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by Dana Ullman.
Symptoms that commonly accompany fatigue include the inability to think clearly, sleep disturbances, constipation, apathy, depression, swollen glands, and difficulty reading.
The One-Minute
(or so)
Healer
by Dana Ullman
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fatigue is a frustrating
condition; not only does it affect one's physical energy, but it affects one's
mental energy, too. Mental jogging becomes as difficult as physical jogging.
Symptoms that commonly accompany fatigue include the inability to think clearly,
sleep disturbances, constipation, apathy, depression, swollen glands, and
difficulty reading.
Chronic fatigue syndrome has
become one of the latest garbage-can diagnoses for various fatigue-related
health problems. Some physicians think that it is caused by the Epstein-Barr
virus; others think it's from the HBLV virus, and still others think that it's a
mixture or "cocktail" of several viruses.
Some fatigue syndromes have
nothing to do with viral infections, but could be the result of anemia, a
thyroid problem, or some other disease. And
some fatigue syndromes result from psychological problems, although in these
cases, it is difficult to determine if the psychological problem caused the
fatigue or vice versa.
Fatigue can be caused by
overexertion, but it can also result from under exertion. An overstressed athlete
is as likely to become as fatigued as a couch potato.
The fact that you've read this
far means that you're not a total basket case. Here are some strategies to get
you up, on your feet again, and raring to go.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The strategies
presented here are taken from the book: "The One Minute (or so)
Healer" by Dan Ullman, MPH. While we present 8 suggestions here, the book
contains 18 one-minute strategies for fatigue.)
Energy creates
energy
Exercise
may sound like an impossible dream when you're fatigued, but it does stimulate
circulation and metabolism. Regular exercise usually enhances energy, but be
careful not to exhaust yourself.
Take a cold shower
Taking a cold
shower will really wake you up! If you're not brave enough to take one, then
take a cold footbath, or simply splash your face with cold water.
Avoid cheap tricks
Drinking
coffee and eating sweets may give you short-term energy, but they can lead to
greater fatigue because these substances sap the adrenal glands and disrupt
blood-sugar levels. Stay away from these energy robbers.
Watch your protein
Fatigue can
result from having too much protein or too little. Make certain that you're getting
enough but not too much. One meal per day, maybe two at the most, should have a
food rich with protein. Meat and dairy products are sources of protein, but
there are healthier alternatives. You can get complete protein meals with less
fat by eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and seeds.
Herbal interferon
Echinacea is
an herb that has been proven effective in reducing viral activity. It also
stimulates the immune system, and some people with fatigue who take it have
noticed improved energy and stamina. Take 15 drops of Echinacea tincture three
times a day.
Consider super herbs
Ginseng and
ginkgo are two powerful herbs that tend to energize people. Because these are
usually expensive herbs, get standardized extracts of them so that you know
precisely what and how much you are getting of the herb.
Consider super foods
Spirulina
and bee pollen are nutrition-rich super foods. Some people claim that they get a
big boost in energy from them. Blend one teaspoon of each into a juice, or take
a couple capsules of each with a meal.
Take your job and love
it
If
you truly love your work, it can be the best energizer for you. Anything that
gives your life purpose and meaning is highly therapeutic. If you're unable to
change jobs and work at something you really feel passionate about, find
something in your job that you love.
This
article was
excerpted from
"The One Minute
(or so) Healer"
by
Dan Ullman, MPH
Info/Order this book
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