What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a symptom, often it is fortunately nothing special, but sometimes it is the first sign of a more serious illness:- Decreased function of the glands
- Cancer
- An infection
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Causes of fatigue
Insufficient sleep
Sleep is an essential function of life. We need this period of physical rest and rehabilitation of the nervous system. Poorly rested brains are constantly recharged and work less efficiently after a while. We work slower and close the day with a to-do list. We are too tired to sleep and end up in a vicious circle. Try to work on your sleep hygiene to break this cycle.
Stress
Work pressure and the associated stress have become a daily element. This stress is the result of several accumulating causes:- bad atmosphere in the workplace
- harassment by superiors
- result-oriented work and staff reduction
- cancelled lunch
- sound pollution
- long commute and late arrival home
- household obligations
This constant pressure that gives the impression that you have never finished anything, that your time is being stolen, gives you stress. This stress puts continuous pressure on the nervous system, which ultimately results in fatigue.
Overworked muscles
In strength athletes, but also athletes in general and manual workers, the muscles are often overloaded for a long time. The accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle can acidify the entire body. This manifests itself in fatigue.
Sugar problem
If we eat food with fast sugars, the glucose level in the blood will rise very quickly. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and lowers blood sugar by storing glycogen in the liver. When this storehouse is full, glucose will be converted into fats. This spike in blood sugar -- and the subsequent glucose drop -- leaves you feeling exhausted. Craving for quick energy, you instinctively reach for another serving of refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a vicious cycle. As an energy source, choose carbohydrates with slow sugars.
Dehydration
Drinking enough is important. Moisture is an important co-factor in the transport of our nutrients. Every day we lose fluid through urine, breathing and sweating. Even mild dehydration can reduce energy levels and alertness. Make sure you drink enough to replace fluids lost during the day.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, stored in the mitochondria, is a compound that helps generate energy in the cells. The mitochondria are responsible for producing energy. They also protect cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing bacteria or viruses. Your body produces CoQ10 naturally, but production tends to decline with age. Some other causes of CoQ10 deficiency are:- Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B6 deficiency
- Genetic defects in CoQ10 synthesis or utilization
- Increased needs for CoQ10 due to illness
- Mitochondrial diseases
- Oxidative stress due to aging
- Side effects of statin treatments
