There are many reasons why you could be feeling low energy. Figuring out why you feel this way can help you figure out the best way to improve your energy levels. Here a few reasons why you could be feeling low energy.
Vitamin and/or Mineral Deficiency
For most people, it’s difficult to get all the vitamins and minerals for optimal health from they food they eat. This is because it has become so easy to eat prepared food instead of food we cook ourselves and because the soils our foods are grown in have been farmed extensively and don’t contain as many nutrients. On top of that, there are genetics that control what form of important vitamins and minerals our bodies can easily absorb. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D are two of the most studied. A lack of vitamin B12 eventually results in declining levels of red blood cells and can eventually lead to anemia. The need for optimal vitamin D levels is being studied extensively and is thought to be responsible for a whole host of health consequences ranging from mood, cancer risk, bone density, and immunity. Magnesium is a highly important mineral for the body. Dr Norman Shealy goes as far to say: “Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency and it’s the missing cure to many diseases.”
Adrenal Fatigue
Some people argue that nearly everyone is susceptible to some level of adrenal fatigue at some point in their life. That is because it is a stress-related condition that results in symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, weakened immunity, sleep disturbances, food cravings, and weight gain. It has only been recognized as a condition since 1998 and there is no official diagnoses until there is total endocrine failure that results in something like Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease. If you’ve been under stress and suspect you impacted your endocrine system, start by eliminating physical and emotional stress and eat a healthy diet. Avoid things like sugar, excessive caffeine, processed and microwaved foods, heavy carbohydrates, and hydrogenated oils.
Gut Issues
Eating foods that you are allergic or sensitive to can easily result in low energy. In the case of allergies, the immune system is triggered and there is a histamine response. And while food sensitivities may not trigger the immune system, it can still end making you feel low energy. You may also feel low energy if you have an over population of bad fungus or bacteria in your digestive tract. For example, an over abundance of candida (a type of yeast) can result in gas and bloating, join pain, fatigue, and more. The scientific community has become keenly aware of how important the gut microbiome (community of microbes) is to our health since the majority of our immune system is in our digestive tract. As with adrenal fatigues, eliminating bad foods and eating a healthy diet is a step in the right direction. Adding prebiotics, probiotics, and a variety of cultured foods is another great step in the right direction.
Low Thyroid
The thyroid gland is located in your throat just behind the Adam’s applce. It produces a hormone that helps regulate your energy usage, body temperature, and hunger levels. When the gland fails to produce enough of the hormone, your thyroid is said to be underactive. This is also known as hyprothyroidism and is characterized by low energy and fatigue, as well as a few other symptoms. You can have a blood test to determine if your thyroid hormone levels are the cause of your tiredness. But beware, the “normal range” is fuzzy at best. You could need help supporting your thyroid even though you are in the “normal” range. Two building blocks needed by the thyroid to product hormones are iodine and amino acids. Iodine rich foods (think seaweed) are limited in the typical Western diet. Other sources of iodine are raw dairy, certain wild-caught fish like tuna and some fermented grains
Lifestyle
Living with constant high levels of stress, not getting enough sleep, not exercising, and not being exposed to sunlight can all lead to low energy. Make sure that you are living a healthy life style that includes gentle to medium intensity exercise. Taking brisk walks outside would doubly benefit you because of the exposure to nature and sunlight. Make sure your sleep environment is cool, quiet, and light free. This allows your body to perform functions that only happen during a good night’s sleep like when the brain is flushed of toxins. If your life is stressful, consider making time for meditation, yoga, or deep slow breathing.
Did this help you? If so, I’d greatly appreciate it if you commented and/or share it on social media.
Email: sharonledwards@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonledwardsbiz/