A Physical Exam And Health History Will Be Taken To Look For Causes Of Fatigue That Can Be Treated
A physical exam will be done. This is an exam of the body to check general signs of health or anything that seems unusual. The doctor will check for problems such as trouble breathing or loss of muscle strength. Your walking, posture, and joint movements will be checked.
Blood tests to check for anemia will be done. The most common blood tests to check if the number of red blood cells is normal are:
- Complete blood count with differential: A procedure in which a sample of blood is taken and checked for the following:
- The number of red blood cells and platelets.
- The number and type of white blood cells.
- The amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
- The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells.
The healthcare team will take a health history by asking about the status of your cancer and cancer treatments. It is important that you and your family tell the healthcare team if fatigue is a problem. You will be asked to describe the fatigue.
Other questions that you will be asked about include:
Conserving Energy To Fight Fatigue
There are several ways to combat fatigue by conserving your energy. Here are some suggestions:
Plan ahead and organize your work
- Change storage of items to reduce trips and make them easier to reach.
- Prioritize activities and delegate tasks when needed.
- Combine activities and simplify details.
Schedule rest
- Balance periods of rest and work.
- Rest before you become fatigued frequent, short rests are beneficial.
Pace yourself
- Carry several small loads instead of one large one, or use a cart.
Address Other Medical Problems
Treating medical problems and symptoms that cause fatigue can also help. Examples include anemia, sleep problems, pain, depression, underactive thyroid, and dehydration.
Also Check: How To Reduce Fatigue In Multiple Sclerosis
Expert Tips On How To Beat Covid
To aid your recovery from COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following: Take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and muscle aches drink lots of water or get intravenous fluids to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
McClelland recommends practicing three principles the 3 Ps to manage your fatigue:
Pace. Pace yourself and dont push yourself to exhaustion. If you overdo it, it can make recovery harder and set you back in your progress. Make sure you build rest into your activities, even for small things like walking up the stairs, McClelland says.
Plan. Map out your activities for the day and the week. If you find that your energy or ability to concentrate dips at certain times, strategize accordingly, suggests the United Kingdoms National Health Service.
Prioritize. Figure out which items on your to-do list are essential and which can wait. When youre fatigued, dump the stuff that doesnt have to get done, or ask someone to help you, says McClelland.
Don’t Miss: Weakness Short Of Breath Fatigue
What You Can Do About Cancer
- be aware of your own warning signs of fatigue, for example, a loss of appetite, low mood, difficulty concentrating
- help others to understand and let them support you
- talk to family/whnau and friends, and dont be afraid to ask for help
- pace yourself, think about your energy levels and balance activity and rest
- if you need time to rest during the day, dont be afraid to say no to visitors
- have lots of nutritious snacks and meals
- regular moderate exercise can help with tiredness and a lack of energy
Relation Between Adrenal Fatigue And Post
Your body is equipped with a natural stress-fighting mechanism called the NeuroEndoMetabolic Stress Response system. It is an intricate network of various organs and six circuits, including the bioenergetics circuit, which function in close coordination to help fight stress. A pair of walnut-shaped adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, are also part of the response system.
During stressful situations, the NEM signals your adrenal glands to secrete the anti-stress hormone cortisol. However, when stress is constant, the adrenals can get overburdened and are no longer able to secrete adequate cortisol. This can affect the natural stress-fighting ability of your body, which can lead to adrenal fatigue.
Frequently experiencing extreme fatigue along with symptoms such as low energy levels, difficulty in waking up, insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, stubborn weight gain, constipation, low concentration levels, and craving for salty and fatty food indicate signs of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome .
As the adrenals get more and more overworked with consistent stress, the result is a cortisol imbalance which can disturb the entire NEM stress response system. As the NEM connects various organs and circuits, the function of related organs is also affected.
Recommended Reading: How To Fight Pms Fatigue
Get The Right Amount Of Exercise
Avoid jumping into exercise too quickly. If you havent worked up to an adequate fitness level, strenuous exercise will leave you exhausted. Make your goal to exercise enough to feel challenged, but not to the point where you are too exhausted and sore to move. Begin with 15 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as walking, 3 to 5 times per week. Each week, gradually add more time, more intensity, or new exercises as your fitness level improves. Soon youll be able to push through a tough workout and feel energetic afterward.
Why Do You Experience Fatigue After Eating
Eating is supposed to boost your energy right? Feeling sleepy after having a meal can be normal, especially if it was a heavy meal. But are you among those who frequently experience fatigue after eating? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. We see countless people in our nutritional coaching program with this problem. People often resort to coffee and energy drinks thinking that they might help. But all they get is a temporary relief, and the problem soon returns. In such cases, understanding the root cause of the problem is important for effectively dealing with what is going on.
