poor nutrition with the consequences of nutrient deficiencies and lack of exercise.

But our environment also plays a role: Air and water pollution, noise and light pollution, even disorder and People can cost us energy.

What advice do you have for people who seem to lack any energy for change in their everyday lives? 

Simple solutions at the beginning. It starts in your head with rethinking, positive affirmations and small changes. 

And don't try to change too much at once, because then you usually won't be able to keep it up long term. There are studies that recommend tackling a maximum of two changes at once and only starting the next topic once these have been established.

They like to compare us with the Stone Age people. Why?

Because of the problem caused by the so-called “evolution gap”.
The point here is that the biological evolution of our system, in our body, is very slow, but our pace of innovation in this new world is very fast. 

The result is that a lot of things, The rapid changes that are normal for us today put a lot of strain on our bodies and our psyche and can even make us sick.

I use the comparison with “Stone Age man” because everyone is starting to think about it can deduce which living conditions and behaviors could cause a problem and immediately see the solution and what they can do differently.

Many people lack energy as soon as they get up. How does this happen?

The reasons for this can be varied.
One possible point is how people organize their evenings and their surroundings at night: with scrolling on social media, a late dinner or a bottle of wine to relax. 

But also physical stress , which trigger night wakings, can play a role here.

What role does nutrition play?

Nutrition is an essential basis for our energy.

We need a good supply of all micronutrients so that the psyche remains stable and the body healthy can work and react optimally to all influences. Good nutrition is very individual, but there are still a few basics that you can remember: The ingredients should be as fresh, colorful, regional, seasonal and organic as possible. The food should also contain fiber and high-quality protein, be artificially modified as little as possible and enriched with long-chain carbohydrates. 

Eating culture, such as resting while eating, chewing enough, avoiding drinking during meals and taking breaks between meals, plays an important role in nutrient absorption, but also in how well our body can free itself from energy thieves.

It is often forgotten how important a well-functioning intestine is. No matter how good a diet is, it cannot bring us into an optimal energy state if the intestines are disturbed because many nutritional components are then not optimally absorbed and used.

You're not a fan of cereal for breakfast. Why? 

You can't say it like that. It really depends on what you mean by muesli. It is important for a breakfast that it contains good proteins; Everyone can decide for themselves whether it's the breakfast egg or the quark with crushed hemp seeds, linseed and lupine flour. 

A hearty, protein-rich breakfast has many advantages. It can help people who have trouble getting going in the morning to have a better start to the day.

It ensures a more stable blood sugar level and fewer insulin spikes and therefore fewer energy drops than the bowl of cornflakes in oat milk . There are even studies that show that protein specifically stimulates the production of dopamine, a messenger substance that promotes concentration and combats mood swings. br>

And what do you have for breakfast? 

Just water with lemon and ginger and tea. I don't have breakfast until around 10 a.m.

Which micronutrients are particularly important? 

As already mentioned, it is often not the individual micronutrient, but rather that the supply of micronutrients is basically correct. 

Specially would If I'm lacking energy, I definitely also look at magnesium, B vitamins, coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 fatty acids.*

Thank you for your valuable energy tips! 

*Biotin, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and C as well as magnesium and manganese contribute to normal energy metabolism.