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You probably know the story. You eat fresh food, stay away from fat and take vitamin supplements. Yet you never seem to have energy. The mornings are insufferable. By noon you are ready for a midday nap, and you are in bed by 8 pm. So what is going on? First, everyone is different, so the information here is meant as a reference only. Generally, if you are low on energy all the time, it would indicate a more severe issue than simple dietary or exercise concerns. If you suspect any of the problems below, consult your doctor as soon as you can.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are various chemicals that are responsible for the correct function of your organs. The two most widely known are testosterone and estrogen. And both are found in men and women. However, men have a higher amount of testosterone to estrogen, and women vice versa. Sometimes, your body can produce more of some than others. And a significant symptom of a hormonal imbalance is extreme fatigue. However, you can remedy hormone issues. For example, you can take over-the-counter supplements or consult expert testosterone replacement therapy services.
Neurological Conditions
Multiple conditions exist that can deprive your body of energy. For example, the mysterious neurological condition epilepsy can take a drastic toll on your body. Epilepsy causes convulsions, lost awareness, and muscle spasms. This drains both physical and mental energy. In most cases, epilepsy is visible, and you will be very aware that you experience a seizure. Yet, it could be the case that you experience seizures when sleeping and aren’t aware of it. Other neurological conditions like mini-strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis also cause fatigue. If you suspect any of these, then it is best to get checked by a doctor.
Eating Disorders
It might be the case that you believe your diet is varied and healthy. And it probably is. Yet, although you eat a good diet, you may suffer from an eating disorder. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia may be a symptom of a more severe psychological issue. Body dysmorphia is a condition where you see yourself as undesirable, overweight when you are thin, or thin when you are underweight. You may therefore have an eating disorder and not be aware of it. Even worse, you might be aware of it and unable to stop. Since your body requires a specific diet to produce energy, you will suffer deficient energy and tiredness if you don’t eat properly.
Gastrointestinal Issues
GI problems are very common. According to studies by University College Hospital in London, around 40% of people suffer from gastrointestinal issues. For some, the symptoms are benign. Yet, for others, they can be severe. The list of Gi issues is extensive, and some of the worst matters associated with GI problems include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Excess acid
- Celiac disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Heartburn
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Swollen stomach
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Crohn’s Disease
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hemorrhoids
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
Fortunately, in most cases, you can control GI problems by changing your lifestyle and diet. First, stop drinking and smoking. Quitting these isn’t easy for most, yet these two alone contribute significantly to excess acid. Next, you may need to change your diet. For example, many find that a gluten-free diet with minimal fat and spicy food dramatically reduces the pain and inflammation of GI problems.
Depression and Anxiety
Mental health is one of the most prevalent problems of today’s society. There are many causes of depression and anxiety, including brain conditions, stress from work, grief, job loss, a broken home, sexual or physical abuse, social media, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Because of the many issues associated with depression or anxiety, associated symptoms are higher than ever. For example, one of the significant symptoms of depression is tiredness. It is believed this happens because the brain and endocrine system cannot produce enough serotonin or excessive cortisol.
Needing a Break
Sometimes, you just need a break. Today’s society demands more of us than ever before. With the responsibilities of work and home life piling up, you can get stressed out. Getting stressed out is an entirely normal reaction. It is your mind’s way of telling you that you need to stop and take a break away from what you are doing. When you are overworked or stressed, you feel specific symptoms. These include fatigue, heart palpitations, insomnia, skin conditions, and the GI problems listed above. Depending on your case and personal circumstances, between one week and a month away from work will help. Additionally, a holiday away from home might be what you need.
I have been learning more recently about how important gut health is and how it affects so much of our lives.
I think the most likely cause for me is that I need a break. I work 7 days a week and most days long hours. It can really affect energy levels.
This is so important for people to understand there can be different things going on in their body!
Some of these are things people wouldn’t even think about aside from being sleep deprived, thanks for sharing this.
This is an informative post. I noticed that I am likely to feel tired when I lack sleep or about to get my period.
Very informative, I get a lot from needing a break but I need to keep in mind the other reasons.
You’re right. Depression has seriously affected my energy levels over the years. To the point where I don’t even have the energy for the things I actually enjoy.
so true, sometimes the answers are not obvious and little changes can actually help a lot when we find the underlying issues
Thanks for bringing this up and reminding us that we need to need to check ourselves coz having a healthy life is the best fortune we can have.
Whenever I noticed that I worked for two straight hours, I took a break for 5 minutes walk around the house, or check my garden.
These are all good points to look into. I can totally relate to this myself, but I think a lot of it has to do with stress. Definitely can mean some lifestyle changes.
I run a business and work long hours most of the time. Even though I took breaks and was careful with my dietary habits, I still find myself exhausted at times. This is an excellent reminder to assess ourselves so that we can improve our lifestyles.
I think this Covid has a lot to do with my anxiety. Everywhere I go makes me