What is fatigue ?

Fatigue is a symptom, often it is nothing special, but sometimes it is the first sign of a more serious illness:

• Diminished function of the glands
• Cancer
• An infection
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

Causes of fatigue

Indequate sleep

Sleep is an essential function of life. We need this period of physical rest and rehabilitation of the nervous system. Badly rested brains are constantly recharged and after a while work less efficiently. We work slower and end the day with a to-do list. We are too tired to sleep and end up in a vicious circle. Try working on your sleep hygiene to break this cycle.

Stress

Workload and its associated stress have become a daily element. This stress is the result of various causes accumulating:

• bad atmosphere in the workplace
• intimidation by superiors
• result-oriented work and staff cuts
• lost lunch
• noise pollution
• long commutes and late arrivals home
• household obligations

This constant pressure that gives the impression that you never finish anything, that your time is being stolen, causes you stress. This stress puts constant pressure on the nervous system, which ultimately results in fatigue.

Overloaded muscles

For power athletes, but also sportsmen and women in general and manual workers, the muscles are often overloaded for a long time. The accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle can make the whole body acidic. This manifests itself in fatigue.

Sugar problem

If we eat food with quick sugars, the glucose level in the blood will rise very quickly. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and lowers the blood sugar level by storing glycogen in the liver. When this store is full, glucose will be converted into fat. This spike in blood sugar - and the subsequent glucose drop - leaves you feeling exhausted. Craving quick energy, you instinctively reach for another serving of refined carbohydrates, which can lead to a vicious circle. As a source of energy, choose carbohydrates with slow sugars.

Deshydration

Sufficient drinking is important. Moisture is an important co-factor in the transport of our nutrients. Every day we lose moisture through urine, breathing and sweating. Even mild dehydration can reduce energy levels and alertness. Make sure you drink enough to replace lost moisture during the day.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, stored in the mitochondria, is a compound that helps generate energy in 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 disease
• Mitochondrial diseases
• Oxidative stress from aging
• Side effects of statin treatments

CoQ10 is present in every cell of your body. However, the highest concentrations are found in organs with the highest energy demands, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver.