Fatigue can be a warning sign: Part III
In Part I of Fatigue Can Be a Warning Sign, we talked about fatigue can be seen as a warning sign that something could be wrong and warrants investigative work to find out the cause. We discussed hormonal imbalance, gut health, autoimmune and other compromised immune system conditions, anemia and medications — all conditions that could be causative factors in fatigue. In Part II we discussed blood sugar, emotional balance, head symptoms, cardiovascular and lung issues, kidney disease and other conditions, all which can contribute to lethargy. In Part III, we will continue with conditions, then remedies.
Weight, either too low or too high, can cause fatigue. Malnutrition because of eating disorders, even “mild” ones, can cause fatigue. You need energy to run the system, and energy comes from food. So, if food is cut back too far, fatigue can result. Likewise, too much junk food-induced weight can be a cause of tiredness. Obesity from any cause causes fatigue. It takes a lot of energy to carry around extra weight. Many are able to push through out of necessity, but it is tiring to the body.
Lack of sleep and rest is an obvious cause. Finding out why you aren’t sleeping is vital. There are many reasons for insomnia and the root cause needs to be uncovered and addressed. Sleep apnea needs to be addressed, as does its sister problem, stress. Learning to say “no” when overloaded and asked to take on something else and learning to delegate more can prove helpful in restoring energy.
Exercise is both helpful and can be hurtful when it comes to energy. If you don’t have the energy, it can do more harm than good. Yet exercising when tired can help enliven you. Exercise before bed can help you sleep, but for others it can keep you awake. Finding out the proper amount of exercise for you specifically, is really important.
Nutrition plays a vital role in energy. Poor nutrition equals poor energy while good, nutrient-dense foods are vital for good energy. The saying “life begets life and death begets death” is appropriate here. If you eat dead, nutrient-devoid foods you are on a path of slow death. Live foods- fresh, clean and full of life-giving properties- will restore you. It’s simple physics.
Inflammatory foods will steal energy. Any food you eat that you are allergic to or sensitive to can drain you. Eating inflammatory foods like sugar, gluten, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and peppers) and others can also drain you.
Skipping meals, especially breakfast, is not advised if you are trying to get your energy back. Also, avoid dehydration. Keep your water intake up and avoid dehydrating liquids such as coffee, teas and pop.
There are a lot of reasons for fatigue. It is advisable that you find a practitioner that will uncover the cause or causes of fatigue specific to you, then help you find a solution to recover your energy.
Learn more, sign up for our upcoming health class, Adrenals & Thyroid: Answers to Fatigue & Weight Gain, Wednesday, January 16th 7 p.m. at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: 208-765-1994 or register here: http://bit.ly/AdrenalThyroidClass
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Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Carling is a “Health Detective.” She looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.