Are you
Addicted to Coffee? 5 Reasons Why You May Have Daily Low Energy Levels
By Mary Tracey, ND, MSAOM
that individuals who drank at least one cup per day (8 oz., black, or with a small amount of milk/or sugar) over a four year period had a 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Another 2001 study suggests that coffee consumption could protect against the risk of Parkinson’s disease. This information is not provided in order to create a coffee craze, and as the old saying goes, “too much of anything, good for nothing”. Coffee containing caffeine is known to cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and even an increased heart and breathing rate. Coffee may be harmful to those with high blood pressure and increase the risk of osteoporosis. As with everything in life, moderation is key!
R The concerning issue is that many Amer-
icans may be drinking coffee as a bandaid for mental or physical fatigue without address- ing the root cause for these changes. Being attuned with your body and its changes are important to maintaining optimal health.
Reasons You May Be Experiencing Low- Energy Levels
1. Nutrition: Iron Defi ciency and Blood Sugar Imbalance. Iron defi ciency anemia is a common condition, espe- cially amongst women. In this condition, the body lacks suffi cient red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carry- ing oxygen to the bodies’ various organs and tissues. Women lose blood during menstruation making them at greater
ecent studies have found that coffee drinking may be benefi cial for your health. A 2014 journal article found
risk for iron defi ciency anemia. Lack of adequate oxygen transport within the body can lead to symptoms of fatigue, weakness, cold hands and feet, chest pain, palpitations, headache, dizziness, heavy periods, brittle nails and hair loss. If you suspect any of these symptoms you should contact your doctor for an evalu- ation. Iron defi ciency can be corrected, however it is important that you know your levels before supplementing, as un- necessary supplementation can lead to an iron overload. Iron-rich food sources include beans, dark green leafy veg- etables, dried fruit, iron-fortifi ed cereals, breads, pastas, peas, seafood, red meat, pork, poultry.
Blood sugar imbalance can lead you
on a cycle of fatigue, headaches, sugar cravings, weight gain, hunger and brain fog. Sometimes with a busy schedule it may be hard to be consistent with meal timing and quality. You may fi nd yourself skipping meals, eating fast food, or mak- ing up for skipped meals at dinner time. The harm in this pattern is inconsistent blood sugar levels.
After a meal the pancreas releases the hormone insulin. Insulin allows the cells of the body to absorb the glucose provid- ed from food for energy, reducing blood sugar. If foods high in simple carbohy- drates are eaten, the pancreas will release a large amount of insulin to rebalance the body. This causes a large drop in blood sugar that can lead to sudden feelings of fatigue and brain fog.
Tip: Eat meals and snacks that consist of protein, good fat, and carbohydrates. You will be fuller longer, have less crav- ings for unhealthy snacks, and maintain more energy.
2. Hydration. Water is so important to maintaining everyday health and is involved in every process of bodily func- tion. In fact, the average adult loses about 6 pints of fl uid a day in sweat, urine, bowel movements, and breathing. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can actually cause your body to excrete more water than normal due to its diuretic effects. Many people are walking around chroni- cally dehydrated. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, healthy women who failed to replace 1.5% of their water weight experienced adverse changes in cognitive function, mood and fatigue. Other symptoms of mild chronic dehydration may include headache, consti- pation, joint pain, back pain, dry skin and even high blood pressure.
Tip: Aim to take in at least ½ your weight in ounces of water each day. (Ex- ample: 150 lb woman = 75 oz of water daily). If you are nowhere near this, you can increase your water intake gradually by adding an additional 8 oz. to your average daily intake each week. Try to track your intake by using a reusable, BPA-free plastic or glass container with graduations.
3. Sleep . According to the National
Sleep Foundation women are more likely to struggle with insomnia, somnolence and
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