11 best foods to beat fatigue

It is not only me: as many as 80 percent of people with lupus experience fatigue. For some people with lupus, fatigue is their main symptom. Fatigue can be debilitating, even to the point of forcing them to stop working.

 

It is unclear why extreme fatigue occurs in so many people with lupus. Several factors appear to be related to the experience of fatigue. These include disease activity and pain level, medications taken, age, poor mental and/or physical health, and insufficient social support.

 

Poor coping strategies, feelings of helplessness, depression or anxiety, smoking, and lack of exercise can also be related to lupus fatigue. Before a physician can conclude that fatigue is related to these factors, he or she will rule out any treatable causes of fatigue, such as anemia, kidney failure, or hypothyroidism.

 

Physicians experienced with lupus recognize the harmful and even destructive effects that extreme fatigue can have, and research is underway to learn more about how to treat the problem.

 

People with lupus-related fatigue can often learn how to avoid pushing themselves to exhaustion by making some adjustments. Getting regular exercise and joining a support group can help.

 

The best way to get the most energy from your food is to make sure you’re giving yourself the best food possible.

 

Besides what you eat, when you eat can also impact your energy. The easiest way to avoid the post-meal coma is to eat several smaller-portioned meals throughout the day. This will keep your body fueled regularly and may even help you lose weight.

 

Also, to beat fatigue, you should prioritize in your diet:

 

1. Unprocessed foods

While a cheeseburger and fries might be comforting while you’re eating it, its nutritional value is low. Processed foods, such as packaged or canned foods, candy, boxed meals, and pre-cooked meats, are typically full of preservatives, additives, sodium, trans fat, and artificial ingredients that may slow you down.

 

2. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables

The fresher your food is, the more nutrients it will contain. Unlike processed foods that may be stripped of nutrients for longer shelf life, fresh foods typically contain higher nutrients. Eating in-season fruits and vegetables means they ripened naturally.

 

3. Non-caffeinated beverages

Caffeine is OK in moderation, and it has been shown to have some health benefits. Although it provides a short-term boost, it doesn’t actually provide the body with energy. If you must have your fix, opt for black coffee or unsweetened tea. Sodas and energy drinks can be full of refined sugar and artificial ingredients that can cause you to crash and lead to other health issues if overconsumed.

 

4. Lean proteins

Red meats marbled in fat add saturated fat to your diet. Leaner meats, like chicken, turkey, and fish, still provide quality protein but contain less saturated fat. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna, can add beneficial, heart-healthy fats.

 

5. Whole grains and complex carbs

Just like processed foods, refined carbohydrates like sugars and white flour add little nutrition. Choosing whole-grain foods and complex carbohydrates ensures that your body gets the full benefits of the grain’s hull that add fiber to your diet.

 

6. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are some of the best foods to beat fatigue and fight hunger. Getting a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet can provide healthy nutrients and energy. Try almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Eating raw, unsalted versions is recommended. And they’re the perfect mid-afternoon snack.

 

7. Water

Drinking water is essential for the optimal functioning of the body. Although water doesn’t provide energy in the form of calories, it helps facilitate the energetic processes in the body, which is an energy boost in itself. Sip on water throughout the day, and try to swap out sodas, coffee, and other drinks for a glass of water. This simple change can make a big difference, and you’ll feel better before you know it.

 

8. Vitamins and supplements

If you’re not getting everything you need from your food, you may want to consider taking a daily vitamin. Consulting with a nutritionist or homeopathic doctor could get you started on a nutritional supplement regimen. Make sure to talk to your doctor about any and all dietary supplements you’re considering.

 

9. Bananas

Researchers compared bananas to carbohydrate sports drinks in cyclists who needed sustained energy for their long rides. They found that the banana offered just as much fuel to the riders as the drink. It turns out bananas are packed with potassium, fiber, vitamins, and the perfect amount of carbohydrates that provide you with a big boost of natural energy. Plus, bananas are often less than a dollar per fruit, and that’s a price you can’t beat for so much extra energy.

 

10. Oats

They’re not just for breakfast. A big bowl of oats packs a punch of filling fiber and even a little protein. Plus, it’s suitable for people who experience blood sugar spikes and drops with other processed breakfast cereals. Choosing the plain versions of instant packets of oatmeal, steel-cut oats, or old-fashioned oats is best as they aren’t filled with extra sugar.

11. Chia seeds

While you might not be training for an endurance exercise event, chia seeds may be an excellent source of prolonged energy thanks to carb content, healthy fats, and filling fiber. Two tablespoons of chia provide about 24 grams of carbs and a whopping 4.8 grams of omega-3s, which are heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory. According to one small study that involved six endurance athletes, eating chia seeds offers just as much energy as carbohydrate sports drinks.

 

 

 

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