Fatigue is a common reason why people start working with me.
In fact, a recent poll by YouGov found that only 1 in 7 people wake up feeling refreshed in the morning – and I’m going to bet you’re not the lucky one who feels amazing first thing in the am.
Is it really a surprise that it’s a problem these days? Between crazy busy schedules, lack of sleep, too much stress, and poor gut health – your energy levels are going to suffer and you’ll end up feeling sluggish and exhausted.
And I’ve got news for you … that venti coffee or sugary pastry ain’t gonna help. Shocker, I know.
Between lifestyle, dietary habits, and even coffee addictions you’re putting your adrenals into overdrive and leaving yourself fatigued.
Instead of reaching for a quick fix to boost your energy (I’m talking about you, coffee!), it’s important to recognize where the root of your low energy is coming from and learn how to take steps to improve it naturally.
EXHAUSTED? HERE’S WHY
I always say that your symptoms are simply an outward sign of an inward problem – and always important to take note of! When it comes to fatigue, there are many reasons why you may be experiencing this frustrating symptom.
Simple tweaks to reduce stress, improve sleep, drink more water, or get more active are sometimes all it takes to improve this symptom.
But when the root goes deeper, it’s important to investigate other factors such as:
1. Nutritional deficiencies
2. Gut Health
3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
4. Adrenal Fatigue
5. Thyroid
6. Blood sugar levels
7. Food sensitivities
8. Hormones
9. Dietary intake
10. Digestive disorders
Going through a comprehensive health intake, food journal, and a nutrient assessment are simple first steps that I always take with my clients to research any potential causes of this symptom.
You can also look into hormone testing, gut health tests, and food sensitivity tests to pinpoint other culprits as well.
What’s important to know is that understanding the root cause is what allows you to tailor a dietary and lifestyle plan that suits your body’s need. If you take a whack at it by using Dr. Google, you may find yourself doing more harm then good – because healthy foods are only as good as your ability to digest them.
NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST ENERGY
While working with a professional to understand the root cause of your symptoms is critical to long-term healing and feeling energetic and like yourself again, taking steps to boost your energy with some natural remedies is a great place to start.
Here are a few of my most recommended ways to boost your energy naturally:
1. Stay Hydrated
I use to always laugh at my husband because every time someone would complain about anything he would tell them to drink water to fix it … and nowadays I find myself doing the same thing. Fatigued? Drink water!
Dehydration has been shown in studies to reduce cognitive function, affect mood, and increase fatigue. Keeping a water bottle nearby to remind you to keep sipping throughout the day can be a great natural energy booster.
2. Adaptogenic Herbs
Holy basil, ashwagandha, and ginseng are some incredible adaptogenic herbs. However, rhodiola has shown incredible results in helping to reduce fatigue through therapeutic use.
These herbs help your body adjust to stress – taking the load off of your adrenals and helping to support your body’s natural adaptive process.
But please do not use unless advised by your healthcare practitioner. Feel free to contact me for a consultation!
3. Use Peppermint Oil
While most of the studies on the use of peppermint oil focus on sports improvement, you can definitely benefit from its ability to increase brain oxygen (which improves energy) too.
While ingesting essential oils is still controversial, adding peppermint oil to a diffuser in your home or office is a beneficial way to reduce fatigue and improve energy.
4. Increase Your Vitamin B12
Because vitamin B12 is a part of energy production, it would make sense if a deficiency would trigger fatigue.
Increasing your vitamin B12 through foods like eggs, meat, shellfish, and poultry is beneficial. If you’re a vegetarian, nutritional yeast with vitamin B12 or a supplement are your best options.
5. Reduce Carbohydrates
Specifically reduce your simple carbohydrates, because they carry a high glycemic load which will raise your blood sugar levels (increasing your energy), followed by a quick drop in your blood sugar levels (reducing energy).
Regular consumption of simple carbohydrates can cause fatigue. Reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats and proteins will help to balance your blood sugar levels and improve your energy.
Though there’s no one size fits all, taking these steps to begin improving your energy levels can provide some support for your body – but finding the root cause is always the most important way to fix the problem and improve energy for good. Contact me for a consultation if you’re ready!
