The Science Behind Superoot

Suddenly the energy and focus that fueled your morning has vanished and your productivity has reached a stand-still. You find yourself craving that caffeine hit or sweet snack just to get to the other side. Sound familiar? The afternoon slump IS real and it’s an all too common experience for the workday warrior. It can feel like a tidal wave of fatigue at a moment when you need your attention and focus the most. That’s why we’ve come up with a smarter, more sustainable way to power through the day.  

Superoot is an electrolyte supplement powder made with natural ingredients as your ally against the afternoon slump. Our product isn't just about a quick fix—it's about optimizing your mental clarity, boosting your physical stamina and strengthening your immunity while nurturing your long-term health and immunity. Backed by science, Superoot is here to transform your daily routine and elevate your afternoon game, so you can stay sharp, produce and perform at your full potential.

What Causes the Afternoon Slump?

The afternoon slump is partly a natural occurrence driven by our body's circadian rhythms, which regulate our sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes. These rhythms cause fluctuations in energy and mental focus throughout the day due to hormonal shifts. For instance, cortisol levels rise in the morning, boosting alertness, but decline in the afternoon, leading to a dip in energy and stamina. While circadian rhythms offer an explanation for this slump, lifestyle factors can intensify our experience of it. 

Dehydration: When we are busy with workday distractions, dehydration can easily go unnoticed, but it’s often at the root of our afternoon energy crashes.  Our brains, which are approximately  75% water, rely heavily on hydration for optimal function.  Neglecting to consume enough fluids throughout the day can cause physical fatigue and compromise memory, attention, and executive function. 

Lack of Sleep: In our pursuit for productivity, sleep is often the first thing that gets sacrificed. Sleep deprivation disrupts our body's normal circadian rhythm and affects neurotransmitter production, including dopamine and serotonin, crucial for alertness and mood regulation. While we may initially feel more alert with less sleep, over time, this sleep debt catches up, and adenosine levels build up in the brain intensifying drowsiness, mental fatigue, and exhaustion.1 Sleep deficits triggered by blood sugar imbalances can also contribute to afternoon energy and productivity crashes.

Blood Sugar Imbalances: Dehydration, lack of sleep, stress, carb-heavy and quick, get-me-through-the-day foods high in refined carbohydrates (think chips, crackers, sweets, soda and energy drinks) can all set the stage for blood sugar highs and lows.  Ideally blood sugar levels remain relatively stable throughout the day, but dramatic fluctuations can cause energy crashes, leaving us feeling moody, tired, and drained. These blood sugar imbalances can also trigger a stress response and cortisol surges that further amplify depletions in our afternoon energy levels. 

Stress: Under stress, the body initiates a cascade of hormonal responses, including the release of cortisol and adrenaline, aka the "fight or flight" response. While this response is adaptive in the short term, chronic or prolonged stress can disrupt the body's normal circadian rhythms and hormone balance, contributing to fatigue and mental exhaustion. Specifically, chronically elevated cortisol levels as a stress response can interfere with the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to fluctuations that often result in afternoon slumps. 

Erratic Eating Patterns: Saving time by opting for fast, low-nutrient options or skipping meals altogether can result in nutrient deficiencies and blood sugar imbalances, leaving us tired and more prone to both mental and physical exhaustion. This pattern can also keep us craving more processed foods to maintain mental alertness and stamina perpetuating blood sugar imbalances and reliance on quick-energy food and drink. 

Superoot Is The Answer

We designed Superoot to combat the effects of these lifestyle patterns that impede our mid-afternoon  productivity and performance.  While we know there is no magic bullet that can reverse unhelpful habits, Superoot is a healthy, natural solution to the slump. It rehydrates, promotes blood sugar balance, aids digestion and alleviates stress while enhancing focus and physical stamina. We made it a delicious, sustainable addition to your daily ritual, without the calories, added sugar and jitters that come with common energy enhancers.  Our ingredients were chosen intentionally for their science-backed functional benefits on immediate mental and physical performance as well as the ways they gradually promote long term health and immunity over time. 

Here’s a rundown of what’s in Superoot.

Hydrating Electrolyte Blend

Sodium Chloride: Superoot’s sodium content meets the needs of active individuals, those adopting a low-carb lifestyle or intermittent fasting who experience greater salt losses and those following diet patterns (e.g. paleo) limited in salt-rich processed foods. You may be thinking, “isn’t too much salt a problem?” When it comes to cardiovascular disease and stroke risk, emerging research tells us national sodium guidelines have gotten the recommendations wrong - less sodium isn’t necessarily better.  Research shows that consuming 4-6g of sodium daily (double the current national guidelines), is protective in reducing the risks of heart attack and stroke - sodium levels greater or less than these levels were associated with increased risk of cardiac events.2 

Potassium Chloride: Superoot’s potassium content achieves a sodium:potassium ratio of 5:1, ideal for active individuals and others who experience greater losses in sodium or take in insufficient amounts through diet. This ratio best supports the 3:2 sodium:potassium ratio that optimizes functioning of the sodium-potassium pump, a crucial system that regulates brain activity and maintains fluid balance and nutrient transport.3 

