If you’re constantly feeling like you’re running on low energy, then you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, many regions have begun reporting fatigue due to the inconvenience and hardships of the Covid-19 pandemic. The term “pandemic fatigue” has circulated significantly and has become a struggle for health organizations to reinvigorate the public to continue following public guidelines for the pandemic. Because of the many factors that play into pandemic fatigue, we’re here to discuss fatigue at its core and how supplements may be a potential treatment for fatigue during this time.
How Fatigue, Energy, and Nutrients Connect
Fatigue circulates a lack of motivation and energy and is often surrounded by feelings of apathy and boredom. In many cases, it responds to physical stress, emotional stress, and lack of sleep and can be caused by many underlying mental and physical conditions. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a more chronic version of fatigue that lasts longer than six months and doesn’t resolve with rest. Because of the numerous causes, fatigue can come from, treating fatigue mainly involves understanding the patient’s underlying conditions.
Many of the body’s biological processes revolve around nutrients to keep the body functioning. When fatigue comes into play, nutrients can potentially be a treatment source for those suffering from comorbidity. According to an article published by the Nutrients peer-reviewed journal, the functional and psychological processes that produce fatigue are often caused by a lack of micronutrients. In energy-related concerns, the B vitamins are essential to cellular energy production, and that supplementation may alleviate fatigue by removing any potential deficiencies.
Our Recommendations For Vitamin Supplements
In some cases, vitamins can help supplement missing micronutrients the body needs to function and help relieve fatigue. However, in other instances in which underlying severe conditions such as anemia present themselves, supplementation may not always work. If interested in learning about vitamins, these essential nutrients can help your fatigue symptoms:
- Iron – Those who suffer from anemia have extreme versions of fatigue due to iron deficiencies. Iron helps the hemoglobin produce red blood cells to aid in oxygen production, and taking iron supplements can help restore that imbalance.
- Vitamin D – A vitamin D deficiency due to osteoporosis conditions can sap the bones and skin of their strength, leaving you in a constant state of fatigue. Replacing that lost nutrient with supplements can help your body absorb it better.
- Vitamin B12 – For producing healthy red blood cells, vitamin B12 also matters. For those older who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, lacking vitamin B12 can affect energy levels. Taking vitamin B12 supplements can boost your energy and remove your fatigue.
If you’re still unsure about what vitamins to take, visit your primary care physician, or if you’re local, call our office at the Alternative Health Center of The Woodlands to find out more!