Approximately one in four adults complains of low energy.
Causes are often the result of habits and behavior. Overworking, poor diet or little sleep are common causes.
Overwhelming stress, anxiety, grief or depression certainly can drain energy levels as well.
7 energy-boosting tips:
1. Consider taking magnesium. This mineral is essential for the proper functioning of more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Low magnesium can cause fatigue and weakness. Consider taking a dietary supplement (men 350 mg a day, women 300 mg) or just eat more foods containing magnesium, such as raisins, almonds or bananas.
2. Eat three healthy meals a day. Skipping just one meal a day has shown to contribute to late-day fatigue.
3. Eat protein. Protein helps sustain your energy long-term. A man needs about 56 grams a day, women 46 grams. Examples of protein are nuts, cheese, yogurt and meats.
4. Drink water. Not drinking enough water daily can lead to dehydration and fatigue. To avoid dehydration, I recommend adults drink eight glasses of water daily, each being eight ounces.
5. Take a short “power walk.” A fast-paced, 10-minute walk can quickly awaken your mind and body, immediately increasing energy. In addition, this energy boost will typically last for up to two hours.
6. Sleep at night. Not getting adequate sleep consistently every night definitely contributes to daytime fatigue. If your day starts off low in energy, more than likely your afternoon and evening will not be a lot better. A typical adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
7. Eat an “energy snack.” Have a variety of healthy snacks on hand for those days that you might need a quick energy boost. Examples are whole grain crackers, almonds, yogurt, pineapple and soybeans.
When to see a doctor
If these tips do not help boost your daily energy, make an appointment to see your doctor. There are many medical conditions that can cause low energy. Examples include: thyroid disorder, anemia, obstructive sleep apnea, vitamin B12 deficiency and low vitamin D.
Dr. Linda Petter of Auburn is a weekly feature on KOMO TV/News Radio (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Saturday and Sunday 7:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., and on a weekday during the morning and evening commute. 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 healthcare advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense”, are available on Amazon.com. Visit her website, www.DocForAll.com, or call her office at 253-568-0841.