Magnesium Malate: We chose this form of magnesium intentionally for its role in electrolyte balance, as well as for its benefits in enhancing cognition, sleep quality, and stress resilience. Magnesium malate offers superior rates of absorption compared with other forms of magnesium.  It’s involved in the production of ATP  which is the universal energy source for all living things, made by converting food into energy on the cellular level.4

Functional Root Blend

Ginger (Ginger root powder): Zinzibar officinale, best known as Ginger Root, has been used medicinally to treat numerous ailments in both Indian and Chinese cultures for more than 5000 years.  Its impact on long term health can be attributed to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities which help counteract oxidative stress at the root of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.5 It’s also been shown to enhance blood circulation. A  study of 4000 people found that those who consumed the most Ginger were at significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure.6  Beyond its long term health benefits, Ginger’s active compound, 6-gingerol has also been shown to have short term effects as a digestive aid, relieving gas and discomfort; as a blood sugar stabilizer; and in ATP production (i.e. energy!) by stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis.7, 8, 9, 10 Adding to the physical benefits are the cognitive health benefits. A study found that middle-aged women receiving Ginger showed significant improvements in cognitive function, working memory, and reaction time.11

Turmeric (Turmeric root powder): Next, we’ve added the mighty Turmeric, “the golden spice,” and member of the Ginger root family. This root has been used as a culinary spice for centuries and gives curry dishes their characteristic yellow color.  Emerging longevity research links curcurmin, the active compound in Turmeric, and its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with reductions in “age related cellular senescence” or decline in cell function associated with cardiovascular disease and other diseases of aging.12  A true example of “food as medicine,” curcurmin was also found to be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in relieving knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.13 Studies designed to understand short and long term effects of curcurmin on cognitive function, mood and blood biomarkers, found that treated groups experienced better performance on sustained attention and working memory tasks.  There were also noticeable improvements on  their sense of calm and resilience to fatigue caused by stress. Participants also showed significant improvements in LDL and total cholesterol levels and glucose levels.14 

Maca (gelatinized Maca root powder): Maca Root, a root vegetable in the mustard family, originally hails from the Central Peruvian Andes where it was first cultivated 2000 years ago. It’s an important ingredient in our blend, offering an additional source of electrolyte-balancing potassium, while helping your body cope with stress, anxiety or fatigue.  Maca acts as an adaptogen normalizing body processes, reducing cortisol levels and has also been shown to lower depression by boosting dopamine levels in the brain.16, 17 A randomized trial also highlights this root for its blood pressure lowering potential, significantly improving levels after 12 weeks of treatment.18 Maca is becoming more widely recommended for its impact on sexual function, libido and fertility health - increased sperm counts in men as well as increased levels of estrogen, progesterone and other sex hormones in women. A small pilot study has shown promise for Maca’s use in combating menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, depression and hormonal weight gain in peri-menopausal women.19 

Ginseng (ginseng root extract). Ginseng is an herbal medicine used traditionally in China and Korea (panax ginseng) and now cultivated and used widely here in North America (panax qunquefolius). Ginseng’s medicinal effects may be owed to its super antioxidant capacity, ability to combat cell damage associated with chronic disease and its powerful immune-boosting properties.20, 21 A large study confirms what traditional Eastern healers have long known about Ginseng’s potency in promoting long term health and longevity. A 2022 prospective study of 50,000 women followed for 14.7 years found that those women reporting longer use of ginseng (greater than 6 years versus never used) had significantly reduced mortality from all causes, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Beyond its clear impact on long term health and longevity, evidence supports Ginseng’s immediate effects on physical and mental stamina.  Improved cognitive performance and “working memory” were observed within 3 hours of its administration in a study of 52 healthy, middle-aged volunteers who were offered ginseng supplementation versus placebo.22 

Beetroot extract: Originally domesticated in the Middle East, beetroot, aka Beta vulgaris, aka “beets” was utilized throughout history, notably by the Ancient Romans who believed it to be an aphrodisiac. This may be well-founded given beets are a natural source of tryptophan and betaine, substances that promote a feeling of well-being.23 Beetroot is a rich source of polyphenols, as well as vitamin C, carotenoids and other potent antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress leading to cell damage. More recently beets are being celebrated as a naturally rich source of nitrates. This is important because when nitrates are consumed, they are converted into nitric oxide (NO) by a series of reactions that begin in the mouth. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in dilating blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Emerging evidence suggests this action is the reason for the root's benefits in enhancing sports performance.24 A study found participants could walk up steep inclines more efficiently, without expending as much energy and were able to recover faster after supplementing with beetroot juice. 25  The dilating effects of NO also increase blood flow to the brain which explains Beetroot's benefits on cognitive performance and memory.26 

Additional Ingredients

Black Pepper: The active ingredient, piperine, is a known “bio-enhancer” and significantly affects the body’s absorption of both Ginger and Turmeric. 

Citric Acid: Besides its antimicrobial properties and tart flavor, citric acid has been found to assist in enhancing physical performance, stamina and recovery.27 

Elevate Your Afternoon Game

We got serious with the science and developed an electrolyte blend that optimizes hydration for your unique needs. We turned to Mother Nature in our selection of 5 ancient roots with medicinal properties which research confirms directly impact physical and mental performance. Proud of what we’ve crafted in Superoot, we trust you will find it as delicious and effective in beating the afternoon slump as we do.

Sources

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