Also Check: Why Does Sinus Infection Cause Fatigue
Monitor Your Calorie Intake
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that women eat no fewer than 1,200 calories per day, and men no fewer than 1,700 calories per day for safe and effective weight loss. This doesnt mean your intake needs to be this low. If youve eaten the same amount of calories for a week and still feel lethargic, slowly add back a few calories in the form of nutritious foods. The goal is to find a point of balance where you feel energized, but you have reduced calories enough to lose weight.
What Bright Line Eating Is And Who It Is For
Ari Whitten: Right, and a part of your tag line after Bright Line Eating its happy thin and free right?
Susan Pierce Thompson: Thats right. So, happy, the happy part is like in a scientific way. I mean literally happier.
Ari Whitten: Very cool. For those who are unfamiliar with your work as far as the specifics of what you teach, can you talk, just give a brief overview of what Bright Line Eating is and what its all about?
Susan Pierce Thompson: Yeah, sure. So Ill just say first of all that I dont think its for everybody. Its a program that I developed for my own wicked history with food addiction and my experience with 12 step programs for food addiction.
I developed a quiz called The Susceptibility Quiz which helps people know how susceptible their brain is to the pole of these addictive foods. On the low end is one and on the high end is 10, Im a 10.
So, how susceptible is your brain?
Research shows that humans break down pretty much evenly along that continuum with one-third being low, and one-third being moderate, and one-third being high, rats breakdown that way as well. That doesnt just apply to food addiction but to all forms of addiction.
A third of people are just not addictable they are just not, you can shoot them up with heroin all day long and at the first opportunity they will get off it and they will withdraw but they dont care. They cant wait to get off this stuff and they are not later.
Also Check: New Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Benefits Of Calorie Restriction
The American Federation for Aging Research reports that calorie restriction has health benefits. Since an excessive calorie deficit causes calorie-restriction fatigue and, indeed, is a threat to life, any possible benefits are only manifested if the minimum daily caloric intake is consumed. In other words, calorie restriction offers wellness advantages if it’s “undernutrition without malnutrition,” says AFAR.
Preliminary research suggests calorie restriction slows some of the harmful effects that occur in cells and tissues in the aging process, notes AFAR. In some animals, studies show it may help protect the reproductive system, nervous system and hormone production from the ravages of aging.
A clinical trial published in âCell Metabolismâ in March 2018 explored the effects of calorie restrictions in human subjects. Although the study had only 53 participants, the results are worth noting because most of the earlier investigations on the topic involved animals.
The trial found that reducing calorie consumption by 15 percent for two years resulted in slowed aging and improved protection from some age-related diseases. Another discovery was that calorie restriction reduced systemic oxidative stress, which is associated with cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. No adverse effects were noted from the 15 percent calorie reduction.
Focus On Nutrition Not Just Calories
Its possible to reduce calories and lose weight while still eating processed foods that contain excess sodium and sugar. While you may lose weight, you wont have the same energy levels as you would if you ate whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. This is because these foods also contain vitamins and minerals that support healthy body function. Include more fresh foods in your diet and decrease the amount of packaged foods you eat to increase your energy levels.
Recommended Reading: Alert Fatigue Can Be Minimized By
The Relationship Between Diet And Fatigue
The old adage “you are what you eat” is well known, but have you ever really thought about what it means?
The old adage “you are what you eat” is well known, but have you ever really thought about what it means? We all know a heavy pasta meal might make us tired in a few hours. Sugar gives some a rush, and caffeine may provide a temporary energy boost. But the cliché delves much deeper than that. “You are what you eat…” is one of the best pieces of advice you may find for maintaining good health. As healthy eating continues to push to the forefront of newsworthy topics, more Americans of all ages are learning the value of consuming proper, well-balanced diets.
Healthy eating cultivates good overall health it potentially helps ward off some medical conditions, and it positively affects other conditions. For instance, those with diabetes are able to maintain better health when they follow the correct diet for that disease. People with high-cholesterol can help improve that condition when following nutritional guidelines that aid in decreasing cholesterol levels.
References:
When Should I Call My Doctor
Although cancer-related fatigue is a common, and often an expected side effect of cancer and its treatments, you should feel free to mention your concerns to your health care providers. Fatigue may be a clue to an underlying medical problem. Other times, there may be treatments to help control some of the causes of fatigue.
