Being exhausted is not a disease , but rather a disorder that can be caused by many factors. To reduce the sense of fatigue, it is necessary to understand what is the cause of the exhaustion, treating the cause is important to obtain a return of full vitality.
Fatigue can be a real problem for those who suffer from it, because it can hinder and make it difficult to carry out the most common and normal daily activities, from work, to study, to sport. Sometimes it is thought to remedy the fatigue with more rest and eating better: but it may not be enough and if the problem persists, it is advisable to contact your doctor.
If, on the other hand, it is a transient disorder, then it is better to know how to deal with it and which are the recommended natural remedies to regain strength and vigor as before.
What it is Exhaustion
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness and fatigue both physically and mentally. The term is used to indicate a state of asthenia , with a general lack of strength and vitality.
This disorder is characterized by a sometimes drastic drop in motivation and energy: in practice, you do not want to do anything and every little commitment seems tiring to deal with.
But what are the most common causes and how can we remedy this annoying feeling of tiredness?
Exhaustion: how it manifests itself
Fatigue comes with some very common symptoms, which everyone has experienced at least once in their life.
- fatigue that affects not only the body, but also the mind
- lack of strength
- difficulty concentrating
- tendency to fatigue
- mild headache
These are the most common symptoms caused by fatigue. But what causes these symptoms? Care must be taken because fatigue is often of a non-pathological nature and is easily remedied, but sometimes it is also pathological in nature.
Common causes
The most common causes of fatigue are non-pathological in nature. I am an example:
- seasonal changes, especially the arrival of spring which can cause tiredness and drowsiness
- periods of stress
- work overload
- intense period of study
But not only are there also other causes, such as for example
- Deficiencies of mineral salts
- Vitamin deficiency
- Irregular lifestyle
- Little sleep
- Very cold climate
Finally, there are two periods of life in which exhaustion is king. This is the
- pregnancy, especially in the first three months
- during breastfeeding if you are unable to regain strength and energy with rest and nutrition
- at the onset of menopause , a period of change for women that often causes tiredness and exhaustion
Pathological causes
In addition to non-pathological causes, due to the normal course of life and to small transient phenomena, there are also pathological causes. For this reason, this symptom must also be an alarm bell if, despite the treatments and remedies, it does not diminish.
The diseases that can cause fatigue are pathologies:
- psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression
- cardiovascular
- respiratory
- tumors
Diseases such as
- diabetes or hypoglycemia
- hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
- bacterial and viral infections
- respiratory allergies
- lung abscess
- pulmonary fibrosis
- kidney failure
- anemia
and again
- sleep disorders
- of nutrition such as anorexia and bulimia
Exhaustion: all the remedies
There are several natural and pharmacological remedies to find a solution to fatigue. If the phenomenon does not decrease, however, it is advisable to contact your doctor to investigate the reasons that cause it and treat the triggering pathology.
Now let’s see how to solve the problem of the lack of strength and energy due to exhaustion
Food supplements
At the first symptoms of excessive tiredness and exhaustion, we normally resort to taking food supplements capable of providing vitamins and mineral salts, such as magnesium and potassium.
In fact, the lack of vitamins and mineral salts is among the first causes of fatigue and can really be decisive especially for those who do not have a balanced diet or during periods of intense sporting activity or very hot weather.
However, it is advisable not to exceed with these over-the-counter preparations and to seek advice from the attending physician, before starting a treatment that could be useless if not harmful.
Natural remedies
There are many natural remedies to eliminate the feeling of non-pathological exhaustion.
In fact, it is possible to assume:
- Ginseng , which increases resistance to physical fatigue, helps memory and mental focus. Thanks to its energizing and stimulating properties, it fights the unpleasant sensation of chronic fatigue both physically and psychologically, giving better results if taken in the morning as soon as you wake up and in the early afternoon.
- Ginger : excellent natural aseptic capable of reducing stress and fatigue. The fresh ginger tea helps to reduce the sense of tiredness especially during the change of seasons, in spring for example.
