Top 10 Superfoods to Fight Fatigue

Fatigue, also known as tiredness, exhaustion, weariness, lethargy and listlessness, is a term used to describe the general feeling of being tired and weak. It can be related to physical or mental tiredness. Feeling fatigued is not the same as feeling drowsy or sleepy, although these may be symptoms of fatigue.

According to the National Institutes of Health in the U.S., approximately 1 in every 5 Americans has fatigue that interferes with their daily lives. Also, fatigue affects females more than males.

Several lifestyle factors, medical conditions or psychological problems can cause fatigue. Some of the lifestyle factors that contribute to this problem include excessive alcohol use, excessive intake of caffeine, excessive physical activity, inactivity, poor sleep and unhealthy eating habits.
 

One can also feel fatigued due to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, grief and stress. Even certain medical conditions can make one fatigued, such as liver failure, anemia, cancer, kidney diseases, heart diseases, thyroid disorders, obesity, sleep apnea and diabetes.

The main symptom of fatigue is exhaustion, especially after a physical or mental activity. Some other signs include sore muscles, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, moodiness and lack of energy.

Whether your fatigue is due to physical, mental or emotional exertions, you can fight it with some readily available foods. Key foods will provide your body with all the essential nutrients, such as protein, fats and complex carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals to function properly and fight symptoms of fatigue.

Here are the top 10 superfoods to fight fatigue.
 
1. Bananas

Bananas contain a good amount of potassium, which the body needs to convert sugar into energy. Also, bananas are rich in many important nutrients, such as B vitamins, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, fiber and carbohydrates, that help beat tiredness, dehydration and other fatigue symptoms.

Plus, the natural sugars like sucrose, fructose and glucose in bananas are essential for quick energy boosts.

Eat 1 to 2 bananas daily. You can also enjoy a banana shake or smoothie to keep your body hydrated and full of energy.

...[ Continue to next page ]