Home Remedies for Fatigue

Fatigue is a general feeling of extreme tiredness or weakness that will prevent you from performing ordinary tasks. Fatigue affects everyone differently. It makes you feel very tired and compels you to sleep. It may also accompany pain and sometimes can make you feel that you have little control over your life.

Causes of fatigue

Fatigue can be physical or emotional, and both have different causes.

Causes of physical fatigue:

• Lack of adequate sleep
• Health problems and other chronic diseases.
• Unfit physique
• Obesity
• Side effects of certain over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines or prescription drugs like blood pressure medications.

How is it diagnosed?

By asking about your daily routine your doctor may review your symptoms. He may also ask you about your work habits and environmental conditions. You might even have to take a physical exam and basic blood tests to rule out diseases that may cause fatigue.

Prevention of fatigue

There are certain ways in which you can prevent fatigue, they are:

• Spend more time to sleep or rest, particularly if you are working longer hours or doing more physical work.
• If you are overweight, take up a weight loss program after a physical exam by your doctor.
• Walk or exercise regularly 3 or 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes
• Include mineral and vitamin supplements in your diet as referred by your dietician.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet in 6 smaller meals daily to have a higher energy level. Include more complex carbohydrates such as rice and pasta, and reduce fat intake. Avoid foods containing sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
• Quit smoking.

Home remedies for fatigue

There are no home or herbal remedies for fatigue, because fatigue is more or less related to other health problems. However you can treat fatigue by following the health tips given below.

• Take a counselor’s help to learn how to express your feelings.
• Take up some deep breathing techniques and meditation to overcome stress.
• Get involved in a new hobby or creative project.
• Change your daily routine and spend more free time to enjoy things you like to do.

When to consult a doctor?

Sudden fatigue, inspite of adequate rest, may mean that you should consult your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you're extremely tired or unable to regain your energy after several weeks of increased rest. Medical causes of fatigue can include:

Anemia

This blood disorder resulting from a number of problems may cut off your blood's ability to transport oxygen, causing fatigue.

Cancer

A symptom of cancer is fatigue. A thorough checkup, including routine cancer screenings, can reassure you that you are not affected with cancer.

Diabetes

Diabetic patients also experience extreme fatigue. Other signs and symptoms of diabetes, in addition to fatigue, include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and recurring infections.

Medications

There are some medicines which make you feel tired. In such a case consult your doctor and ask him to review your prescription.

Thyroid problems

In this condition your thyroid gland fails to make or release enough thyroid hormone. Sluggishness, chronically cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin and a hoarse voice are the general symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormone. Too much hormone also can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, increased heart rate, nervousness and irritability.