Do you feel tired all the time? It could be because of the busy lifestyle in America that causes us to work extra hours, and to always be on the go. However, fatigue may stem from other reasons that can be managed. Let’s take a look at the 10 most common causes of fatigue.
1. Anemia:
“This is a very common cause of fatigue and very easy to check with a simple blood test,” says Sandra Fryhofer, MD, an Emory University clinical associate professor of medicine. “It’s particularly a problem for women, especially those who are having heavy menstrual periods.” Anemia can be fought with a diet rich in iron, with foods such as beans, seafood, dark leafy greens, and dried fruit like raisins and apricots.
2. Dehydration:
Are you drinking enough water? If not, you may be dehydrated, and that may be causing your fatigue. “Besides listening to your thirst, a good rule of thumb is to look at the color of your urine. You should be drinking enough water to turn your urine a light-colored yellow,” says Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leading physician and health expert.
3. Diet:
This is typically the most common reason for fatigue. Junk food, sugary drinks, and caffeine can leave you feeling tired. Instead, it is better to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy sources of protein. “Most people feel like they’re less tired if they eat a healthy diet,” says J. Fred Ralston Jr., MD, past president of the American College of Physicians. “Eating healthy also means you’ll carry less weight, and obesity is a big contributor to fatigue.”
4. Exercise:
It may seem that exercise would make you tired, but actually it is quite the opposite. Many studies have shown that people with sedentary lifestyles report much more energy after exercising. If you don’t have the energy to work out, take a look at our tips for the best exercises to do when you are too tired to exercise.
5. Nutrient deficiency:
This cause links directly with diet. If you do not have balanced diet, you may be lacking key nutrients such as potassium that could be causing fatigue. Please consult your health practitioner and ask for a blood test to see if you are deficient in any nutrients.
6. Sleep:
Lack of sleep is a big problem in the US because of busy lifestyles, entertainment, and distractions. Sleep deprivation is an epidemic in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Health Interview Survey shows that: “Nearly 30% of adults reported an average of ≤6 hours of sleep per day in 2005-2007. In 2009, only 31% of high school students reported getting at least 8 hours of sleep on an average school night.” Make sure to avoid drinking caffeine before bed, and take a look at our tips on things to avoid in the bedroom for better sleep.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Insufficient Sleep Is a Public Health Epidemic.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 07 Jul. 2015.
2. “How Do You Know If You’re Drinking Enough Water?” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 07 Jul. 2015.
3. “Why Am I So Tired? 10 Causes of Fatigue and Fatigue Treatment Tips.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 25 July 2015.
4. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web. 25 July 2015.
