Understanding Fatigue and Energy in our Bodies

Fatigue is a very common complaint and it is important to remember that it is a symptom and not a disease. Fatigue can be described as the lack of energy and/or motivation. This is different than drowsiness, a term that describes the need to sleep. Often, the symptom of fatigue has a gradual onset and the person may not be aware of how much energy they have lost until they try to compare their ability to complete tasks from one-time frame to another.
There are differences between mental fatigue and physical fatigue. Mental fatigue is a temporary inability to maintain optimal cognitive performance. Physical fatigue can be caused by a lack of energy in the muscle. Many illnesses can result in the complaint of fatigue and they can be physical, psychological, or a combination of the two.
Over the last two decades, dramatic breakthroughs in understanding how energy is created in our bodies and what is required for lasting optimal function. Energy is an element of all biological systems from the environment and it is responsible for growth and development of every living cell. Energy is produced and then stored by our cells in substances from carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, which release energy when reacted with oxygen.
Our genes and how our genes interact with the environment have effects on our energy level and overall health. The effects from the types of food we eat and exposure to environmental toxins on energy production have been described in recent literature; and connections between dysfunction in energy production and many clinical conditions have been discovered. These conditions include chronic fatigue, depression, headache, and neurological conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer and Parkinson.
Factors that create many of these conditions can be addressed through lifestyle and nutritional influences and can help regenerate energy function and reduce fatigue. There is a difference between eating right and eating for energy. Energy can be defined as the unique spiritual, mental, emotional and physical makeup of an individual.
For more information on improving your energy call Compassionate Healthcare Associates, 661-295-7777.