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[Published Articles]
In today’s world of rush-rush-rush, many of us are so overwhelmed we don’t know if we’re coming or going. Between job, family commitments, and financial obligations, it’s difficult to find any time for ourselves. Sleep and diet are often the first to suffer. There may be warning signs, but fatigue can strike out of the blue, and leave you wondering what hit you. If you’re barely able to crawl out of bed, can’t function without your coffee or cigarette, need a nap in the middle of the day, and are worn out by the evening – you need to look into your state of overall health. Poor diet and lifestyle may be contributing to nutrient deficiency, overstimulation and fatigue of the adrenal glands, blood sugar fluctuations, low thyroid function, depression or anemia. A viral infection may also be involved, as well as more serious conditions. With decreased physical activity, your body may become even more tired – left unchecked, a vicious cycle may develop, causing a downward spiral.
If you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, you should get a medical checkup to rule out serious illness. Once this has been done, there are several naturopathic therapies you can consider. Diet is the basic foundation for everything within the body – without the raw materials, your body has nothing from which to create energy and build its necessary structures. A diet of whole foods (unrefined grains, green leafy and colourful vegetables, live natural foods) lean protein sources and essential fatty acids is a good place to start. Green drinks are also beneficial. Sugar, dairy and caffeine can actually rob your body of energy. Food sensitivities can also cause fatigue, an elimination diet may be necessary to identify and remove these foods from your daily routine. If your toxic load has been great over the years, a natural cleanse may be helpful. Anemia may require iron or some specific B vitamins. (Caution: do not self-prescribe iron, as large doses are toxic to the body). A basic multivitamin helps boost any areas of deficiency.
Herbal preparations can prove to be beneficial: Chinese tonics like ginseng, bee products (propolis, royal jelly), green foods like chlorophyll and spirulina, antimicrobials such as Echinacea and goldenseal (during an infection), and essential oils (in the bath or diffused in a room) can stimulate the body and mind. Relaxing oils and teas are particularly helpful if you are also suffering from insomnia of various forms.
Other ideas to consider: hydrotherapy (use of hot and cold water), dry skin brushing to increase circulation and toxin removal, and Epsom salt baths. Regular exercise is essential, to maintain good structure and circulation, and invigorate the body. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and stretching will help you unwind after a long day.
Although it is commonplace in our society to experience fatigue, it is not physiologically “normal”. Fatigue is a symptom of something else going on within your body. If a lack of energy is wearing you down, be proactive and get it checked out. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor can help you regain your equilibrium.
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Your gateway to good health.
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