Tired all the time?

Jul 26 2008 by Katherine Neal, The Journal

SHATTERED or being fatigued is an everyday experience that for most of us is the trigger to put on your PJs and get a good night’s sleep.

But what about the days when you can't get going in the morning? Or when you run out of steam and need an afternoon snooze? A lack of energy can be caused by many factors, one is blood sugar imbalance. If you experience any of the symptoms below, this could be the reason.

:: Need more than eight hours' sleep;

:: Energy peaks and dips;

:: Feeling thirsty;

:: Need coffee or tea to get you going;

:: Frequent urination;

:: Heavy sweating;

:: Fatigue, dizziness, mood swings;

:: Cravings for sweet foods;

:: Headaches.

The body needs energy in order to work properly. Glucose, a type of sugar found in the food we eat, is the number one source of energy used for this. The blood stream always contains a steady level of glucose called “blood sugar balance”. If the blood sugar goes too high the body releases a hormone called insulin, which reduces the level converting the glucose into fat to be stored in the body. If the blood sugar level drops too low the body releases another hormone to increase the level of glucose in the blood.

A diet high in refined food such as white bread, cakes, biscuits, sweets and crisps can cause a blood sugar imbalance. These foods are digested quickly which means the levels of glucose in the blood rise sharply. The body reacts by removing the excess to store as fat, the blood sugar level drops and we feel hungry, tired and craving carbohydrates. Stimulants such as tea and coffee contain caffeine which may make us feel better a short while after drinking, but this disrupts blood sugar balance and contributes to tiredness. In this world of processed foods and conflicting dietary information it can be difficult to know if you are eating healthily. The right food choices have an impact on your health, energy levels, and wellbeing.

Nutritional therapy is a natural approach to restoring good health through diet and supplements. It works to address health problems rather than just the symptoms. Nutritional therapy is much more than giving advice on “good diet”.

For a tailored Nutritional Programme to boost your flagging energy levels, tel: (0191) 215-9292.