Fatigue is a collective term that refers to exhaustion, lethargy, tiredness, and listlessness. Simply put, fatigue means a state of tiredness and weakness that can be of physical or mental in nature. The feeling of fatigue is way different than feeling nauseous, dizziness, and sleepiness, although they are considered symptoms of easy fatigability.
Based on studies, 1 out of 5 Americans suffer from fatigue- a condition that affects the way they live their lives. Fatigue is a condition that plagues more women than men.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of fatigue, including lifestyle, medical conditions, and physiological problems. Unhealthy lifestyle practices such as excessive alcohol intake, excessive caffeine drinking, excessive workouts, inactivity, poor sleeping habits, and unhealthy diet all contribute to the development of fatigue in both men and women.
There are also mental health problems that may cause fatigue. Mental health issues such as grief, depression, stress, and anxiety are all known to inspire fatigue. Medical conditions in the likes of cancer, kidney diseases, heart diseases, liver failure, obesity, diabetes type 2, and thyroid disorders.
The main symptom of fatigue is exhaustion after physical or mental activities. Other symptoms linked to fatigue are difficulty concentration, dizziness, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, lack of energy, lack of motivation, sore muscles, and moodiness.
If your fatigue is caused by physical, emotional, and mental factors, there are easy ways to manage it by means of diet. There are food items that are filled with nutrients that fight the symptoms of fatigue efficiently.
- Watermelon
If you are feeling fatigued after an exhausting day at work or post workout, you can regain your energy simply by eating a slice of watermelon. This fruit is rich in water and helpful electrolytes that prevent dehydration so you can remain active and free from symptoms of fatigue.
Watermelon is rich in nutrients that fight fatigue including lycopene, beta-carotene, iron, potassium, and Vitamin C.
- Yogurt
Yogurt features healthy amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and probiotics all of which help in getting rid of fatigue symptoms. It is best to eat yogurt, as the body is capable of processing this food item faster than any other food. It serves as a great source of fast energy whenever needed.
The probiotic content of yogurt also helps in easing symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndrome. These nutrients also play a vital function of improving gut health altogether.
Yogurt is extremely convenient in that you can take it anywhere you go for extra source of energy.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the best superfoods to eat to fight the symptoms of acute or chronic fatigue. It contains health carbohydrates that provide fuel to the body and the brain.
Other nutrients that can be found in every serving of oatmeal are phosphorus, magnesium, protein, Vitamin B1- all working synergistically to enhance the energy levels in the body.
Oatmeal is considered a powerful superfood as it helps in keeping the digestive tract in perfect condition due to its high fiber concentration. Even people who suffer from diabetes will be able to maintain normal blood sugar levels by eating oatmeal.
- Pumpkin Seeds
The ideal, healthy snack for people who get easily fatigued is sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They are loaded with high-quality protein, beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as Vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B6. Minerals that can be found in pumpkin seeds include copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. The combination of these vitamins and minerals help in delivering benefits including enhanced immune system function, increased energy levels, and getting rid of fatigue symptoms.
Pumpkin sees contain tryptophan that helps in battling emotional fatigue, promoting better sleep and reducing physical weariness.
- Green tea
A small serving of green tea can go a long way. It helps in keeping fatigue at bay and reduces stress and work-related fatigue. Green tea has high levels of polyphenols that reduce the signs of stress whilst boosting energy and improving mental clarity too.
The components of green tea also speed up metabolism and helps in the prevention of complications associated with long-term fatigue.
- Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium- a mineral the body needs for effective conversion of sugars into energy. Other vital nutrients found in bananas include Vitamin B, vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, and fiber. All of these elements solve fatigue-related symptoms including tiredness and dehydration.
The simple sugars in bananas deliver quick energy boosts all throughout the day.