Hidden Causes of Fatigue: 6 Ways to Cope

 In most cases, the causes of fatigue are banal: lack of vitamins, lack of water, grueling workouts, strict diets, poor sleep. But sometimes this problem can be associated with serious diseases.

1. Anemia

Have you been looking pale and feeling low lately? Feeling dizzy, especially when you have to bend over or stand up quickly? Most of us attribute these symptoms to spring fatigue and vitamin deficiencies. But spring may have nothing to do with it, but perhaps there really is a shortage! It is likely that you simply do not have enough iron, which is necessary for normal blood formation. Because of this, every second woman and every third man in our country has iron deficiency anemia (one of the most common types of anemia). Most often, iron deficiency is observed in children , expectant and nursing mothers, the elderly, athletes, vegetarians, lovers of strict diets, as well as those who smoke a lot themselves or are forced to work in a smoky room. In addition, iron is actively consumed during stress and frequent infections.

What to do? Adjust the menu. The main supplier of iron is meat and liver, and its absorption requires vitamin C , contained in vegetables and fruits (bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts). So beef meatballs with stewed broccoli are the perfect combination. Don't forget about soybeans, beans, buckwheat, peas, parsley, spinach, apples, dried apricots, prunes and raisins - they contain the maximum amount of iron. 

Don't forget iron supplements. The problem is that this trace element is poorly absorbed from food, especially from plant foods. That is why with the help of diet alone the problem of anemia cannot be solved - iron preparations will be needed. But a doctor should prescribe them (an excess of this microelement is no less dangerous than its deficiency).

2. Diabetes

One of its first symptoms may be just a feeling of fatigue. Other key signs include a constant feeling of thirst, frequent urge to urinate, drowsiness, blurred vision (the contours of objects are blurry, as if looking through a fog), goosebumps, numbness, tingling in the palms and soles, poorly healing cuts and scrapes. 

What to do? If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor. This does not mean that you will definitely have diabetes. Perhaps you were overtired, did not calculate the visual load, “frozen” the kidneys ... Let the doctor figure it out!

Keep in mind: if type I diabetes is based on a deep immune failure, still little studied by science, then type II diabetes is often caused by low physical activity and too high-calorie nutrition.

Type II diabetes is 8-12 times more likely to develop in those whose figure has become similar to an apple. The wider the waist, the higher the risk!

To normalize blood sugar levels in such cases, sometimes it is enough to lose weight. Spin the hula hoop, do forward and side bends, rotate your pelvis, and do a mini-set of two exercises for those whose figure resembles an apple. 10 days of daily training - and the waist will already be a centimeter!

3. Thyroid diseases

Thyroid hormones affect many processes in the body. They regulate metabolism (especially fat), are responsible for energy balance, support the work of the heart, blood vessels, brain, nervous and reproductive systems. When the thyroid gland works properly, the weight is normal, the mood is excellent, we are cheerful and mobile. But as soon as she is capricious, the work of the whole organism is disrupted. Most often, the thyroid gland does not work well due to the lack of iodine in the body.This condition is called hypothyroidism . The picture of the disease is multifaceted. Among its symptoms are increased fatigue, drowsiness, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, low body temperature, constipation, a change in the nature of menstruation, and unsuccessful attempts to have a baby.

What to do? If there are various complaints about seemingly unrelated ailments, contact an endocrinologist and check the thyroid gland! The doctor will ask you to take an analysis for the hormones TSH, T3 and T4, and if necessary, send you for an ultrasound. 

If the thyroid function is normal or low, include seaweed in the menu more often - this is an excellent source of iodine! A valuable element is also found in fish (herring, cod, flounder, sea bass, salmon), seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels), persimmon, feijoa, walnuts, tomatoes, carrots, beets, greens, but in smaller quantities. Do not forget about iodized salt - another good product for the prevention of iodine deficiency.

4. celiac disease

This is an autoimmune disease associated with gluten intolerance. Gluten (or gluten) is a valuable plant protein found in grains of wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats. Some people cannot tolerate this protein. When gluten enters the body of a patient with celiac disease, the walls of the small intestine become inflamed and the digestive system cannot normally cope with the absorption of substances important for growth and development (carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, trace elements). The result is serious health problems. Symptoms of celiac disease include fatigue, irritability, prolonged diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia.

What to do? Diagnosis of the disease includes several examinations: a general and biochemical blood test, a coprogram, a test for total immunoglobulin A (IgA), a serological test for antibodies highly specific for celiac disease (to endomysium, to tissue transglutaminase and to deamidated gliadin peptides), genetic analysis for gluten intolerance, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with 12-p.c. biopsy by March.

But keep in mind: the disease is quite rare - it occurs in only 1% of the population. Another 7-8% of people have gluten sensitivity, which causes unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, for starters, it is worth contacting a therapist and excluding other health problems.

5. Depression

The problem is manifested not only by depressed mood, but also by increased fatigue, drowsiness, and weakness. With depression, a person “withdraws” into himself, becomes indifferent to everything that surrounds him, loses interest in life, can constantly lie down or just sit still, not wanting to go out or just move.

What to do? If the problem has gone far, it is difficult to do without the help of a specialist. So don't take yourself to the extreme. Do not dwell on troubles, learn to switch to the positive in time.

6. Stress

Prolonged stress is a debilitating condition that leads to decreased performance, insomnia, weakened immunity, tension headaches, chronic fatigue, depression and many other problems.

What to do?  Don't forget to relieve tension, for example, in the gym or swimming pool. And when things keep you at home, periodically stretch your whole body, do stretches for different muscle groups, or just do gymnastics in the morning. Don't forget about aromatherapy. Anti-stress aromas will help restore peace of mind - these are basil, bergamot, geranium, grapefruit, leuzea, cinnamon, cypress, lemon, incense, marjoram, lemon balm, myrrh, nutmeg, juniper, rosemary.