General Article

Fatigue Busters

Too many people are running around like demented gerbils, constantly repeating the refrain “I’m so tired.” Excessive tiredness is the cause of over 40% of car accidents and more than that in work-related accidents. You could say we have an epidemic of fatigue. So what can we do about it? Well first, get it diagnosed; fatigue can be the forerunner of disease. If the problem is a too-busy schedule, the solution is easier: drop a bunch of stuff out of the schedule. Stop trying to do so many things that there is not adequate time for rest.

Rest is key to ending fatigue and good recuperative rest is vitally important to health. Children and animals are good examples of what a good night’s sleep can do for one-they bounce around after waking up, full of energy and rarin’ to get about the day’s business of fun. Somewhere around our teenage years most people start to lose that restful energy replenishment. As school and job worries stack up we sacrifice our health in order to get more done. Things as simple as a tonsillectomy can cause of drop of 5% in our energy levels… permanently (too bad this was common practice before studies were done to show this deleterious effect).

Simple fatigue busters are what should be obvious by now: get some good sleep and take breaks throughout the day. Instead of eating that processed food/high carbohydrate lunch, go meditate for 30 minutes and eat a salad. Take a good multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement (realize that cheap equals useless in the vitamin world). Take time to have fun-a foreign concept to too many people these days. Concentrate on one hobby or sports activity and get really good at it before taking on another.

Take time to plan out the schedule for the next day, including the clothes to be worn. It takes far less time to decide what to wear if done while awake; morning choices can not only be wrong but also involve too much indecision. Making a good healthy lunch the night before also cuts time off the next day and automatically reduces stress. The fewer decisions one has to make at the start of the day, the less stress one is starting the day with. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.

Scheduling some ‘me time’ is really important too, especially for busy women with families. Take a hint from men: create a woman-cave and use it every day. Included in the woman-cave is a telephone to call a girl friend at the end of the day. Women need to talk… to share both frustrations and ideas. Sharing is an automatic stress-buster for women. Men, on the other hand, need to be left alone when they come home, for at least an hour. In both cases, we need a little time to shift gears and ease into the home life; to de-stress and disconnect from the busy day.

Find something that helps you to de-stress, whether that be listening to music, meditating, talking to others, watching television, or just sitting quietly in Nature. Find what works for you and use it on a daily basis; your life will be better for it and certainly less stressful. If you are one who just can’t relax, go take some lessons from someone who can teach that vital skill to you. Stop with the “but you don’t understand… I can’t take the time” and just do it. YOU are the only one who can make the changes necessary for a less stressful life.

A�2010 Dr.Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved…

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Fact Or Fiction?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a misunderstood disease that causes a person to feel extremely fatigued, continuously. Everyone has woken up to a day where they never felt like they could get their energy in line. CFS is much different because it is way more serious and complex. It affects life continuously, for weeks or years, rather than a single day. Getting a good nights sleep will not make chronic fatigue syndrome go away. It continues to get worse with each passing day.

This disease should not be underrated. A person suffering from it has trouble doing normal daily tasks and stops enjoying things that they once did.

A good way to understand CFS would be to compare it to a hangover that never stops. It makes it really hard to concentrate, causes listlessness, wears your body down and causes pain for no apparent reason. There is no medicine that you can take to make all of this go away. It just drones at you day in and day out.

The doctors have not found a way to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. A diagnosis only comes when they have ruled out all other possible problems.

When you go into the doctor they will need to look at your complete medical history and give you a thorough physical exam. They will perform a variety of tests to rule out other medical conditions. If your fatigue and symptoms have been recurring for more than six months and are seriously hindering your ability to live life then a CFS diagnosis might be given.

It is very common for those suffering from CFS to go through life without a diagnosis. The symptoms can be really vague and often believed to be a psychological problem. In these cases, the individual is often dealt a devastating blow because of the impact that CFS is already having on their lives.

There is no definite cause of chronic fatigue syndrome but it has been linked to several other medical conditions such as: past infection, anemia, immune deficiency, toxins in the environment, candidiasis and allergic reactions.

Most doctors agree that CFS is not a made up disease and exists despite their inability to pinpoint an exact cause.

There are several herbs that can give you a bit of your life back if you are suffering from CFS. Siberian Ginseng, Centella Asiatica and Extract of Olive Leaf are natures way of boosting energy and defeating fatigue. Unlike the prescriptions you are likely to receive from the doctor they are not addictive and do not have side effects. Even if you are not dealing with CFS, using these herbs can really help you get through the busy life we all lead in the west.…

What To Consider When Searching For Weight Loss Programs For Women

While it is always nice to have options, it can be a bit intimidating shopping for weight loss programs for women. There are hundreds of different programs, models, products, diets and workout routines to look over which can make things complicated. For this reason, here are some simple tips to stick by when picking out your ideal weight loss program.

Above all it is important you go with a weight loss program you are most comfortable with. Losing weight is by no means a walk in the park, so staying comfortable throughout is vital. Some people want a support group while others want to follow something on their own. Find a program that meets your needs and wants.

