If you have been suffering from fatigue and low energy, you most likely have experienced years of frustration trying to find relief from this unremitting problem. You may have had numerous doctor visits and undergone lab tests which may not have given you the missing piece to the puzzle. So you continue to suffer thinking “maybe it is all in my head”.  In your ongoing efforts to take care of everyone around you, you fail to heed the warning signals your body is sending and you just keep trudging onward. Before you know it, months turn into years and this problem has become a part of your life, one that you readily accept as “normal”.  Fatigue and low energy can be caused by many conditions such as thyroid disease, anemia, infections, depression, nutritional deficiencies, cancer, diabetes and hormonal imbalances, to name a few. Investigating all possible conditions related to fatigue will rule out any underlying factors that may be contributing to the problem.

In the meantime, by taking the following steps one by one, the body can receive the boost it needs.

1. Detox:  Each year the average person in North America is exposed to 14 pounds of food preservatives, pesticide and herbicide residues. The toxic load on our bodies is increasing every year. If not eliminated, the toxic substances stored in our bodies have detrimental health effects and can lead to chronic disease and cancer.

The following are some symptoms that can be associated with an over-burdened body:

• Headache, Digestive symptoms, Skin conditions, Low energy, Allergies Frequent colds, Weight gain, Muscle aches/Joint pain, Fatigue, Fogginess   

2. Nutrition: A healthy intestine is vigilant against undesirable pathogens and toxins. One that is overburdened and compromised fails to perform its immune defensive role and may start contributing to the emergence of an autoimmune illness or other chronic disease. By maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in organic fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, our bodies will respond with health, vitality and increased energy. Be sure to include plenty of the following superfoods such as blueberries, avocados, beans, broccoli, nut butters, whole grains, apples, Asian mushrooms, brown rice, carrots, flax seeds, garlic, green tea, berries and ginger.

3. Digestion: When our digestive systems fail to function properly, our food will not be digested and the nutrients will be lost. We can then be left with symptoms of gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements, cramping and a general feeling of ill-health. As we age, our bodies do not produce enough digestive enzymes and our “good bacteria” fails to thrive. By regularly supplementing with a digestive enzyme and probiotics, we will then be able to absorb our nutrients, digest food properly and regulate bowel movements. As our digestive systems become balanced, energy will be restored to the rest of the body. 

4. Exercise: Often we feel too tired to exercise, but exercise will give us the extra vitality we need to get the most out of the day. Start with a daily walk and slowly increase the pace and length. Having a walking or work-out buddy or signing up for a class will make you accountable to someone and you will be more likely to achieve your goal.

5. Nutrients: Even with the best diet, we still require the addition of certain supplements for optimal health. A few key supplements for improved energy are:

·         Multivitamins to correct and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

·         B-vitamins to support the nervous system and adrenal glands, specifically a B-complex with additional sublingual B12.

·         Antioxidants to slow the ageing process prevent chronic disease and reduce free radical damage.

·         Stress vitamins to support your adrenal glands (stress glands) and enhance your body’s ability to withstand stress.

Following these 5 simple steps will boost your energy and vitality.