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Feeling lethargic, fuzzy headed, or having trouble concentrating? Fatigue is a common problem that can often be the first symptom of more serious imbalances. Western medicine has no remedy for fatigue other than stimulants like caffeine or prescription amphetamine-class drugs. While these substances certainly do make you feel more alert and awake, they don’t fix the underlying problem of fatigue, in fact, in the long run they might make it worse. In this article we will discuss some of the common causes of fatigue and some simple remedies that may help you feel more awake and alert.
Fatigue is so tricky to treat because it can be indicative of numerous health issues. Thyroid disfunction, depression, viruses, adrenal insufficiency, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lymes disease, and even food allergies can all cause fatigue. But often fatigue is just a sign that our bodies are run-down. If the simple remedies in this article don’t help, or if your fatigue is interfering with your work, see your doctor to rule out more serious disorders.
Sleep: My patients hate it when I tell them to get more sleep. But the truth is, this time of year especially, our bodies need more sleep. It is not uncommon to need 10 or more hours of sleep in the fall or winter. It is only very short time in human history that we have developed the capacity to extend our productive hours into the night-time. Our bodies haven’t evolved to keep up with modern technology. Traditionally we relied on this time of year to re-charge our batteries and prepare for next spring and summer. If your body is needing to sleep more, let it. Even getting an extra-hour of rest can make a world of difference. Don’t push your body to act the same way it does in spring and summer, let it go at a slower pace. Your body will thank you come spring. If increased need for sleep is the only sign of fatigue you have, then don’t read any further, you just need to give your body the sleep it craves.
Exercise: In the fall and winter we need to tone down our exercise routines, but not stop them all together. The body naturally wants to conserve energy during the winter, letting it do so is healthy, but we still need to move. Why not switch your normal workout to yoga, tai-chi, or walking? Let your body warm up to the point of breaking a gentle sweat, and then slow down. Try to strike a balance between complete inactivity and pushing yourself too hard. After the solstice in late December, you will naturally feel your body wanting to pick up the pace.
Herbal Support: Herbal support to help with fatigue often focuses on revitalizing the adrenal glands. Herbs that have been used for centuries to give energy and vitality are Ginseng, Eluthero, Astragalus, Cordyceps and Licorice. There are several formulations out there that can be helpful fatigue like the Chinese remedies Si Jun Zi Tang, or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. Unlike caffeine, which alleviates the symptoms of fatigue, but leaves you more tired in the end, these herbs help you feel more awake as they replenish your body. Some of these herbs actually help you sleep better too by balancing the body’s circadian rhythms and adrenal cycle.
Acupuncture: This gentle therapy helps to balance the body’s system by stimulating points along the skin with thin needles. In a typical acupuncture treatment, your whole health will be assessed to determine the pattern of imbalance that is causing fatigue. Acupuncture can work regardless of any western medical diagnosis you may have, and it is often a great adjunct therapy to western treatments. Acupuncture, like any other physical form of therapy, works best when it is used regularly. For a problem like fatigue, you may need a series of treatments to really solve the problem. Your practitioner can best help you determine a time-line for your treatment.
Diet: Diet plays an important part in your overall energy. If you suffer from fatigue it is essential that you avoid sweet, greasy and starchy foods. These foods have a sedating affect on the body. Also in the winter months, it is wise to consider avoiding too many raw or cold foods. According to the theory of Chinese Medicine, the digestive process is compared to a furnace, food is the fuel and your energy is the fire that burns the fuel. Too much greasy, cold or raw food is like putting wet wood on a fire, it’s harder to burn and it doesn’t burn clean, as a result, your body has to work harder and this drains you of energy. Try switching to lighter meals consisting of whole grains, steamed or sauteed veggies, fish, chicken or grass-fed red meats, and good fats like olive oil, fish oil and flax oil.
Food Allergies: You may want to talk to your health practitioner about food allergies if your fatigue is also accompanied by indigestion, gas, or chronic diarrhea. Your naturopath or acupuncturist can help guide you through an elimination diet to see if your symptoms are caused by food. This is a lengthy and often difficult process, so try the remedies listed above first, before you suspect a food allergy, and it is best to work with a professional during an elimination diet.
Most of the time, fatigue will remedy itself if you take proper care of your body. If these simple remedies don’t alleviate the fatigue, please think about seeing your doctor, or a natural-health practitioner, to rule out more serious disorders.
