Lively Up Yourself: Part 2
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
Lively Up Yourself: Part 2
Depression
In addition to fatigue, do you have trouble
sleeping? Do you lack interest in hobbies or activities you once
thought were fun? Is your head filled with negative thoughts and
images? You could be suffering from mild to moderate depression, which
afflicts some 17 million Americans every year.
Though the root causes of depression are many and varied, treatment should address both the emotional and physical. Whether depression has been ongoing or is the result of some recent traumatic event, professional counseling can help. A diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, with soybeans and soy products, whole grains, seeds, nuts, brown rice, millet and legumes is recommended as a diet too low in complex carbohydrates can cause serotonin depletion, which can trigger depression.
Lack of Sleep
At the turn of the century, families rose
and rested with the rising and setting of the sun. Sure, Pa may have
read a few chapters of his book by the light of a kerosene lamp, but
by and large our wake and rest cycles were in harmony with the natural
rhythms of the day.
Today, we are a nation of the chronically sleep deprived. While some people can function on as little as five to six hours of sleep per night, most adults need a minimum of eight, possibly nine, even ten hours of sleep if your body really needs it. Re-work your schedule to accommodate your optimal amount of sleep; you might be so refreshed and productive, you'll get more done in fewer hours!
If you are getting enough rest, taking your vitamin supplements, and still feel run down from time to time, you might try energizing herbs such as ginger, Siberian ginseng, ginkgo biloba or licorice root. Consult your practitioner or local health or natural foods associate for recommended dosages. Discontinue immediately if you have heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease.
What About Caffeine?
If your morning meal consists of
coffee, you may be temporarily energized, but will crash hard in the
late morning or early afternoon. Consumed after dinner, the caffeine
in coffee may make sleep difficult, starting the cycle of fatigue all
over again.
In the morning, try an energy-boosting breakfast with lots of fresh fruit and whole grains, as well as some protein, and a good multi-vitamin. If you really need that caffeine kick, brew some weak tea or coffee that is half de-caf.
The bottom line: You don't have to be tired all the time. Follow these simple strategies, and you will create and sustain enough energy for everything you want to accomplish.
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