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10 Dietary Tips for Fatigue: Energy-Boosting Foods to Help You Feel Refreshed

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What is Fatigue? Have you ever felt like no matter how much rest and sleep you get, you still feel very tired and exhausted? This is referred to as ‘fatigue’, which is an extreme lack of energy that doesn’t go away easily. Definitely, at this time of year, when we have all had a long, sunless winter, fatigue can be at its worst. Diet can play a major part in influencing how tired or energized you feel. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the effects of diet on fatigue and ways to boost your energy levels through healthy eating habits. In addition to other factors, fatigue can also be caused by stress, lack of sleep, medications and poor health. All of which should not be overlooked.     Importance of a Balanced Diet for Fatigue Macronutrients are the cornerstone of nutrition and an essential part of a healthy diet. They provide energy to the body and form the basis for our physiological functions. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are necessary for growth, development, and maintaining normal bodily functions. Each macronutrient has its own unique role in the body and it is important to get them in the right balance for optimal health. Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health. The Basics – Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy and fibre. Proteins help repair and build muscle tissue and assist hormones. Fats provide a slow-burning source of energy and are essential for cellular activity. Eating foods from each group in the right proportions can help to ensure that all your nutritional needs are being met alongside essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and more. Hydration for Fatigue Water is essential for many of the body’s functions, including maintaining energy levels. Water is essential for the functioning of the human body and plays an important role in keeping energy levels up. It involves many of the body’s processes, such as transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, regulating temperature, eliminating waste, and lubricating joints. Additionally, water helps to increase alertness and enhances concentration. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to stay well hydrated in order to maintain healthy energy levels throughout their day. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, so it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim to drink 250ml x 6 glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or in a hot environment. Energy Boosting Foods Complex Carbohydrates for Fatigue Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide slow-burning energy that can help prevent fatigue throughout the day. These foods are also high in dietary fibre, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Eating complex carbohydrates can also help reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Protein for Fatigue When consumed, protein helps build and repair muscle tissue, aids in digestion and helps regulate hormones. It also provides the body with energy, as it is broken down into amino acids which can be used to create ATP (energy). Consuming adequate amounts of protein can help boost energy levels by providing your body with the necessary building blocks to produce ATP. Some of the best sources of dietary protein include eggs, lean meats, legumes, dairy products, nuts, seeds and fish. These foods are not only high in protein but also provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy and energized throughout the day. Healthy Fats for Fatigue Eating the right kinds of fat is essential for overall health and wellness. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocado, nuts, and olive oil provide many essential nutrients that are beneficial for our bodies. They can help to reduce cholesterol levels, improve heart health and even aid in weight loss. In addition to providing important nutrients, incorporating these healthy fats into your daily meals can also help to make them more enjoyable and satisfying. Iron for Fatigue Iron plays an essential role in the body, serving many important functions. It helps with energy production, muscle formation, and oxygen transport throughout the body. Eating a diet rich in iron is essential to maintaining adequate levels of iron in the body. Foods that are particularly high in iron include red meat, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, beans and legumes, fortified cereals and grains, nuts and seeds, and fruits like prunes or raisins. Meals and snacks made from these foods can be a great way to get your daily dose of iron.  Vitamin B12 for Fatigue Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells, proper neurological functioning, and healthy metabolism. It is found in a variety of foods such as fish, eggs, dairy products and certain fortified cereals. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin B12 can help prevent deficiencies and ensure that our bodies are receiving the essential nutrients needed to maintain health and well-being. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement to ensure you get enough of this essential vitamin. Vitamin D for Fatigue Vitamin D is a key nutrient it is a fat-soluble vitamin and a hormone. It has been found to be beneficial in combating fatigue, as it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are important for energy production. Vitamin D also helps regulate mood, improve sleep quality, and even reduce the risk of certain diseases. It is made by the skin from the sun or can be found in a small range of foods including oily fish, egg yolks and mushrooms. By making sure we get enough of this essential vitamin through dietary sources or supplements, we can make sure our bodies are functioning at their best and combat fatigue effectively. Fatigue -What to reduce or avoid Fatigue and Caffeine Caffeine and sugar are two of the most popular substances consumed daily around the world. Caffeine is a stimulant that can help improve mental alertness and

