Do you always feel tired? The best way to get the most energy from your food is to make sure you’re giving yourself the best food possible. Besides what you eat, when you eat can also impact your energy. Did you ever notice how you feel sluggish after a big lunch or dinner? That’s because your body is using its energy to digest that big meal instead of powering the rest of your body.
What Is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a feeling of constant tiredness or weakness and can be physical, mental or a combination of both. It can affect anyone, and most adults will experience fatigue at some point in their life.
Symptoms of Fatigue
Fatigue can cause a vast range of other physical, mental and emotional symptoms including:
- chronic tiredness or sleepiness
- headache
- dizziness
- slowed reflexes and responses
- moodiness, such as irritability
- Loss of appetite
- reduced immune system function
- short-term memory problems
- poor concentration
- reduced ability to pay attention to the situation at hand
- Low motivation.
Can Foods Cause Fatigue?
Every food doesn’t give us the long-lasting energy we need. In fact, some of them can actually set us up to crash later. Food is broken down into glucose by our digestive system. Macronutrients such as protein then provide calories to our bodies. More than just changing food into energy, our digestive cycle triggers all kinds of responses within our body. Interestingly, there are hormones that can lead to drowsiness if increased levels are found in the brain. One such hormone is serotonin. The other hormone that induces sleep, melatonin, isn’t released in response to eating. However, food can influence melatonin production.
Types of Foods Causing Fatigue:
- Pasta
- Red meat
- Unprocessed foods
- Cherries
- Bananas
Treatment for Fatigue
If fatigue is having a negative effect on your quality of life, or causing you distress, then consider speaking with a health professional. Here are a few things you can do to reduce fatigue:
- Have a healthy diet
- Eat your favorites in smaller portions
- Drink loads of water
- Have fresh vegetables and fruits
- Have non-caffeinated beverages
- Have nuts and whole grains