Extreme fatigue interrupts the lives of millions of people each day. Beyond feeling tired after missing a good night’s rest, those with extreme fatigue know that this is a serious symptom that can also lead to other health issues, such as migraine headaches, chronic pain and depression. Though the causes of fatigue vary, natural cures and home remedies have been very useful for those suffering its devastating affects. In determining a fatigue cure, it is helpful to first understand what extreme fatigue is, explore some of its causes and discuss a few of the best-recommended home remedies for fatigue.
Definition
Often referred to as exhaustion, extreme fatigue is characterized by a lack of energy and is a symptom of several other possible underlying conditions. This should not be confused with simply being sleepy, although drowsiness does often accompany extreme fatigue. It is estimated that as many as 20% of Americans suffer from the symptoms of extreme fatigue, which greatly reduces their quality of life.
Extreme Fatigue Causes
The causes of extreme fatigue vary among individuals. For some, there is a physical cause, while others experience exhaustion due to emotional factors. The following are a few of the more specific causes of fatigue:
- Prolonged stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
- Anemia
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Obesity
- Heart conditions
- Lung disease
- Adrenal overload
- Work overload
- Grief
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep apnea
- Lack of sleep
- Too much sleep
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive exercise
- Alcohol consumption
- Excessive caffeine consumption (a known culprit of adrenal fatigue)
- Neurological disorders
- Blood sugar imbalances
- High or low blood pressure
- Cancer
- Thyroid problems
- Addison disease
- Cushing disease
- Immune system disorders and diseases
- Infections
- Connective tissue disorders
- Certain prescription and over the counter medications
Extreme Fatigue Symptoms
Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of extreme fatigue include:
- Exhaustion
- Weakness
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Mental confusion
- Irritability
- Depression
- Mood swings
Extreme Fatigue Remedies
Home cures for fatigue have been effectively used for. Besides getting more rest and allowing for at least eight hours of sleep each night, anyone suffering from any of the above symptoms is encouraged to try the following natural cures and home remedies for fatigue:
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes four days each week
- Meditate, pray or be silent for at least 30 minutes before bedtime
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid all processed foods
- Eat between five and six small, healthy meals each day
- Increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables
When the symptoms of fatigue are first realized, many report that it is helpful to drink lemon juice combined with grapefruit juice. Other suggested herbal home remedies for fatigue include:
- Wormwood
- Ginseng
- Licorice
- Gotu Kola
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
- Coconut oil
- Mugwort
- Valerian
- Skullcap
- Ashwagandha
- Kelp
- Muira Puama
- Maca
- Schisandra
- Rehmannia
Herbs can be taken in the form of a natural supplement, can be ingested in whole form or used to make tea.
If symptoms of extreme fatigue persist or worsen, it is important to consult a physician to determine the underlying cause of the body’s exhaustion. By paying close attention to one’s lifestyle and making necessary alterations to assure more rest, the causes of extreme fatigue can often be eliminated. This includes eating several small meals each day instead of three large ones, and increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, while eliminating all processed and artificial foods.
