Low Energy and Fatigue: Modern Epidemics

A long day at work will normally make you feel a bit tired. But when you can hardly find enough energy to get out of bed in the morning, or find it difficult to function normally through the day, that is a different matter. Not being able to focus and concentrate on anything are also inconvenient, yet common, complaints when it comes to fatigue.

Being tired all too frequently without any obvious explanation could be a symptom of many different types of illnesses. If you suspect that you might have an underlying illness that could be contributing to your feelings of tiredness, you may need to see your doctor. In many cases, however, there may be a rather simple explanation and remedy.

When people suffer from fatigue and lower-than-normal energy levels, they will often suffer from other health issues including depression, weight loss, diarrhea and sweating.

The First Considerations for Low Energy

Low Energy and Fatigue: Modern Epidemics 1 People suffering from ongoing low energy need to consider three factors before anything else, says Theodore Friedman, MD, PhD. The issue may lie in the amount of sleep a person gets, their diet, and the amount of exercise they get. Without sleeping well, he emphasizes, they are not apt to eat well or exercise.

In many cases, one of these three factors is clearly the issue. Once these three factors are properly addressed, energy levels will usually increase. People often do not realize just how important they are to everyday health.

Other Issues That May Affect Your Energy Levels

Stress

Stress will affect your body and mind in a variety of ways if it continues over a long period. Stress is likely to cause low energy, insomnia, aches and pains, upset stomach, inability to focus and more. Removing those issues that cause stress are important if it is present. It is also possible you may not be aware of the amount of stress you have in your life.

If stress is a problem, you need to take steps to reduce it, or the health issues may get worse. Stress may lead to serious problems like heart attacks or stroke, skin and hair problems, gastrointestinal problems, sexual dysfunction, insomnia and more. Take time to relax and get away from it all for short breaks. Do things like take a walk, listen to soothing music, read a book, do an activity with your children, or take a long and hot bath. Exercise will also help reduce stress.

Nutritional Deficiencies

If you have a tendency to not eat healthily, your diet may be the problem. A deficiency of certain vitamins can cause insufficient energy levels. The vitamins and minerals needed for adequate energy include: vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and folic acid. If you suspect a deficiency in one of these, you may want to take supplements to ensure you get enough. In some cases, you may want to consult a physician first.

Not Eating Right

Low Energy and Fatigue: Modern Epidemics Along with getting enough exercise, healthy eating is also essential to having good energy levels. Eating a lot of fried foods, foods high in fat and a lot of processed foods can reduce your energy levels. Soda, candy and chips can produce sugar highs which will be followed by lows—and then fatigue.

Get More Sleep

Not getting enough sleep is another common reason why many people are tired all the time. Sleep is a natural restorative for the human body and you can be more refreshed if you sleep between seven and eight hours a night. A brief nap in the middle of the afternoon can also help to refresh you physically and mentally.

Herbal Remedies

Many herbal remedies can be very helpful in remedying low energy and help you keep going all day long. Although they can certainly be beneficial by themselves, you will discover that taking them in addition to getting sufficient sleep, eating right and exercising at least 150 minutes weekly (30 minutes on most days) will give you even more energy. Here are some supplements that you may want to add to your diet:

o Panax ginseng
o Ginkgo biloba
o Maca root
o Turmeric
o Blackstrap molasses
o Ginger root

You can do something about your low energy and fatigue. It's now up to you to take some of these steps and find which ones help you.