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Fatigue seems to have become the number one health complaint in our generation. To fight it, one needs nutrients like zinc, ginseng, ginkgo, magnesium and multivitamins. One also needs to exercise regularly. The fast paced nature of living and work associated with the information age has left countless literally exhausted. The feeling of being drained of energy is almost akin to manic depression, affecting almost every aspect of postmodern lifestyle.

Causes and Symptoms of Fatigue and the Loss of Energy

Fatigue can be the result of different factors working together to the detriment of the mind and body. The prime precursors to fatigue are preexisting medical conditions like anemia, infections, allergies, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and HIV-AIDS. Lifestyle factors also contribute to fatigue, like alcoholism, drug addiction, cigarette smoking, inadequate nutrition, and lack of sleep.

The sudden onset of fatigue is almost always accompanied by a lack of self-motivation. A feeling of frustration often results from the inability to accomplish important tasks. Sufferers feel disheartened and demoralized. Appetite and the sex drive are eventually affected. Even getting out of bed after awaking becomes a chore.

Home Remedy and Treatment for Fatigue to Boost Energy

The following is a list of home remedies and treatment to overcome fatigue:

• Ginseng – Ginseng has a long history as energy booster. Since ancient times, ginseng has been providing a reliable source of energy to those who those who need it most. Ginseng stimulates the nervous system and helps protect the body from stress. It is also touted as an herb that increases the sex drive. A word of caution: Do not take ginseng if you are hypertensive.

• Magnesium – Take 150 mg of magnesium (preferably as magnesium citrate) twice a day. Magnesium plays an important function in converting protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy. A mild magnesium deficiency might be the underlying cause of fatigue in certain individuals.

• Ginkgo – Ginkgo improves blood circulation in the brain, which results in more alertness and less fatigue. Look for a product that contains ginkgo flavones glycosides. Take according to instructions.

• Carnitine supplements – The amino acid, carnitine, fuels mitochondrial activity. The mitochondria is a cell component that produces energy.

• Coenzyme Q10 – This substance also assists the mitochondria in producing energy. Take as tablets or capsules, according to manufacturer instructions. Absorption is optimal when taken with food. Coenzyme Q10 is also found in nuts and oils.

• Multivitamin supplementation – Inadequate nutrients can contribute to fatigue. A daily multivitamin ensures the adequate supply of nutrients the body needs.

• Exercise – Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise like jogging, swimming or walking for at least 30 minutes does not only help shed those extra pounds (which contributes to fatigue), it also boosts energy levels. Regular exercise optimizes the body’s metabolic functions. People who exercise regularly find it easier to fall asleep. The quality of sleep is also much better than that of sedentary individuals. Yoga and tai chi are also helpful, in the sense that these mild exercises are relaxing and reinvigorating.

• Water – Drink up to eight glasses of water every day. Don’t wait until thirst sets in before drinking water, because the body’s mechanism to send alarm signals to the brain as a response to thirst isn’t always accurate. Even a little dehydrations leads to fatigue, or at least a feeling of tiredness.

What to Avoid to Fight Fatigue and Boost Energy

In order to holistically fight fatigue, one also needs to avoid certain things that predispose to fatigue.

1. Keep caffeinated drinks to a minimum. Caffeine provides a short-term energy boost, but a “crash” almost always follows that worsen fatigue.

2. Limit alcohol consumption, because alcohol depresses the central nervous system. Alcohol also lowers blood sugar levels. Blood sugar, or glucose, is one of the body’s prime sources for energy.

3. Quit smoking. Aside from the countless health hazards that is poses, smoking reduces oxygen delivery to the tissues. The result is almost always fatigue.

With the right attitude and the determination to regain an active, enjoyable lifestyle, one can fight and overcome fatigue. After all, the mind and the body have an amazing way for self-healing.

Source:

1801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems. Reader’s Digest. Australia. 2007. 472 pages.

Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal: An A to Z Guide to Safe and Healthy Eating. The Reader’s Digest. 2004, Montreal, Canada. 416 pages. Hardbound.

Photo by Mike Baird at Flickr.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.