If you have been consistently feeling tired, energy-deprived and sluggish, you might want to take a look at what you are eating. How you feel and behave majorly gets impacted by the kind of food you eat. If your body is unable to get its required amount of nutrients from your daily dietary intake, then the aftermath of that can be fatigue and subdued alertness.
There are several nutrient deficiencies that can cause fatigue. These deficiencies essentially occur when people cut down on major food groups. However, individuals who consume too much food but with very little nutritional backing (such as processed food and soda) can also suffer from fatigue and lower energy levels.
If you have been extremely tired lately, know what you are eating, and take a close look at the following deficiencies that can cause fatigue.
- Iron deficiency
An important component of iron is hemoglobin. Iron is tasked to carry oxygen throughout the body. If your body does not have enough oxygen, then it might feel tired very often. If there isn’t enough iron in your diet, your body won’t be able to make hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout your body. Iron is found in many food products. The most absorbable form of iron comes from meat products, whereas the lesser bioavailable form of iron is available in certain plant products such as lentils, spinach, and oats.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Since Vitamin B12 contributes to the health of our digestive system, blood supply, brain, and the nervous system, it automatically becomes one of the most important nutrients for energy. Food products packed with vitamin B12 include meat, eggs, and fish. Since vegans and vegetarians don’t consume such items, they might lack in Vitamin B12. To fulfill this deficiency, individuals can consume nutritional yeast and algae. However, if they are still lacking this vitamin they should rely on additional supplements.
- Potassium deficiency
One of the major reasons people suffer from fatigue might be because they are deficient in the mineral called potassium. As per experts, a low potassium level cannot just cause fatigue but can also cause diarrhea, diuretics, adrenal gland disorders, and more. If you are someone who indulges in rigorous works out practices, then you must heavily rely on energy supplements to make sure your body gets all it needs. Some natural causes that may dip your potassium levels include drinking too much alcohol or excessive sweating. Furthermore, a low potassium level can also weaken the muscles and make your body way too tired.
- Carb deficiency
As we have all known, carbohydrates feed the brain because they are the main fuel source for exercising. If your body does not have a sufficient amount of carbs, it will have to work doubly hard to convert other fuel sources to energy. Deficiency in carbs can cause severe fatigue, especially when you are working out. For all those bodybuilders who are looking to cut down curbs to gain muscle mass, taking the best pre-workout supplement can be very helpful. Other ways to consume carbs is by eating grains, fruits, certain vegetables, and dairy products.
- Magnesium
Low magnesium, due to poor dietary intake can cause fatigue. Besides, magnesium plays a key role in muscle function and is an essential component of energy consumption. Another reason why your body might not be able to absorb magnesium can be due to malabsorption, excess loss of magnesium, or presence of other chronic disorders such as Celiac’s disease, chronic diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, among other things. Some of the best sources of magnesium include leafy vegetables, nuts, dry beans, whole grains, seeds, and low-fat dairy products.
Nutrient-base foods such as healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins, provide our bodies with the most beneficial source of energy. Since these foods are packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they are perfect for your health and well-being.
Just in case you are feeling sluggish or tired throughout the day, now might be the time to consult with your general physician. Your doctor might either ask you to consult with a dietician or prescribe some additional multivitamins or energy supplements to help your body come back on track.