We are all tired!

Thabazimbi – As 2021 is drawing to an end, people easily experience end-of-year fatigue. Many have reported that this year was exceptionally tough – or even the worst ever.

Times have changed, and Covid-19 is not making things better. But what if this extreme tiredness is not just because it’s this time of the year...?

Platinum Bushvelder spoke to doctor Anell Groenewald on what you can do to curb extreme tiredness and the reasons behind chronic fatigue…

Medical causes:

• Bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.
• Malignant conditions like cancer.
• Endocrine abnormalities such as an underactive thyroid gland.
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus.
• Psychiatric conditions such as major depression and anxiety disorders.
• Organ failure such as heart and kidney failure.
• Low blood pressure.

Lifestyle: Factors that promote fatigue

• Poor, interrupted and too little sleep.
• Sleep apnoea is a condition in which the tongue falls back into your throat during sleep and blocks the airway. The person wakes up from time to time, in an attempt to keep his airway open and breathe.
• Caffeine in coffee, tea, coke and energy drinks are stimulants that can keep a person awake at night.
• Screen time at night (computer, TV and cell phone screens), causes a decrease in melatonin (a substance that naturally increases when it gets dark and makes one feel drowsy) which causes you to struggle to fall asleep.
• Stress causes your body to secrete adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline is also known as the ‘fight-or-flight hormone’. It’s released in response to a stressful, exciting, dangerous, or threatening situation and prevents you from sleeping peacefully.

Diet
A diet high in sugar and refined starch can make you feel moody, drained of energy, and quickly hungry again. In contrast, a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins are a definite energy injection. Try to eliminate sugar and feel the difference.

Dehydration
Vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding, excessive sweating and too little fluid intake will cause dehydration and leave you feeling drained. Try to take in two litres of fluids daily, especially in summer.
Chronic medication
Some medications cause fatigue as a side effect.

Environmental factors
In Thabazimbi, the heat definitely plays a role in people’s energy levels. Heavy metal poisoning due to heavy metals in water and mercury in tooth fillings can also present with fatigue, among other things.

Poor absorption of vitamins and minerals
Some chronic medications cause ingested vitamins to not be adequately absorbed. We see this especially in diabetics and long-term use of birth control pills. Soft drinks and tea also lessen the absorption of iron. Intravenous vitamin therapy is extremely beneficial in these cases.

Intake of toxins
Alcohol, nicotine, drugs and caffeine only provide energy for a short period of time. Once it is depleted in can certainly cause chronic fatigue.
Lack of exercise
The fitter you are, the more energy you have. Make exercise a part of your weekly routine.

Too little off time and too little vacation
You are not a machine. If you don’t make time to recharge and enjoy other activities besides work, you will eventually burn out. Chronic fatigue is a symptom of burnout.

Thoughts

Thoughts are extremely important. If you have chronically negative and ungodly thoughts, you will be tired, tense and depressed.

Examples are thoughts of unforgiveness and bitterness, thoughts that you are rejected by others and are not good enough. Fearful thoughts or thoughts that South Africa is perishing and that there is no hope for its people…

Positive, divine thoughts are developed by spending time in the word of God and in prayer, with Him. Choose to meditate on God’s words and promises. 

Isaiah 40: 29-31: He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 
Rom.8: 31: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  
John 10:28: And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.. 
Such thoughts make one excited and cheerful. Proverbs 17:22 says: “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” 
Choose today to think positively and divinely…. It changes one’s life.

Do not let chronic fatigue overwhelm you. Please visit your doctor to rule out medical causes. Also, research your lifestyle and avoid toxic habits.

To book your appointment for intravenous vitamin therapy to assist with fatigue contact doctor Groenewald on  014 777 1037.

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