Energy; it seems like we’re always on the lookout to get more. Our lives are so busy and we find ourselves craving energy, which can sometimes lead us to pick super sugary drinks. This might work as a temporary solution, but drinks like that can lead to an eventual crash in the middle of the afternoon (not to mention the added refined sugar to your diet), and we don’t care how cute you usually are, but no one looks cute when they’re passed out on their laptop. But where does our natural energy come from? How does energy work in the body?

“After food is digested, the carbohydrates, protein and fat break down into simple compounds--glucose, amino acids and fatty acids--which are absorbed into the blood and transported to various cells throughout the body. Within these cells, and from these energy sources, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is formed to provide fuel.” From there, the human body actually has three different energy systems in play. The first is the ATP-PC system, which sounds like computer software. However, rather than running your laptop, this is the system that produces energy for short, intense movement lasting less than 10 seconds. ATP-PC, or creatine phosphate system, “ utilizes the relatively small amount of ATP already stored in the muscle for this immediate energy source. When the body’s supply of ATP is depleted, which occurs in a matter of seconds, additional ATP is formed from the breakdown of phosphocreatine (PC)--an energy compound found in muscle.”

The second system is the lactic acid system. Like the ATP-PC, the lactic acid system is anaerobic, meaning it doesn’t use oxygen. Instead, this system pulls energy from glucose stored in the muscles. “When inadequate oxygen is available, the series of reactions that transforms glucose into ATP causes lactic acid to be produced--in efforts to make more ATP. The lactic acid system fuels relatively short periods--a few minutes--of high-intensity muscle activity.” This results in the all-too-familiar muscle burn we feel after pushing ourselves at the gym.

The third and final system is the aerobic system, which--you guessed it--uses oxygen and produces the bulk of the body’s ATP. “This system produces ATP as energy is released from the breakdown of nutrients such as glucose and fatty acids. In the presence of oxygen, ATP can be formed through glycolysis. This system also involves the Krebs or tricarboxylic acid cycle--a series of chemical reactions that generate energy in the mitochondria--the power plant inside the body cells.” This is why we’re so excited about TEN! Bod•ē TEN is an ultra-premium nutritional supplement that enhances cellular energy production, increases stamina, and reduces oxidative stress.* Working at the cellular level, this proprietary formula provides essential nutrients needed to support your body's mitochondria.* Keeping this in mind, it’s important to know exactly how the aerobic system supplies energy to the body. “The aerobic system supplies energy for body movement lasting more than just a few minutes, such as long periods of work or endurance activities. This system is also the pathway that provides ATP to fuel most of the body’s energy needs not related to physical activity, such as building and repairing body tissues, digesting food, controlling body temperature, and growing hair.”[1]

Whew! Is anyone else tired from learning all that about the body’s energy systems? It’s a lot of information, but this also explains why it’s so important to keep your body functioning at level TEN!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

[1] Gomez, Thelma. “3 Energy Systems in the Body.” LIVESTRONG.COM, Leaf Group, www.livestrong.com/article/131444-3-energy-systems-body/.