As you begin looking at the diet itself, select one that is based on real foods rather than manufactured foods like shakes, bars and packaged mini-meals. While these kinds of foods are convenient, it will ultimately only take you through the diet. Learning to cook healthy and nutritious food can set you up for a terrific future.

Some weight loss programs for women will include diet pills, but this is the last thing you want to put into your body. Over-the-counter weight loss supplements can potentially interact with other drugs you are taking leading to health risks. Some will act as a diuretic which leads to dehydration. The only time you want to consider dietary pills is if a doctor or nutritionist recommends them.

Fad diets are all over the TV, internet and magazines. The problem is a majority of them are not healthy. Some will have you only eating one type of food like cabbage or will have you avoiding something like carbohydrates or fats altogether. To get the most out of a diet and program, having a balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and fiber is important.

Outside of the program itself, the lifestyle you live will have a big impact on the results you see as well. It is important the program is flexible with the life you live so that you can fulfill every last piece of it. Make sure you can take it with you on vacations, during those quick lunch breaks for work, or while socializing.

Also, look into weight loss programs for women that promote a healthy lifestyle. While the diet is important, so too is exercise, stress management, and any triggers that lead to overeating.

Most of all, make sure you have ongoing support throughout as this will keep your head straight and your eyes focused on the end result which is your goal weight and figure.…

Fatigue and Tiredness – Do You Feel Fatigued? This Could Be Why!

Do you experience fatigue and tiredness? Do you always feel fatigued? You may be surprised by what is causing that fatigue; the reasons listed herein could be why!

Many people each day are being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome also known as CFS, and even though doctors and other health care professionals are not exactly sure why people get CFS; they still diagnose their patients as sufferers of this disorder. The purpose of this article will be to explore possible alternative causes of chronic fatigue syndrome in people; please bear in mind that this article will take a holistic or homeopathic approach to these causes instead of those easily recognized by conventional medicines.

There are three possible suspects in the creation or development of CFS in people, they include the following:

Suspect #1: Fungal Overgrowth – This is most common when people have an overgrowth of candida yeast in their body creating a fungal infection. This usually tends to happen to those people who find them constantly on antibiotics for prolonged periods of time. Having an overgrowth of this type of fungal can lead to a slowing of the adrenal glands and wear down the protection of the immune system, which allows for CFS to sneak in when least expected.

Suspect #2: Metal Poisoning – This type of poisoning comes from the heavy metals that most people come into contact on a regular basis and do not even realize it; these heavy metals include ones such as lead, arsenic and mercury. The toxins in these types of metals affect the body by attacking the immune system, lowering it, and the adrenal glands causing them to slow down or halt production. Again, much like with the fungal infections, these metals lower a person’s system enough that chronic fatigue can slip in creating a deeper underlying problem.

Suspect #3: Parasite Infestations – This type of infestation is caused by the parasites that everyone comes into contact daily; most are ingested without prior knowledge through food and drink. By eating out at restaurants, fast food joints, eating a lot of meat or raw fish such as sushi, and by drinking water from a faucet can give a person a parasitic infection. Parasites are those microorganisms that attach themselves to a host organism, feeding off their nutrients and resources, sapping the body’s natural energy reserves; allowing CFS to set in.

Of course the main symptoms are those that mirror the symptoms that accompany an illness such as the flu, a common cold, and a number of other health problems, making CFS very hard to diagnose. But if you find that you have been treated for every possible illness and the symptoms are still present then there is a good chance that you suffer from one or more of the three culprits mentioned above. Starting natural cleanses specially designed to cleanse these things from your system and seeking out a doctor who will listen to your suspicions and test accordingly, can help eliminate the above pests from your system reversing the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome in your body.…

Increase Your Energy With These Easy Lifestyle Tips

Are you tired of feeling tired all the time? Perhaps you are constantly dragging at work or you feel sleepy at home all the time. While fatigue can be a sign of physical problems in some cases, often a lack of energy can be a result of your lifestyle. The good news is that you can start making some lifestyle changes that will help you overcome fatigue and increase your energy. Here are a few great lifestyle tips you need to start following if you want more energy.

Tip #1 – Start Sleeping More

One of the main causes of low energy is not getting the sleep that you need. You may be sleep deprived, even if you do not realize it. It is a good rule of thumb to aim for about eight hours each night. If you find that you are sleeping in very late each weekend, it probably means you are not sleeping enough at other times.

Tip #2 – Drink Plenty of Water

Irritability and fatigue can be signs that you are dehydrated. Even if you do not feel that you are thirsty, it does not mean that you have been drinking enough. When you start feeling thirsty, you have already become dehydrated. As a general rule, 64 ounces of water a day should be a goal. However, some people need even more. Some suggest that you drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should be taking in about 80 ounces of water a day. Start drinking plenty of water and you will beat dehydration and increase your energy levels.

