Fatigue

In the fast-paced world we navigate, fatigue has become an unwelcome companion for many adults. Unraveling the mystery behind its onset is essential for those seeking to regain their energy and zest for life.

There are so many common causes of fatigue! Chances are that if you’re here, you’ve already been to your doctor and after some basic labs tests, etc. they've told you "everything's fine - there's nothing wrong with you." Well, that may be true on paper, but in our experience fatigue in the absence of a real health problem can have many causes that aren't always detected with some basic lab work. 

Let's explore some of the most prevalent causes of fatigue in adults:

Inadequate Sleep

The importance of quality sleep cannot be overstated. Adults often juggle demanding schedules, sacrificing precious hours of rest. Whether it's due to work pressures, family responsibilities, or lifestyle choices, insufficient sleep can lead to persistent fatigue. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a restful environment are vital steps in combating this common energy thief.

But what if you just can’t sleep when you actually try? We’ve got a lot of information on several natural remedies that you can try here.

Nutritional Deficiencies

A well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health, and nutritional deficiencies can significantly contribute to fatigue. Iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins play pivotal roles in energy production. A lack of these essential nutrients can result in decreased stamina and overall feelings of tiredness. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into one's diet or considering supplements can help address this issue.

One of the biggest causes of fatigue is anemia. Due to insufficient iron in the diet, anemia can affect both men and women. 

If you’re busy and you haven’t been paying attention to your diet, you're surely missing some key nutrients that help with energy production. Supplementing with a potent multivitamin will fill the gaps in your diet and keep your energy systems running well.

Ultra High or Athletic Pure Pack will provide all the vitamins and minerals to keep your energy up.

Protein is an important component of a healthy diet. When consumed in adequate amounts, It helps stabilize blood sugar, preventing crashes and keeps your head clear all day. Supplementing with a quality protein is a good idea if you skimp on breakfast or if you don’t eat a lot of animal products. Lack of protein is a common fatigue cause. Here's some good information on the different protein powders. Otherwise, shoot for a diet rich in animal and plant-based proteins.

Dehydration

Often overlooked, dehydration is a sneaky culprit behind fatigue. Even mild dehydration can lead to a noticeable drop in energy levels. Many adults fail to consume an adequate amount of water throughout the day, unknowingly sapping their vitality. Staying mindful of hydration and making a conscious effort to drink enough water can make a substantial difference in combating fatigue. 

A solid hydration goal is to consume half your bodyweight in ounces of fluid a day. So, a 160 pound person would want to get in 80 ounces of fluid. Good news! If you regularly consume coffee or tea, these count too - the diuretic (water wasting) effect of caffeine is lost in when you regularly consume caffeinated beverages. But, clean water is still the best fluid to maintain your hydration, regardless.  There are a lot of old myths about hydration out there - we dispel several of them here. 

Chronic Stress

The demands of modern life can subject individuals to chronic stress, both physical and emotional. Stress triggers the release of hormones that, over time, can lead to fatigue. Stress is mental-emotional process and therefore causes the brain to run overtime. The brain uses 20% of your energy each day and even more in times of high stress - no wonder you’re tired when stressed out! Incorporating stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in hobbies can help manage stress levels and alleviate the associated fatigue. A stress-management program is just as important as regular exercise!

Formerly known as adrenal fatigue, HPA axis dysfunction is a major contributor to fatigue in people with ongoing stress. This is an important diagnosis; using an at-home saliva test can help determine if this is part of the problem. 

Sedentary Lifestyle

A lack of physical activity is a common contributor to fatigue. Sedentary behavior hampers circulation and reduces overall energy levels. Essentially, you’ve got to burn some energy to create energy. Sounds funny, but it’s so true. Incorporating regular exercise, even in small increments, can boost energy, improve mood, and combat fatigue.

Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities are an adverse reaction of your body to a particular food(s). These reactions can be responsible for a number of symptoms, but fatigue is definitely one of them. If your body is fighting against the food, this can take a lot of energy away from the rest of your metabolism, leaving you feeling exhausted.

Getting a food sensitivity test is a quick and easy way to find out which foods could be the causes of fatigue. 

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland sits about where you'd wear a bowtie.  It's main job is to govern how the cells of the body burn energy - the metabolism, essentially.  Slow thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is extremely common. Symptoms of low thyroid include fatigue, weight gain, water retention, hair loss, feeling cold, constipation and dry skin. Low thyroid is a common fatigue cause especially in women. Get your thyroid tested if you haven't yet, and it should be tested at least once a year.

Thyroid function can be improved with the use of Thyroid Support Complex.

Recognizing these common causes of fatigue is the first step toward reclaiming vitality. By addressing these factors through lifestyle adjustments and, when needed, seeking professional guidance, adults can embark on a journey toward a more energized life.