Feeling overly tired often can be due to personal habits and behavior. Too busy of a lifestyle, overworking, poor diet, not exercising or lack of appropriate sleep are just a few potential reasons.
Psychologically, exposure to too much stress, grief, anxiety and/or depression are other causes.
Here are somme tips to boost your energy level:
• Sleep. The average adult needs seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Consistent sleep is important in order for the mind and body to function optimally the next day.
• Eat a healthy diet. Consume three healthy, well-balanced meals every day. In addition, be sure to take in adequate amounts of protein daily; a man needs 56 grams a day, a woman 46 grams.
• Drink eight glasses of water every day, each eight ounces, as dehydration can cause fatigue.
• Exercise consistently. Ideally, 30 minutes of aerobic activity, five to seven days a week. Lack of regular exercise or de-conditioning can contribute to fatigue.
• Decrease your stress. Being exposed to persistent stress can wear down the mind and body. In addition, relentless stress can act as an “energy drainer,” potentially leading to physical illness.
• Consider taking a daily multivitamin. This can help assure that you body is receiving the nutrients that it needs and might not always get through the diet.
• Consider taking a vitamin D supplement. People living in Western Washington are prone to developing vitamin D deficiency, in part due to the lack of consistent sun exposure during the winter months. I recommend adults take 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
If after implementing these tips for three to four week your fatigue is not resolved, make an appointment to see your doctor. There are many medical conditions that can cause fatigue, such as anemia, a thyroid disorder, heart disease, diabetes and vitamin B-12 deficiency. Moreover, certain prescription medications can even cause or contribute to fatigue.
Dr. Linda Patter of Auburn is a weekly feature on KOMO TV/News Radio in Seattle (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m. and a columnist for the Auburn Reporter. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer health care advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense” are available on Amazon.com. Please visit her website, www.DocForAll.com, or call her office 253-568-0841.