Finally, there may be suggestions that are more specific to your situation that would help in combating your fatigue. Be sure to let your doctor or nurse know if you have:
- Increased shortness of breath with minimal exertion
- Uncontrolled pain
Recommended Reading: How To Keep Anti Fatigue Mats From Sliding
Also Check: Us Army Fatigues For Sale
Bonus: Invest In Expert Help
Learning how to escape weight loss purgatory is one thing. Actually doing it is another. Which is why I dont sugarcoat the fact that most people need an ongoing nudge to do the things they know they should be doing.
I help my VIP Nutrition Coaching clients with this by:
Educating them on exactly how radical transformations work, so they dont fall into the tempting trap of blaming age, metabolism, or genetics for their lack of progress.
Frequently asking for workout updates, so I know theyre exercising enough to prevent muscle loss , but not so much that their workouts become counterproductive.
Reviewing their food logs, tracking accuracy, and game plans on a DAILY basis, so theres zero guesswork as to whether or not theyll make progress.
Assessing their progress for them, so they dont agonize over how theyre doing or make unnecessary changes to their plan.
Utilizing a unique Phased Approach during their diet, so they know when and how theyll get mental breathers and avoid diet fatigue. This produces results like this:
And this:
You can learn more about how I do things and see if we might be a good fit here:
Know that Im more than happy to answer any questions you have before applying. I want you to be 100% comfortable with process.
Foods That Drain Your Energy
Its normal for your energy levels to rise and fall slightly during the day.
A variety of factors can affect this natural ebb and flow. These include sleep and stress levels, your level of physical activity and the foods you eat.
Generally, having a meal or snack tends to refuel your tank, helping you feel more energetic. However, some foods may actually zap your energy.
This article lists seven foods that have the potential to drain your energy.
Dont Miss: Extreme Fatigue Bloating And Constipation
You May Like: Idiopathic Hypersomnia Vs Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
How Eating 20oz Of Vegetables Should Be A Part Of Your Daily Meal Plan
Ari Whitten: Then the other, so Ill mention one other mechanism that I think is going on here which is your program has people eating a crapload of vegetables.
Susan Pierce Thompson: Yeah.
Ari Whitten: You are huge on that.
Susan Pierce Thompson: Yeah, like 20 ounces of vegetables a day.
Ari Whitten: Most people I think they are like, Are you sure I should be eating this much, really?
Susan Pierce Thompson: Oh God, yeah we get so many people writing and I cant eat all the food at night especially dinner like where there are so many vegetables. I cant eat all this, there is too much chewing.
Ari Whitten: There are a couple of components there which is one, is phytonutrients and phytonutrients have a whole bunch of beneficial of the body lowering inflammation, boosting mitochondrial function things like that. Then the other one is minerals, in particular, I mean vitamins and minerals but especially mineral content in vegetables. So many people are mineral deficient and you can get the symptom of fatigue just from one or two mineral deficiencies. Most people have those mineral deficiencies because most people arent eating nearly enough plant foods.
When you are getting people, on the one hand, there is portion limitations and stuff like that and you are having people weigh and measure their food, but on the other, you are having them eat massive amounts of vegetables.
One is to make sure you eat enough vegetables you wont otherwise.
Can Sleep Be Improved To Reduce Cancer Fatigue
Sleep is an important part of wellness. Good sleep can improve your mental and physical health. Several factors contribute to how well you sleep, and there are things you can do to improve your sleep, including:
- Doing relaxation exercises, meditation or relaxation yoga before going to sleep.
- Avoiding long afternoon naps.
- Going to bed only when sleepy. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sexual activities.
- Setting a consistent time to lie down and get up.
- Avoiding caffeine and stimulating activities in the evening.
- Establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine.
Also Check: Osha Approved Anti Fatigue Mats
Getting Support For Post
If you struggle with post-stroke fatigue, reach out for help from your medical team.
Your doctor may be able to adjust your medication if fatigue is listed as a side effect of any current prescriptions.
If you have demanding secondary effects, like post-stroke pain or paralysis, your therapist might be able to help. For example, they can try electrical stimulation to see if it helps accelerate recovery.
Ultimately, you should experiment with as many treatments as possible until you find something that helps you. Remember to pace yourself and rest when you need it. Good luck!
How To Tell The Difference Between Fatigue And Tiredness
We all get tired at the end of the day, especially after a hectic work schedule or even an eventful day off, but being tired is something different from feeling weak all the time. Identifying the difference between fatigue and tiredness can be extremely helpful in recognizing any potential condition or weakness. In doing so, you can work towards improving your health and helping to prevent the onset of certain health issues. Fatigue can also be a symptom of an underlying disease that needs to be treated without fail. This oneHOWTO article will tell you how to tell the difference between fatigue and tiredness.
Also Check: Fatigue Mats For The Kitchen
