It may be normalized to complain of low energy, but chronically low energy levels are certainly not normal and there may be a nutrient deficiency causing fatigue. While specific nutrient deficiencies are associated with low energy, you’ll want to consider whether or not you are taking in enough energy—literally, from calories—first.
As logical as it sounds, many people make the mistake of jumping into the world of micronutrient deficiencies before considering whether or not they have been in a calorie deficit for an extended period of time. Even if your calorie deficit has been unintentional, it can be affecting your energy levels in a big way. Some simple questions to consider first are whether or not you eat three square meals, regular snacks, and drink plenty of water every day. These are the bare minimum requirements to make sure that you are nourished and not in a calorie deficit.
Think fast: What’s the best workout to reduce blood pressure? You might guess it’s a low-key aerobic exercise like walking, or a heart-pumping method like Zumba class. While those are great options, it turns out that isometric exercises—in which you simply hold one position, like a plank—trump all other workouts.
Craving sweet food is natural, but consuming lots of added sugar isn’t. Too much of it in your diet can lead to poor digestion and moodiness and negatively impact your overall health. So if you’re cutting down on added sugar, learning how to use bananas as a sweetener can go a long way.
In this special episode, host Julie Rovner, KFF Health News’ chief Washington correspondent, interviews three noted health policy experts.
If there’s one piece of advice that health and wellness experts of all stripes like to repeat over and over again, it’s to drink enough water. Being dehydrated can lead to well-known problems like constipation, kidney problems, dry mouth, and more. That’s old news, right?
