We often hear about exhaustion, its symptoms, and possible remedies, but not everyone is fully familiar with this condition. Below, we present a brief guide with useful information on whether it is indeed a problem that afflicts us and how best to deal with it.
It is crucial to emphasize that, in any case, it is important to consult your primary care physician. Based on the medical record and the symptoms of exhaustion, the doctor can better understand the individual situation.
What is exhaustion
The term “exhaustion” refers to intense fatigue involving a feeling of lack of strength and a real drop in energy. This feeling may be limited to a short period of time or, alternatively, protracted over time, becoming a case of asthenia. Some people suffer from it quite frequently, sometimes occurring several times during the year.
Being able to recover energy during certain periods is possible for some, but after a few weeks or at most a few months, intense exhaustion may make its appearance again.
Symptoms of exhaustion
Exhaustion is manifested by common symptoms such as difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, feeling that you do not have enough energy to get through the day, and lack of concentration. Other symptoms include mental confusion, difficulty making decisions even on trivial matters, memory loss, poor appetite or, conversely, nervous hunger, mood swings, irritability, distress and anxiety.
In severe cases, exhaustion may be associated with intense headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, and various types of pain, especially abdominal and chest pain. Some people may also experience fainting episodes, making these symptoms not only unpleasant but also limiting in daily life, affecting performance in study, work, and social and emotional relationships.
Causes and symptoms of exhaustion
Many people believe that fatigue is mainly caused by sleep disturbances or poor quality of sleep at night, and these factors undoubtedly contribute. However, intense fatigue can also be caused by the arrival of the summer season, where the loss of minerals and vitamins due to intense sweating can be a contributing factor. In addition, the transition from summer to autumn is considered tiring by many people.
Other causes of exhaustion include conditions such as anemia, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, lower blood pressure, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory diseases. Also not to be underestimated is the role of stress, which can be a direct result of a hectic life, stressful responsibilities and work situations, as well as marital problems, quarrels and worries about the future.
How to deal with exhaustion
To counteract exhaustion, it is essential to understand its causes. It is advisable to consult your primary care physician for thorough examination and to determine whether your symptoms may be associated with a medical condition. If so, the doctor will indicate the best course of action.
If, however, the causes are related to heat, stress or lifestyle, it is advisable to make small changes. Slowing down the pace, avoiding excesses such as smoking and alcohol, ensuring adequate rest at night, and following a healthy, balanced diet are good choices. The introduction of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber and minerals into the diet helps keep the body healthy and get the energy it needs.
In contrast, you should avoid or limit consumption of foods high in sugar and fat, as they can cause fatigue and worsen overall health. These foods can also be difficult to digest, negatively affecting sleep and contributing to more intense fatigue that is difficult to manage.
