Fighting Fatigue Guide

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We all experience fatigue from time to time; for some it is almost a daily struggle. It can be a serious drag on your mood and your ability to do your task.

Fatigue is simply a mental or physical state of exhaustion. It is a process that slows down the body at the end of the day and prepares us for sleep, or protects overworked muscles. It is a negative force in our lives, an inconvenience or worst completely debilitating. We poorly understand it; we simply need to change our diets to help us keep up and not let fatigue from getting us down.

There are ways to fight off fatigue by changing our habits that goes unnoticed. One of the most likely things we forget is to drink plenty of water. We’ve all been told a thousand times, but a lot of us still don’t get enough. Mild dehydration is a common and often overlooked cause of fatigue. Dehydration can reduce blood flow to organs, slowing down your brain and you along with it. Drink about 8 glasses of water a day, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Eating breakfast is another way to refill our energy keeping lethargy at bay during the morning hours. This is especially true for kids, who have a higher metabolism and smaller energy reserves. Include carbohydrates at breakfast, whole grain bread with peanut butter, a piece of fruit and a glass of skim milk. Caffeinated beverages fight fatigue as well. It not only makes you feel more energized, it also increases alertness, reaction speed and ability to think clearly for up to three hours. At lunch Protein and carbs in combination is best be taken. It’s not your imagination: that drowsy, dopey feeling you get around 4pm is part of your brain’s natural daily rhythms. Food research recommends eating carbohydrates and protein in tandem at lunchtime fight the afternoon doldrums. Protein contains the amino acid tryptophan, precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes a calm, relaxed feeling, which helps to fight emotional fatigue. Eaten with protein, carbohydrates may boost the brain’s intake of tryptophan. Protein-rich foods also contain tyrosine, a precursor to neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, promoters of alertness, attention, and motivation. Even a single can of cola can improve vigilance-the ability to pay attention to a boring task. An iron-rich food enables blood to carry oxygen to the organs. Adequate oxygen the brain can function optimally, leading to mental acuity. Iron intake is not in general a problem for men, but many women have mild iron deficiency. If you suspect you’re not getting enough iron, boost your intake with foods like lean red meat, liver, spinach, apricots, seafood, such as oysters, clams, tuna, salmon, and shrimp, kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy beans, and lentils, iron fortified whole grains, including cereals, breads, rice, and pasta, greens, including collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens, tofu chicken and turkey, nuts, egg yolks, dried fruits, such as raisins, prunes, dates and apricots.
While over eating and over seating is a big problem to many, instead of eating big meals try to eat five or six smaller meals. A full stomach draws blood to the belly and away from the brain, leaving you listless and dull. Smaller meals also help to keep insulin levels constant, avoiding fluctuations of energy and mood. Our needs vary consider your gender, body type and activity level. High-intensity exercisers need to get enough protein.