Fatigue

Are you experiencing a loss of energy?

If you are, it is a common complaint and often one which is left untreated. A recent study (IMS 2008) estimated that malaise and fatigue are the most medically untreated complaints reported by 95.4% of patients.

Fatigue might be a result of lack of sleep, excessive exercise, an emotional testing time, stress, nutritional deficiencies or a sign of a disease state such as hypothyroidism or anaemia. Therefore it is vital to visit your healthcare practitioner to investigate the possible causes.

There are many possibilities to assist you in managing these symptoms including a specifically clinically proven natural medicine called Ginsana® prescribed by healthcare professionals.

Click here for more information on Ginsana.

Helpful diet and lifestyle hints

In situations of fatigue, it is important to remember the basics: take adequate rest and sleep, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and make sure you do not miss meals.

Visiting a natural healthcare practitioner such as a naturopath or a nutritionist can be helpful in identifying and addressing lifestyle and dietary factors which are fuelling the symptoms of fatigue.

Here are some recommendations which could help reduce fatigue.

• Eat regular protein with each meal – meat, fish, diary, eggs, soy, legumes, nuts and seeds
• Reduce processed, convenient foods from your diet and try to introduce fresher, more natural foods into your diet
• Eat 4-6 serves of fresh vegetables a day and 2-3 serves of fruit a day
• Drink adequate water - between 1.5 - 3 litres dependent on body weight and activity level
• Take a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement – choose one with high dose of B vitamins, this will support energy metabolism
• Find a healthy balance with your activity levels – too much exercise will increase fatigue and too little exercise can cause fatigue, whilst finding the right balance for your needs will support your energy levels
• Get adequate sleep – remember that the hours before midnight are more beneficial so get to bed early and if you can, have day time power naps to re-energise
• Don’t go over the top with stimulants – the temptation when tired is to have a coffee, an energy drink, a Coke or eat chocolate. This diet of caffeine and sugar is only a short term solution and if continued over the long term will be detrimental to nervous and adrenal health, only contributing to the cycle of fatigue. Finally, it is important to have no caffeine after 12pm as caffeine consumed after this time will interrupt sleep.

Ask your healthcare professional about the specifically clinically proven natural medicine called Ginsana.

The advice provided here is of a general nature only and is not intended to replace (professional) medical diagnosis and supervision. Patients should consult their healthcare professional for more specific treatment and advice.