Fatigue

Fatigue is a common complaint that many individuals experience which can have a significant impact on daily functioning and overall quality of life. Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isn’t the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you’re fatigued, you do not have any motivation, and no energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but it’s not the same thing.³ Fatigue includes persistent tiredness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle weakness, and slowed response time.² The causes of fatigue can vary and may include lifestyle factors such as physical exertion, a lack of sleep, underlying health conditions, medication side effects, psychological factors such as stress or anxiety (link to content on Stress), and poor nutritional habits which lead to nutrient deficiencies. Additional  lifestyle factors that can result in fatigue include a lack of physical activity, being overweight or obese, grief, using alcohol on a regular basis, using illicit drugs, smoking, and consuming too much caffeine.¹ Medical conditions that can also cause fatigue include anaemia, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, infections, such as cold and flu, Addison’s disease, a disorder that can affect your hormone levels, hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, sleep disorders, such as insomnia, eating disorders, such as anorexia, autoimmune disorders, congestive heart failure, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.² Loneliness has also been found to be associated with fatigue, highlighting the complex nature of its causes.^2-3 If your fatigue doesn’t resolve with proper rest and nutrition, or limits your social activity, work capacity and quality of life, or you suspect it’s caused by an underlying physical or mental health condition, see your doctor who can help to diagnose the cause of your fatigue and work with you to treat it.² Getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, maintaining low stress levels, and getting enough sleep each night can all help maintain good energy levels. Can vitamins and supplements also help? Yes, key vitamins and minerals that can help with fatigue include: B vitamins which can assist with fatigue include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 & B12 which help create energy in cells and contribute to the reduction of fatigue. Having a deficiency in B vitamins can cause fatigue. Consuming a diet with foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and leafy green vegetables. Consuming these vitamin B-rich foods and supplements can provide a natural boost to your energy levels.^5-6 Moreover, routine doses of vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly vitamin C, selenium, and zinc, can significantly improve energy levels and overall health. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue and low energy levels. Including iron-rich foods in your diet or taking an iron supplement can help alleviate fatigue. Magnesium is also involved in energy production and muscle function, making it an essential nutrient for combating fatigue. Including magnesium-rich foods in your diet or taking a magnesium supplement may help alleviate fatigue.⁷ Ginseng is an herb that helps to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. Taking a ginseng supplement or consuming foods & drinks that contain ginseng extract can be beneficial in relieving fatigue.⁸ The Nativa Complex^® Range includes a number of products containing these nutrients that can assist with fatigue: Nativa Complex^® Multivitamin for Women is a daily, high potency multivitamin for women that is high in B vitamins, vitamin C, iron & zinc. Nativa Complex^® Multivitamin for Men is a daily, high potency multivitamin for men that is high in B Vitamins, vitamin C & mineral zinc as well as herbal Siberian ginseng to offer energy support. Other Nativa Complex^® products that can assist are Nativa Complex Vitamin C 1000 mg & 500 mg, Nativa Complex^® Zinc Plus which has very high levels of zinc and other nutrients that also assist the immune system.