Do you go straight to the pharmacy or health store to buy iron tablets at the first sign of fatigue? Without a blood test to confirm your iron levels? Do you know that it can be dangerous to take iron tablets if you don’t need to, especially men, who do not need as much as women. High iron levels in the body are inflammatory and create oxidation.
Fatigue is not always caused by anaemia or iron deficiency, that is just one of the many causes. This blog touches on 10 health conditions that may be the cause of your fatigue. Firstly, blood testing is the best place to start.
Fatigue, also called tiredness, lethargy, exhaustion, low energy and many other words, are all the same thing. Here are my top 10 considerations with long-term fatigue…
- Nutrient deficiencies
Many vitamins and minerals are required to produce energy in the body, most importantly B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B7), iron, vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9). Check out my Energiser Bunny Tonic and How to Be an Energiser Bunny Blog.
- Food allergies
A common response to a food allergen is low blood sugar. The body launches an immune attack which is followed by a stress response. When adrenaline increases, insulin is also secreted which lowers blood sugar. Common allergenic foods include, gluten, wheat, dairy, sugar, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts and nightshades (e.g. potato, tomato, capsicum, eggplant and chili).
When red blood cells/haemoglobin is low, there is a lack of oxygen in our blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen around our body. Oxygen is essential for energy production. This is when iron tablets may help, after a blood test confirms this. Read my blog ~ Considerations for Anaemia.
This small gland in our neck has the mighty job of controlling our metabolic rate, energy levels and body temperature. Hypothyroidism is underactive thyroid. Read my blog ~ Hypothyroidism Natural Treatment.
We may experience low blood sugar if we are lacking food or if it is nearly mealtime, other causes include diabetes or food allergies. Glucose is a key player in the energy equation. For natural remedies read my blog ~ Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
Low immune system, colds and flu drain the body of nutrients. It is common to feel fatigued just before the onset of an infection. Support the immune system and prevent illness with vitamin C, Echinacea, garlic, fresh fruit/vegetables and warming soups/broths.
Lack of sleep and rest is linked to energy levels, it isn’t rocket science. Determine what is causing your sleep difficulties e.g. stress, technology (blue light vs. yellow light), diet or dehydration. Check out my Sleep Deep Tonic and Top 10 Tips to Sleep Deep Blog.
- Adrenal fatigue
Many doctors don’t believe in adrenal fatigue, partially because it is subjective rather than objective, or maybe it is because they don’t have a medication to cure it. It may only be a recent problem, but it is real whether we can see it or not. Adrenal fatigue requires the assistance of a Naturopath or health practitioner.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
This is more accepted by the medical community and more serious that adrenal fatigue. The word “chronic” means long-term or usually over 6 months. Whereas, adrenal fatigue is short-term and less severe. This complex condition definitely requires a Naturopath or medical practitioner.
- Depression
This condition makes someone feel low in general, low mood, low outlook on life and low energy. Depression typically presents with low serotonin levels which is treated through medication. It is multifaceted and an expert in this subject is highly beneficial, especially if transitioning from drugs to Herbal Medicine. Check out my Hello Sunshine Tonic.
Consult with me to determine the cause of your fatigue. As you can see it is multifactorial and requires a health practitioner to appropriately choose natural remedies and Herbal Medicine.
