Everyone is tired these days. I have not met one person who doesn’t agree with the fatigue that seems to be hitting all of us. There are several variables that could be causing your drowsiness. This ranges from a lack of sleep, having too much sugar, caffeine, stress, or dehydration. We will look at some energy vampires that are knocking you off your game.
It’s mid-morning and the energy is drained already. You don't have a health condition, and are wondering what is going on with your body. Sugar could be an issue. When we go for something sweet like candy, soda, or caffeine, we get a bolt and then hit a wall. This happens to us physically and mentally. This means a drop in energy, depression, sadness, agitation, poor sleeping habits and a struggle to focus. Dutch Health Chief Paul van der Velpen said sugar is a dangerous drug, and just as addicting. He believed that sugar should be taxed in order to become more regulated. Maybe that is going too far but one thing is certain excessive sugar is dangerous to our health, and an energy monster! “This may seem exaggerated and far-fetched, but sugar is the most dangerous drug of this time and is easy to obtain. Just as with smoking labels, soft drinks and sweet products should come with the warning that sugar is addictive and bad for the health. Just as with smoking labels, soft drinks and sweet products should come with the warning that sugar is addictive and bad for the health.”
Get moving! Sitting all day and not exercising will make the body sluggish. However, by implanting more exercise to the day will boost the metabolism. Ride a bike for 30 minutes, walk, or jog in the mornings. Doing something like exercise improves sleep and helps the mood. Get the blood circulating, Everyday Health recommended by “standing up and moving for even a few minutes helps get your blood circulating through your body and increases the oxygen in your blood, ultimately sending more oxygen to your brain which increases alertness. If you work a desk job, try this move more plan to keep your blood pumping.”
Our bodies were designed with an innate need for rest and relaxation. It refreshes and rejuvenates us for the day ahead. But this will kill our energy levels, as this will make us run for the high-carbohydrates, sugar and caffeine. Sleep health is a must for the heart, stomach, lungs, and for muscles. But lack of sleep stimulates the appetite and can lead to becoming overweight. WebMD explained: “Not only does sleep loss appear to stimulate appetite. It also stimulates cravings for high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods. Ongoing studies are considering whether adequate sleep should be a standard part of weight loss programs. People who are persistently sleep deprived are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and narrowed blood vessels. Each of these can decrease blood flow inside the brain. Brain cells need a lot of oxygen and sugar, so blood flow problems could affect their ability to work properly.”
Look at hormones imbalances as well. Hormones regulate the body and help the body use energy and if it is off fatigue settles in. It can be the adrenal glands and adrenal fatigue, OB/GYN Marcelle Pick wrote. “When our adrenal glands are constantly required to sustain high cortisol levels, they eventually become impaired in their ability to respond appropriately. The resulting dysfunction not only affects our short-term response to stress, but it also impairs our adrenals’ ability to produce and balance other hormones which are important to our long-term health and well-being: DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.” Try foods like cilantro, cabbage, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens which will fight free radicals, and balance the hormones. Spices like maca root can be added to shakes and juices to help balance hormones as well. Also start snacking. Find healthy, quick snacks for in between those meals keep your energy and metabolism stable. Granola, nuts, blueberries, and protein shakes are great to keep you doing. Try starting your day off with a breakfast smoothie with strawberries, and watermelon. Add apples and pineapple to a salad for a mid-day snack, instead of going for cookies.
You could be low on vitamin E and vitamin B12. Vitamin E helps heal the skin, and can help with energy levels with its antioxidants. The vitamin is good for the eyes and could reduce the risks for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. You can also find these benefits in sunflower seeds, tomatoes, almonds, fish, and in grains. Why are the B vitamins so important? They convert food into energy and will help stabilize you through the day. “Why is a lack of B12 of such concern? In the short term, insufficient B12 levels can lead to deep fatigue, mood changes, and dementia-like qualities, preventing you from feeling your best and performing at your highest energy level. In the long term, an unchecked vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to permanent nerve damage, which is why it’s important to catch it early,” said Dr. Oz explained. Between 15 and 40 percent of Americans are not getting enough B12 in their diets. Another reason for fatigue is depression.
Depression can drain you as the cycle of continuous sadness, anxiety, eating too much or too little, and not sleeping can drain all energy from you. “A psychological evaluation could be in order if these symptoms persist," WebMD suggested. “Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. If you are depressed or have regular symptoms of anxiety, talk to your doctor and get a physical exam. If there is no physical cause for the depression or anxiety, your doctor may prescribe medication. Although the specific causes of depression and/or anxiety are unclear, these are highly treatable medical problems. Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two can help relieve symptoms.” If you continue to struggle with exhaustion seek the advice of a doctor, and find the root cause of excessive fatigue, don’t suffer in silence.
