Top 5 Energy Stealers

Feeling low on energy?? Here are the most common reasons why you may be feeling this way.

1. Dehydration

A lack of water is one of the common signs of fatigue! As water makes much the majority of blood, without it, the blood thickens (even in mild dehydration), which in turn the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the vital organs = fatigue.

Not sure if you’re well hydrated?? Your urine is the easiest detection. Check your frequency & the colour when you urinate. It should be pale yellow-clear & you should be urinating every 2-4 hours.  

Tip: Increase your water intake to a minimum of 1.5L & feel the difference

2. Too much bad bacteria

An overgrowth in bad bacteria in the stomach & intestines is another energy stealer. When this is bad enough it will interfere with nutrient absorption & digestions & can lead to deficiencies particularly in energy co-factors i.e.: B vitamins and magnesium.

Causes include chrones, diabetes, diverticulitis, anti-biotics, no enough pro-biotic foods, food allergies & intolerances, low nutrient dense food intakes, high intake of toxins etc.

Symptoms include: gas, constipation, bloating, fatigue, diarrhoea.

Tip: Increase pre & pro biotic food (a supplement may be required) as well as whole foods, decrease packaged and processed foods

3. Low Iron

This is fairly common in women, particularly those who do not eat the 2-3 serves of red meat a week as recommended by health professionals. However this may also be a genetic condition that you can’t store Iron. In fact there are many reasons why your Iron may be low!

Symptoms: Fatigue, muscle weakness, irritability, lack of motivation, pale skin, weak nails, thinning hair, SOB on exertion and more

Tip: Increase lean red meat in diet in combination which high vitamin C foods to aid absorption. Alternatively a supplement may be recommended by your health care professional.

4. Adrenal Fatigue

Fatigued adrenals are a result of the increased release of cortisol in the blood stream have been shown to have quite severe and negative effects increased abdominal fat leading to a whole range of health issues within itself.

Symptoms: Fatigue, dark circles under the eyes, dry skin, muscle twitches, heart palpitations, infections, severe cravings, lack of stamina for stress and much more.

Tip: Get more sleep, decreased refined sugars, decrease/eliminate caffeine, eat more whole fruits & vegetables and increase water.

5. B12 Deficiency

Is quite common in vegetarians & almost certain in vegans.  A B12 deficiency for a significant amount of time can cause confusion, depression loss of balance and numbness in the extremities.

Causes: Poor diet, alcoholism, chrones, anaemia, bowel resection surgeries and more.

Symptoms: pale skin, diarrhoea, fatigue, shortness of breath and more.

Tip: Increase B12 foods i.e.: meat, fish, eggs, poultry, shellfish, and diary, Vegetarians: increase eggs & dairy, Vegans: Look at a B12 supplement/injection

If any of these are suspected consult your health care professional for more information & treatment.