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We’ve all experienced exhaustion or tiredness at one point or another. Whether it’s due to stress or overexertion, in some contexts feeling tired is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you’ve experienced fatigue, you know how frustrating it is. Unlike occasional sleepiness, fatigue can make even the simplest of tasks feel impossible. Although it can be incredibly debilitating, fatigue is very commonly a byproduct of your lifestyle, and can often be eased by making changes in your diet and exercise regimen.
One common cause of fatigue is nutrient deficiency. In the Standard American Diet, processed, deep fried, and artificially sweetened foods are at the forefront, so it is very common for people to have deficiencies in vitamins and minerals necessary for optimum health. These deficiencies can cause a number of unwanted symptoms, especially fatigue. What is the most common deficiency that causes fatigue, and what supplement should you be taking to reverse it?
Not getting enough B12 in your diet could be a direct connection to your chronic fatigue. Historically, B12 deficiency was thought to only be a concern for vegans, as B12 is most commonly found in animal products. However, a whopping 40 percent of Americans are B12 deficient, meaning it’s a widespread problem.
B12 is a key player in the formation of red blood cells and DNA, as well as the development of brain and nerve cells. As stated previously, it is found mostly in animal products like red meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. One main reason it is linked to fatigue is because a B12 deficiency can cause anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, reports the Harvard School of Public Health. Because red blood cells are responsible for making sure you’re able to transport oxygen through your body, when this process is weakened, it can limit the amount of oxygen going through your body and up to your brain, which may give you a tired and weak feeling.
B12 is a very accessible supplement that you can get at any health food store. You can also boost your B12 intake by eating more red meat, fish, dairy products, or poultry. Additionally, purchasing a B-Complex vitamin, which includes all 8 B vitamins, is a way you can maximize your benefit by getting the nutrients of all the B vitamins rolled into one.
Chronic fatigue is something that can be reduced by tweaking your diet and adding supplements like B12 to your regimen. However, if you find that making these changes aren’t helping your symptoms, or your energy levels are getting worse, consult with your doctor to make a treatment plan custom tailored to you and your needs.