Manage Stress to Better Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

stress and IBS

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) and How Does Stress Impact It? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that affects an estimated 10-15% of people worldwide. Stress has been identified as a major factor in the onset and exacerbation of IBS symptoms and it is definitely a trigger for the patients I see at my clinic when attending one of our super successful gut health programmes. This month has been awareness month for both IBS and Stress, so I thought I would bring the two together in my final blog for this month. As previously mentioned in my previous blogs IBS and Probiotics Irritable Bowel Syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. How does stress affect digestion? Studies have shown that stress can affect the way our bodies process food and how our digestive system functions, leading to an increase in abdominal pain and other IBS symptoms. Additionally, stress can cause changes in hormone levels which can further exacerbate IBS symptoms. It is important for people with IBS to take steps to reduce stress levels in order to manage their condition more effectively. The relationship between our brains and the digestive system is powerful, so it is not uncommon for changes in our emotional or psychological state to affect the way our gut works and could explain why we often feel ‘butterflies in the stomach’ when feeling anxious or stressed. The communication and feedback between the gut and the brain is known as the gut-brain axis. This network consists of two parts: The sympathetic nervous system, which manages fight-or-flight responses; and the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls repair, rest and digestion. It is believed that the enteric system functions as a third part to control the digestive system. This communication between the brain and the gut is referred to as ‘the gut-brain axis’, which helps connect emotional processes in the brain to the physical operations of our digestive system. Recent research has been able to establish the gut-brain axis, which is the connection between the two systems. Emotions can affect how your gut functions and vice versa. It’s important to note that although many digestive problems are related to mental health, not all of them are caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or changes in bowel movements. Gut Bacteria and Stress Did you know that having an imbalance in your gut bacteria is having an impact on your mental health? This is sadly not that well known, but with years of research and practice it is a major area that I have built into our programmes and is an important part of successful treatment. Certain bacteria can affect levels of anxiety or stress through activities in the digestive tract. A healthy balance of the ecosystem is necessary for our mental health and well-being, however when it is not balanced (dysbiosis) organisms like bacteria can lead to negative consequences. A recent large, most comprehensive and best-validated association study to date provides further evidence for an association between gut microbes and blood metabolites (generated by host and by microbes) in patients with Major depressive disorder (MDD). (1) They observed “that the genera Sellimonas, Eggerthella, Hungatella, and Lachnoclostridium were more abundant, while genera Ruminococcaceae…, Coprococcus, Lachnospiraceae…, Eubacterium ventriosum, Subdoligranulum, and family Ruminococcaceae were depleted in the guts of individuals with more symptoms of depression. Of these, genus Eggerthella showed statistical evidence of being involved in the causal pathway.” These microbes are involved in synthesising important neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, butyrate, glutamate, and serotonin. It is known that Butyrate can influence depression through several routes — ie, via immune regulation, genomic transcript/translation, and/or affecting energy metabolism. So this is really critical for health to ensure these pathways are optimised. 3 Tips for Identifying & Reducing Sources of Stress in Your Life Stress is a natural part of life and we all deal with it at different times in our day, week or life. It is normal and should not cause us problems. It can however become overwhelming if left unchecked. Identifying and reducing sources of stress in your life is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. There are many levels of stress and many ways to address. Here are 3 simple tips to help you identify and reduce the sources of stress in your life. One way is to take time to reflect on what is causing you stress. This could be anything from work or family pressures to financial concerns or relationship issues. Once you’ve identified the source, think about how you can reduce it. This could involve making lifestyle changes. Such as exercising more or taking up a hobby, or seeking professional help if needed. Second, get into the habit of practising mindful living by being aware of how your thoughts and actions affect your emotions and overall well-being. Taking regular breaks throughout the day to relax and refocus will help keep stress levels low. Third, set realistic goals for yourself that are achievable within a reasonable timeframe. Setting unrealistic expectations will only add more pressure and increase feelings of helplessness. Dietary Changes & Supplements that Can Help with Stress & IBS Symptoms Making changes to your diet can not only help reduce stress levels but also lessen the severity of IBS symptoms. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, and limiting processed fat and sugars is important as well as avoiding specific trigger foods. These can help reduce stress levels and improve digestion. Our 6 week elimination programme combines these all for excellent results. Additionally, certain supplements such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B12 and zinc may be beneficial for those suffering from stress or IBS. By making key dietary changes and taking the right supplements specifically for you, you can experience improved overall health and well-being. We do a deep dive assessment for each patient that attends our practice. This allows 121 Dietitian programmes to be designed specifically for you, ensuring physical and mental health are addressed. Stress Management

Stevia: A Sweet and Healthy Alternative to Sugar

stevia leaves

Stevia Do you have a sweet tooth but worry about the negative health effects of sugar? You’re not alone. Many people are looking for healthier alternatives to sugar, and one of the most popular options is Stevia. Stevia is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in South America. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a sugar substitute due to its many health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore what Stevia is, how it’s used, and the benefits it offers. What is Stevia? Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. This plant is native to Paraguay and Brazil and has been used for centuries by indigenous people in these areas to sweeten tea and other foods. Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener that is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. It has a slightly different taste than sugar, but many people find it to be a pleasant and satisfying alternative. Steviol glycosides, don’t add calories or have an impact on blood glucose when ingested. Once they reach the colon, gut bacteria use the glucose molecules as fuel. This makes steviol glycosides an ideal choice for diabetics and those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing sweetness. Types of Stevia There are three main forms of stevia available on the market: liquid stevia extract, powdered stevia extract, and even whole stevia leaves. Each form has its own unique flavour and sweetness profile, making them ideal for different recipes and drinks. Additionally, each form has different levels of sweetness and health benefits, making them great options for those looking for a natural healthier alternative to sugar. How is Stevia used? Stevia can be used in many different ways as a sugar substitute. Here are some popular options: Benefits of Stevia: Cons of Stevia: FAQs: Q: Is Stevia safe? Yes, Stevia is considered safe for most people. It has been approved as a food additive in many countries. Q: Is Stevia suitable for baking? Yes, Stevia can be used in baking. However, as Stevia does not have the same chemical properties as sugar, some adjustments may need to be made to the recipe. Q: Does Stevia have any side effects? In general, Stevia is considered safe and has no significant side effects. However, some people may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas if using the store-bought versions. Conclusion: Stevia is a natural sweetener that offers a healthy and versatile alternative to sugar. It’s low in calories, has antioxidant properties, and may even help lower blood sugar and blood pressure. With its many benefits, it is certainly another option for you to consider in your wide and varied diet. There are many to choose from, here at 121 Dietitian we have found that NKD Living Stevia and Erythritol a good option to start with for flavour and ease of use. Do let us know if you have one you enjoy.   If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you. You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below     If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Do visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal.     If you are interested in how I overcame my Thyroid Autoimmune Condition do check out the About section below     Before you go please check out our 121 Dietitian Shop created specifically for optimising your health.     Gillian x