Constant tiredness

Why is it that some people are busy yet still brimming with energy and others fall in a heap as soon as they have too much on their plates? Chronic tiredness can affect our lives to the point where work, social lives and relationships can all start to suffer. It is even more annoying if the cause of this tiredness is not known.

Constant tiredness can be a sign that our bodies are not coping with the amount of stress we are putting them under. Constant tiredness can also point to a depleted immune system, especially if the fatigue started with a virus.

Chronic tiredness caused by the above situations can be exacerbated by a lack of key nutrients that are required to make us feel happy and energetic. Sometimes our bodies become depleted and if we don’t take time out to rest and recover, we are on the back foot and find it difficult to regain our health and vitality. Even if we are eating a good diet, we may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals to replenish our depleted stores. Constant tiredness is often our body’s early warning sign to slow down and take steps to recover.

Stress
When we are stressed, our adrenal glands produce adrenalin to activate what is called the “fight or flight response,” a biochemical process designed to make us more alert in times of danger. At first, this seems like a great thing, because we feel more alive, more productive, and more efficient. Continued stress however, can cause the adrenal glands to become depleted, and we can experience symptoms such as anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia. Eventually as the adrenals become exhausted we may experience constant tiredness, poor nervous system function and even depression.

Nutrients that are helpful for restoring correct adrenal function and nervous system health include B vitamins and magnesium. Herbs such as Withania somnifera and Siberian ginseng may also be helpful as they have adrenal restorative properties. Chronic tiredness and exhaustion are traditionally seen as key indications for the use of these herbs.

Immune Depletion
How often have you heard someone say “I haven’t been well since...?” Often our constant tiredness can be traced back to a period of ill health where we had some sort of virus or infection. Even what seems to be a small cold or flu at the time can deplete our bodies of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, Zinc and Iron, and this can not only cause constant tiredness, it can also leave us susceptible to more illness or infection in the future. Herbs such as Olive leaf can also be helpful to boost immune system function and improve our resilience.

Taking some simple steps such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and taking time out to relax are extremely important for building nervous system and immune system health. If your body has become depleted and you feel constantly tired, adding a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement can help to top up your reserves and bring you back to good health and vitality. For more information on supplements, click here.