As one of the leading health complaints fielded in medical practice today, most of us are no strangers to fatigue. Nearly everyone knows what it feels like to be overtired from a grueling, non-stop schedule. Luckily, a good night sleep serves as an instant remedy for some occasionally tired folk. Unfortunately, a good night sleep may seem unattainable for certain people – and even if peaceful slumber is achieved, it may not be enough to relieve everybody’s fatigue. In these situations, looking at the body’s cells’ responsibility in energy production can produce some extremely effective solutions for exhaustion.
Ruling Out Fatigue Causes
Supporting the cell’s production of energy can help relieve many tiredness cases. However, ruling out a physiological or psychological medical problem takes priority in cases of extreme exhaustion. Thus, consulting with an appropriate healthcare provider about severe fatigue is an important first step when attempting to recover energy levels.
Despite being a common symptom of poorly nourished cells, fatigue could be a sign of a medical problem requiring treatment. Some examples of illnesses that could cause fatigue include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Liver or kidney failure
- Anemia
- Cancer
- Heart or lung disease
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes or obesity
In addition, some medications can cause fatigue. Examples may include:
- Prescription pain medications
- Allergy medications
- Heart and blood pressure medications
- Depression medications
Upon consulting with a physician to rule out these (or similar illnesses) and a medication side-effect, fatigue sufferers can start thinking about cellular fortification to restore their energy levels.
Cellular Dysfunction and Fortification
When the supply of energy fails to meet demand, cellular dysfunction could be the culprit. The microscopic building blocks of our body, our cells primarily produce energy by breaking down glucose. Known as the cell’s powerhouse, the mitochondria is where a majority of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – one of our body’s most important energy-producing compounds – is made. As such, cells with higher energy demands will have more mitochondria. Identified by insufficient ATP, experts believe fatigue can be the result of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when cells are harmed. Examples of practices that encourage cellular harm include:
- Cigarette smoke; firsthand or secondhand
- Drinking alcohol
- Inhaling or ingesting toxic chemicals
- Dietary consumption of processed and fatty foods
- Dehydration
- Inactivity
8 Ways to Fight Fatigue
In order to fight fatigue, ramping up ATP production involves protecting and supporting the cells’ mitochondrion. Eight strategies to accomplish this include:
- Minimizing exposure to harmful practices such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, toxins, processed and fatty foods.
- Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration, because the cells require significant amounts of water to function properly.
- Getting regular exercise to stimulate movement in the body’s tissues.
- Getting enough of the B vitamins – B-2 supports energy metabolism, B-3 and B-6 aid in ATP production, B-5 helps form a necessary mitochondria enzyme and B-12 is essential for the delivery of oxygen to the body’s cells.
- Ingesting vitamin C, because this antioxidant protects cells from damage.
- Taking inositol because this simple carbohydrate helps preserve the integrity of cell membranes.
- Supplementing with milk thistle because this potent antioxidant strengthens the outer wall of liver cells, which are crucial for making and storing energy.
- Prioritizing getting enough sleep, as this is when cellular repair occurs.
Although fatigue is extremely common, it can also point to an underlying illness that needs to be addressed. If medical treatment or changing medications is not necessary, taking care of the structures that manufacture energy could effectively reduce fatigue. Avoiding practices that can harm cells and their mitochondrion is one step toward relieving fatigue; but going the extra mile by supporting your cells’ ability to make ATP can lead those who are tired to a renewed sense of energy and strength.
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