Tip #3 – Get Moving

It is also important that you start moving if you want to ramp up your energy levels. Having to sit all day can make you feel tired and it can lead to a lifestyle of inactivity as well. Make yourself get out and do something active. It can be as simple as taking a walk, getting some moves in with Wii Fitness, or playing a sport with your kids. The more you get active, the less fatigue you will deal with.

Tip #4 – Start Eating Right

If you are not eating right, you may not be getting the nutrition that you need, which can lead to the fatigue. Also, if you are eating too much and gaining weight, extra weight can zap your energy. Simply starting to eat right can help you to lose some weight, which will give you more energy. Healthy eating habits will also ensure that you are getting the nutrients that your body needs, which should eliminate some of the fatigue as well. Make sure you are adding plenty of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins to your diet for the best results. Try to avoid as many processed foods as possible, since they spike blood sugar and then can leave you with a low later, making you feel fatigued.…

Struggling From a Tired Body? Learn Why a Sluggish Bowel Creates a Sluggish Body!

Do you have days when your whole body is just aching with tiredness? You feel so weak and exhausted that you can barely drag your tired body out of bed when the alarm goes off? Then you need to take a good look at what’s coming out the other end, because a sluggish bowel creates a sluggish body.

Now as you sit here and read this article you’re probably thinking “I really don’t want to know what’s coming out the other end of my body” – but you should. Because even though bowel movements are probably not your usual topic of conversation (especially at the dinner table), they are a good representation of your inner health and why you’re prone to having a tired body.

You see, by having a “complete and satisfying” bowel movement in the morning – it will actually help you achieve a higher level of energy. Whereas if your bowel is over-burdened and blocked up, then it’s actually preventing your body from being able to absorb essential vitamins and minerals from the food that you’re eating.

In fact this is also one of the reasons why so many people get sick. Their bodies are so clogged up from all of the processed and toxic food that they’ve eaten over the years – that they’re depleted of nutrition, or more simply – severely malnourished.

Unbelievable given that we live in a world that has an abundant supply of fresh food.

But the real problem is that we’re choosing to eat all of the wrong foods which have very little fibre and very little nutritional value – plus we’re eating way too much of these types of foods.

You see, the fibre in food is an important bulking agent to the stool, because it aids in the elimination of waste materials from the colon. We actually need between 30-50g of fibre every day, and to put this in to perspective; three cups of steamed vegetables contains 10g of fibre.

So if you want to transform yourself from having a tired body into one that feels more energetic and radiant, then you need to look after your bowels.

Make sure that you’re having a high-fibre diet; drinking at least 1.5 – 2 litres of water a day; consuming sufficient essential fatty acids (EFAs) for lubrication (yikes, sorry to get so specific here); and incorporate regular, brisk exercise as a part of your daily lifestyle.

Oh, and another way to boost your bowels into action is by having a glass of warm water with lemon juice first thing in the morning. This aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from your body so much easier.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a heck of a lot less tired just thinking about that!…

Effective Fatigue Stress Relievers

Everyone may feel stressed out and fatigue sets in especially at the end of a hard day of work. Extra activities for your family may not be performed at all since you are mentally and physically worn out.

This is the reason why fatigue stress relief is essential for you to lighten up the day and go on with your daily and activities. Here are some the top body fatigue remedies you can apply to level up your energy again.

Talk to your doctor

The first thing you have to do is to consult with your doctor. In this way, you will be advised regarding the ways on fatigue stress relief. Besides these, you will also be subjected to a general check up to see if you have underlying conditions besides being stressed out.

It is also best to relate your problems to the doctor. Medication can be prescribed as a part of your body fatigue remedies.

Sleep well

Another way fatigue stress relief is to sleep early. Having ample sleep will relax your body and mind. Also, your energy will be replenished as you wake up in the morning. You can also have a hot shower prior to sleeping. In this way, your body will be refreshed and you will have a good night of sleep.

Eat well

Eating the right kind of food will supply you with vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Fruits and vegetables are essential since these are rich with the proper nutrients. Keep in mind that you may not have enough nutrients in your body that is why fatigue sets in so eat well and have a fatigue stress relief.

Food supplements can also be good to take away stress because these supplements contain vitamins and minerals. Just make sure that the supplements you purchase are approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

Move your body

Keep in mind that fatigue and stress can sometimes have other conditions like heart problems and diabetes. This is the reason why you should also have exercise on your daily lists.

Exercise will improve your ability to work faster and your heart, lungs and other organs will also be “pumped out”. Other exercise methods can also be implemented to take away stress and fatigue. It can be Yoga, Tai chi and dancing as well.

Control

Learning to control your emotions especially when you are stressed out is very effective. Keep in mind that everything can be surpassed once you are focused. Slowly breathe in and breathe out. Feel your senses and focus on the things that will help calm you down. You will surely feel the effect of being relaxed

Although fatigue and stress can’t be avoided at times, it is a good idea to balance it. Everything should be organized and planned. Body fatigue remedies will surely be attained once you are in control.

These are the top ways on how to have fatigue stress relief. Enhance your well being and take away fatigue and stress in your body.…