WHY AM I SO TIRED? 10 POSSIBLE CAUSES OF FATIGUE

 

Do you feel tired all the time? Lots of people do. It's a sign of our overbooked times. You may wonder if you're doing too much. But surprise! The most likely answer is just the opposite: You're not doing enough. There are three key lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in your energy level - starting now:

 

1. WHAT YOU EAT: Reaching for caffeine and sugar can backfire, leaving you more fatigued as your blood sugar levels fluctuate wildly. Instead, go for a balanced, healthy diet replete with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

2. HOW MUCH YOU SLEEP: You saw this one coming, right? Many people don't get enough sleep. If you're one of them, avoid caffeine and alcohol in the hours just before bedtime, turn off the TV before bed, and keep your bedroom quiet and restful.

3. HOW MUCH YOU EXERCISE: This is the biggie. A great prescription for plain old tiredness is regular, vigorous exercise. Finish at least three hours before bedtime, so you have time to wind down.

 

The most reasons for feeling so tired all the time are those we've just discussed. Don't start thinking that you've got a medical condition until you've tried those strategies and really given them a chance. If you still feel exhausted, you'll need to check with your health care provider to look into it. Chronic tiredness is linked to many different medical conditions, such as:

 

1. ANEMIA: This is a very common cause of fatigue and very easy to check with a simple blood test. It's particularly a problem for women. You can remedy anemia with an iron-rich diet, heavy in meats and dark, leafy greens, or supplements if you have a chronic iron deficiency.

2. DEFICIENCIES IN KEY NUTRIENTS: such as Potassium. Again, this is easily checked with blood testing.

3. THYROID PROBLEMS: Over and under active thyroids both can cause fatigue. A blood test for your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone can help evaluate your thyroid function.

4. DIABETES: People who have uncontrolled diabetes "just plain don't feel good." If you feel draggy and you're also having blurred vision or lots of urination, you should get that checked with a blood test.

5. DEPRESSION: If your feelings of exhaustion are accompanied by sadness and loss of appetite, and you just can't find any pleasure in things you once enjoyed, you may be depressed. Don't keep that to yourself. Your doctor, or a therapist, can start you on the path back to feeling better.

6. SLEEP PROBLEMS: If you never feel rested, and nothing seems to fix that, you might look into visiting a sleep lab, especially if you snore. Snoring can be part of obstructive sleep apnea, in which people briefly stop breathing several times a night. There are treatments for that.

7. UNDIAGNOSED HEART DISEASE: Tiredness can be a sign of heart trouble, particularly in women. If you have trouble with exercise you used to do easily, or if you start feeling worse when you exercise, this could be a red flag for heart trouble. If you have any doubts, see your doctor.

 

Again, start with the basics: your sleep, your diet, and your activity level. Sometimes the simplest fixes are all it takes.

 

source: www.webmd.com