- Rhodiola , which boasts tonic-adaptogenic properties, is taken especially in winter to improve mood and counteract physical fatigue. It was used in Siberia to strengthen the immune system during the harsh winter colds.
- Taking an infusion of passionflower , known for its sedative effect and for its ability to promote sleep, can be a remedy for fatigue, because sleeping well is the basis of a good awakening, a panacea to regain strength.
- Black currant : it is recommended, because it is able to strengthen the immune system and reduce fatigue. To be consumed as a 100% black currant juice or hot infusion even in the middle of winter.
- Rosemary is a cure- all against mental as well as physical fatigue. It is recommended to use it as a hot infusion but also as an essential oil in aromatherapy . It tones body and mind, increasing memory and concentration.
- Rosehip : rich in vitamin C, it is an excellent remedy if fatigue is due to colds or flu symptoms. To be taken as an infusion but natural tablets are also available.
Pharmacological therapies
Contacting your doctor or pharmacist to find a pharmacological remedy for fatigue is only necessary when the triggering cause is pathological.
In this case, one must first heal the disease in order to have results also on one’s own vitality.
Each pathology has its own therapeutic protocol which must be established by the specialist doctor.
Reduce fatigue by changing your lifestyle
One of the most useful advice that can be given in the case of non-pathological exhaustion is certainly that of changing one’s lifestyle. Fatigue and lack of energy, in fact, are often caused by an unregulated lifestyle. Just improve your habits to solve the problem.
Here’s how to resolve fatigue by leading a healthy life:
- follow a healthy, balanced and varied diet
- avoid fatty and alcoholic foods
- reduce work or study activities as much as possible
- enjoy your free time
- adjust your habits (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- sleep at least seven hours
What to eat
Nutrition also in the case of fatigue plays a very important role.
In fact, it is necessary to follow a varied diet that allows you to integrate the right doses of vitamins and mineral salts.
What does a diet capable of counteracting fatigue include?
- Take the right amount of seasonal fruit every day to get the right amount of vitamins
- Eat foods rich in magnesium such as spinach, pumpkin, walnuts, artichokes, soybeans
- Drink plenty of water to maintain the right amount of mineral salts
- Do not drink alcohol or coffee in the evening to promote a good rest
- If advised by your doctor, take food supplements of magnesium , potassium and omega 3
Exhaustion: when to worry
When fatigue is also associated with other more or less serious symptoms, such as:
- fever
- mental confusion
- pains
it is essential to call the doctor who will make a diagnosis.
Fatigue from Covid
Fatigue is among the most common symptoms of Covid along with cold, sore throat, loss of smell and taste, breathing difficulties, cough.
The sense of great exhaustion and muscle and / or joint weakness characterizes the disease and sometimes continues even after recovery.
Summer exhaustion
The fatigue that appears in summer is almost always due to the high temperature and the fact that you sweat more than normal, losing many minerals. This time of year to counteract fatigue it is recommended to:
- carry out light meals, rich in seasonal fruit and vegetables, which do not strain the digestive system
- drink plenty of water to replenish the salts lost through sweating
- take fresh invigorating showers and apply a few drops of rosemary essential oil or mandarin oil to the skin , which help to shake the mind, promoting concentration
- wear light clothing so as not to increase sweating
Period fatigue
Fatigue is among the symptoms of PMS. In this case it is important:
- do not overdo it with a fatty and sugary diet
- avoid alcohol
- indulge in relaxing baths
- doing physical activity
- keep well hydrated
Fatigue during breastfeeding
Fatigue is a common breastfeeding symptom. Breastfeeding in fact involves a substantial consumption of calories so an inadequate diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin B12 , zinc can cause fatigue.
To this must also be added hormonal changes that can cause weakness and fatigue as well as an increase in prolactin.
Exhaustion as soon as you wake up
If you wake up exhausted it means that the rest has not been the best. Check what the causes may be:
- hot or cold
- noisy room
- uncomfortable bed
- incorrect evening nutrition
- abuse of smoking and caffeine
- little exercise during the day
