Feeling Fatigue and the Food Connection

Many of us feel fatigue and contribute it to working a full day at the office, or running around after kids all day. What if there was a connection to what we put into our mouths and the fatigue we felt at any time of the day? The fatigue we speak of is not Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - that is something different. We are talking about the kind of fatigue that you feel sporadically and not long-term.

When we feel fatigue, it is a symptom not a disease. It is one way our body has of talking to us and letting us know that there is something in our lifestyle that is hurting us or perhaps something going on at a cellular level within our body that we need to pay attention to.

There is a definite connection to the energy capacity our bodies exhibit and the presence of disease within the body. Look at any 3 yr. old who is normally a dynamo of energy and one day you see him just lying around not doing anything. That is when you know you need to pay attention to see if he has a fever or other ailment symptom. The energy level change is usually your first clue that he is not feeling well. This should also be an indication for the adult as well. It is just that we notice it more, when the change in energy level happens to a child. We pay attention more to their energy level because it is so obvious. We need to be more aware of our own energy level and what it is telling us about our lifestyle, including what we eat.

Making healthier food choices should improve our overall energy level unless there is a underlying disease that is the cause of the drop in level.

To help keep our body healthy and the energy level where it should be for maximum function, certain foods are better than others to have on our daily menu.

Healthy foods for energy:

Fruits and vegetables that have been organically grown and then washed before serving.

Onions and garlic added to the foods we prepare or eaten raw.

Extra virgin olive oil that has been cold pressed.

Cold water fish such as cod, halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon and tuna because they contain omega-3 fatty oils.

Nuts and seeds

Foods to avoid when improving your energy level:

Foods that are high in glycemic index carbohydrates such as:

Candy, pastries, sweets and also beverages that are stimulants like coffees and espresso & soft drinks as well as black tea.

It is also wise to avoid saturated and trans fats.

The saying, “You are what you eat” is becoming a popular reminder to be careful of what you put into your mouth and to eat in moderation. More people are coming to realize that what we breathe, eat and drink has a direct impact on how our bodies grow and function.