It has been many times you experienced a feeling of fatigue overwhelming your body and mind.
Along this line, it has been quite a number of days feeling you cannot fulfill your work and family commitments.
Just remember that all these days you get off your bed in the morning not feeling to do anything during the day, a situation as if your body refuses to go-ahead for the rest of the day.
You should know you are not alone in these “adventure” times.
Prior to step in the causes of this fatigue and lack of energy feeling, it would be good to clarify a few parameters.
The feeling of fatigue and exhaustion is common, especially in the tedious rhythms of today’s modern life.
Therefore, it is neither strange/nor absurd to feel depressed, “heavy” and with no energy at various moments of a day, especially when this period is “loaded” with responsibilities and commitments.
However, when we talk about feeling tired and weak for no particular reason, it is something completely different.
You will hear many people refer to an intense feeling of physical and mental exhaustion, manifesting with no reason (at least not an obvious reason).
In this second case – of “unjustified” fatigue – we refer to a feeling of lasting and deep fatigue with not so obvious reasons.
In fact, in this case, often even rest does not work.
Have you ever taken a break at home to rest and finally feel even more tired than before?
Then we are talking about this case of fatigue exactly, known as “chronic fatigue”.
The person experiencing this condition goes through an almost permanent and constant state of fatigue in its daily life, all day, and every day.
Lack of energy, difficulty in concentrating, physical fatigue, lack of motivation, reduced mental performance and bad psychology.
Yes, this permanent fatigue – in addition to physical and mental strain – has an impact (as expected) on the psychological and emotional balance of each individual.
It is therefore obvious that chronic fatigue negatively affects broadly a person’s daily life and its
Therefore, this is a situation requiring immediate attention.
A visit to a doctor (requesting specific tests depending on the medical history of each person and the symptoms) are to determine the severity of the condition and if this chronic fatigue is associated with another (more serious) condition.
Referring to fatigue as a disease and not as a natural consequence of a tiring day at work, it would be worth referring to main causes provoking it.
Summarizing them in basic categories, we come to the following three (3) very important causes:
Below we see at the three factors mentioned above and usually leading to chronic fatigue, in a little more detail.
It is every person’s way of life, which may (or may not) lead to the manifestation of a feeling of fatigue, eventually developing into a chronic condition.
Speaking of lifestyle, we refer to a set of factors/choices of our daily life affecting (in a positive or negative way) our quality of life.
Some of the main (and more common) situations we first look at are:
Analyzing the daily life of a person, a meticulous recording and control of its health follow next.
During this process, we are aiming at looking at the pathological conditions which may be associated with the feeling of fatigue (as physical fatigue is a common and very likely symptom of various diseases, serious or not).
A few of the medical conditions required a check by the doctor are:
Finally, the individual’s psychological/emotional evaluation is the next step, for detecting any links between mental health and fatigue.
Among the psychological causes investigated are the following:
As already mentioned, fatigue can be from a simple result/consequence of a difficult day (or even a difficult time), to a “warning” of other more serious health conditions, diseases or disorders (pathological or psychological).
However, the question remains; “When should I worry? When should I see a doctor? ”
We often find “excuses” to explain the feeling of fatigue experienced.
Sometimes, this is justified by the amount of work, the intense stress for financial reasons or even the problematic situation in our interpersonal relationships.
Nevertheless, things are not always as simple as they seem or as we would like them to be.
There are cases when an – otherwise simple and common – symptom can “hide” a more complex and “dangerous” health condition.
Even a simple symptom such as fatigue, if persists over a long time, should be examined by a specialist.
A chronic condition – as simple and harmless as it may seem – should alarm you and lead you to the door of a specialist doctor for necessary examination.
After all, there is no logical reason to endure an embarrassing situation gradually degrading/undermining your quality of life on a variety of levels (as shown in detail above).
In any case, let’s see “when” the situation should bother you.
To be sure, that this is not an occasional accumulated fatigue (physical or psychological), give yourself the opportunity of rest that – possibly – needed.
Get enough sleep, improve your diet, take vitamins, drink plenty of water, avoid bad thoughts (meditation, yoga or pilates may help) and (if possible) take a break from work to take time to hobbies/activities filling you with joy & positive emotions.
In case the fatigue does not subside – then yes! – a visit to a doctor is necessary.
As mentioned earlier, in general, when any symptom (in case we are talking about fatigue) does not subside over time. then it is obvious that requires a visit to a doctor.
Actually, in case, this symptom comes along with other worrying “signs”, then there is no doubt you should not waste any more time. The sooner you see a specialist, the deeper causes of these symptoms are identified and treated in time.
Here are just a few of the disturbing symptoms coming with the fatigue and (possibly) giving a warning of a serious illness:
Note that these mentioned above symptoms, are just some of the symptoms, which in a possible combination with the feeling of fatigue – indicate another (more serious) condition.
As most of us are not experts in deciding whether a condition is serious, a visit to a doctor is the best move when you notice anything worrying, any change or any serious difficulty in your daily activities.
Nutrition provides energy and keeps us alive.
Often – most of us – do not pay the attention and care it requires. We do not pay attention to the number of our meals, neither set a proper meal plan during the day, and most important we neglect to control the quality of the food we consume on a daily basis.
Have you ever wondered how many unhealthy, not necessary and with no nutritional value foods we consume each day?
You’ll find out they really are more than you thought.
Therefore, when we talk about nutrition – and actually “proper” nutrition – we mean a well-organized meal system, where the intake and utilization of nutrients reach the maximum extent, bringing maximum benefits to the entire organism and the health of the individual.
This is the food “nourishing” the mind and spirit, strengthening the body’s immunity and determining the look (body weight, muscle shape, skin quality, hair quality).
Finally, this is the food to ensure energy and wellness for becoming fully functional and living the life to its maximum.
Furthermore, food – in addition to physical and spiritual nutrition – also provides mental nutrition.
It is no exaggeration to say that food is (and should be) a pleasure and not a “program of restrictions”.
A proper and balanced diet does not lack anything but aims at moderation and restraint.
This means that when the diet is not sufficient or not of good quality, it affects the daily life of the person and primarily its energy.
Practically, a reduced brain function (memory, concentration, learning ability, mental capacity, complex thinking, problem-solving ability), results to reduced physical strength and certainly to reduced endurance.
It is reasonable for a person who does not eat properly to feel tired and exhausted all day, to show reduced productivity at work and to manifest bad psychology/nerves/aggression.
Proper nutrition, therefore, means including in your meals every nutritional group, in the right amount and right time.
Proteins, carbohydrates and fats have an important reason to exist in a proper and balanced diet.
The Mediterranean Diet is the standard of proper nutrition – according to leading nutritionists and health experts around the world.
In general – and to be clear by all – we divide the food into 5 main groups.
Each of the five (5) categories mentioned above has its own importance in the nutritional routine of the individual, as well as in its health.
A balanced and proper diet does not “reject” any nutritional group, instead includes that in the diet program in the frequency, quantity and time appropriate for the benefit of the proper functioning of the organism.
Below, in more detail, these 5 food groups (and their significant benefits)
Fruits and vegetables are the pillars of a healthy diet. Low in caloric value, extremely high in nutritional value and rich in valuable dietary fibre, they contribute to the strengthening of the organism’s immune system, the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the mental and physical wellness of the individual, as well as its beauty.
Fruits & vegetables are a group of foods that – in addition to being low in calories – are also low in fat.
Experts recommend that each meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack) have as a base a portion of fruit or vegetables.
It is the main source for the organism to receive vitamins and nutrients and is rich in valuable trace elements, phytochemicals, antioxidants and –surely – valuable fibre.
Furthermore, both fruits and vegetables – being rich in water – are an excellent means of hydrating the organism from morning to night, not charging the stomach and being the most suitable snack for the entire day.
Another important element we must mention for this category of food is the protection offered to the heart.
Due to a substance contained in most fruits and vegetables (folic acid), they manage to reduce a “dangerous” substance (homocysteine) which significantly reduces the elasticity of blood vessels and impedes normal blood circulation, dramatically.
To name all the benefits provided by fruits and vegetables, we would need a high number of pages.
Suffice to say that, a nutrient such as fruits & vegetables should not be absent from any of your meals, from morning to night.
Cereals and starchy foods (such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta, legumes, rice, peas, carrots, beets, cauliflower, asparagus and corn) are completely misunderstood.
Due to their higher carbohydrate content, they tend to be on the list of “forbidden foods” for many well-known diets.
However, even these – the most fattening – foods have a reason to exist in a healthy nutrition program.
Cereals (especially whole grains) offer a wealth of fibre as well as valuable nutrients.
They significantly help the organism’s digestive process, promote a healthy body weight and help to lose extra pounds & points.
They lower bad cholesterol levels and control blood pressure levels.
In addition – extremely beneficial for people with extra weight – they help to effectively control the appetite and create the conditions for a healthy and balanced diet.
The same, of course, applies to so-called starchy foods. They are foods rich in valuable nutrients, trace elements, vitamins and antioxidants. All you need is to consume them in moderation so that you receive all the benefits without “risking” your body weight.
Dairy products are an excellent source of animal protein (of high nutritional value), while also enhancing bone density, preventing osteoporosis and promoting good dental health.
Nevertheless, what you may not know is that they are extremely beneficial for the health of the skin, as well as for the metabolic rate of your organism.
Milk proteins strengthen the organism’s immunity, regulate blood pressure, promote muscle rebuilding, help deal with stress & provide soothing properties.
Not a coincidence your mom insisted on drinking a glass of milk before bed.
Milk helps in a relaxed, quality and stress-free sleep to rest your body, mind and soul.
In case you did not know, milk has plenty of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B12, C and D).
Meat (also eggs, I include them in this category), fish (and seafood and shellfish), as well as all poultry are the main source of protein for humans.
The animal protein of high biological value contained is extremely beneficial for the muscular physique of a healthy, strong and healthy body.
Lean meat, fish, seafood and eggs are a source of many nutrients contributing to good health and a functioning organism.
Each of the above animal products offers different nutrients and different benefits.
Speaking of fatty foods, a large number of sweets, cakes, cereal bar (trade), cereals (with lots of sugar and other sweeteners), chips, shrimp and generally a bunch of fattening (and not at all nutritious) foods come to mind.
However, they are not the fatty foods only.
There are also the so-called “good fats” which are essential for the organism and health.
Some of the foods that should be in your diet are olive oil, nuts, avocado, fatty fish, nut butter, seeds, seed oils, eggs, beans, health chocolate, vegetable milk (coconut, oats, almond, rice) and also many well-known vegetables (such as spinach, green leafy vegetables and Brussels sprouts).
They protect the heart, enhance the absorption of many nutrients and vitamins, enhance the feeling of satiety and help in the effective control of appetite (and therefore in the efficient management of body weight).
They also keep blood sugar levels stable and offer a great energy boost to the organism.
Before you start worrying and go to the doctors, check if your diet and sleep are correct and adequate.
If – and despite the fact that you adjusted your diet and increased the hours of quality rest – the feeling of fatigue does not subside, then the only solution is a doctor.