Do you feel tired all the time? Constantly yawning for no reason?

For some of us it’s just general fatigue from hustling all the time, but for others it could be chronic fatigue that doesn’t seem to go away. If this sounds like you, buckle up. We’re going to delve into what chronic fatigue syndrome is, what the symptoms are, and share tips on which vitamins and supplements will get you feeling energised again.

It’s time to stop letting your constant fatigue get in the way of enjoying life to the fullest. Here are some actionable steps you can take to reclaim your body, and your life!

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disease that causes unexplained exhaustion, regardless of whether you took part in an activity that is tiring or not. This can happen to anyone of any age, and could possibly affect a child or an adult.

The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome vary — it could arise from trauma, toxin exposure, infection, stress, and genetics.  It is also often confused with depression as they both have similar symptoms. However, CFS is diagnosed as persistent muscle, body pain and exhaustion, while depression is diagnosed as a persistent low mood.

Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

CFS is primarily experienced as constantly feeling a lot more tired or fatigued than normal. This type of exhaustion is called post-exertional malaise (PEM). This results in the feeling of not having enough energy for regular daily activities, and experiencing flu-like symptoms after exercise.

Other symptoms vary, but you may have CFS if you experience the following:

• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Sore throat
• Memory problems
• Restless sleep
• Allergies and sensitivities to the environment
• Blood pressure drop
• Temperature Regulation problems
• Migraine
• Depression

Vitamins and supplements that can support your energy levels

Iron

Iron supports energy production. It plays an important role in the chemical processes that produce energy for the body, as well as in the transport of oxygen through the bloodstream.

It is your main source of haemoglobin production, the protein within red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to your entire body. Healthy haemoglobin levels in your blood indicate a good amount of iron, and the optimum ability for your cells to absorb oxygen.

Iron is also responsible for producing myoglobin, the protein responsible for supplying and storing oxygen in your muscles. You can find it in various meats such as beef, pork, chicken, fish, and lamb, as well as in iron-fortified foods such as whole grains, and in vegetables such as prunes, broccoli, and beans.  

If you don’t think you’re getting enough iron from your diet, consider incorporating iron supplements into your daily routine.

Ashwagandha

Also known as Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is a herb native to India and Southeast Asia. It is often used in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating remedy. The effects of this remedy include stress symptom relief, supporting a healthy stress response in the body, enhancing the body’s adaptation to stress and increasing sleep quality.

Magnesium

Magnesium can be found in high fibre foods such as fruits, whole grains, dark chocolate, almonds, black beans, fish and more. It is known to support your nervous system, heart health, and relieve muscle spasms. It is also used in the body to support energy production.

Acetyl L Carnitine

This amino acid is used to support energy production and maintain energy levels in the body. It also supports muscle performance and endurance, and assists post exercise recovery. You can find it in animal products such as milk, meat, poultry, and fish.

B-Complex

A combination of various B-vitamins, they are essential in supporting the production of energy for your body. They can be found separately across different foods from poultry to milk and even vegetables.

Vitamin C

Most commonly used by the body to support healthy immune system function, vitamin C is a key component in red blood cell formation and fatty acid absorption for energy. It can be found in animal products such as cheese, milk, and meat.

Struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome isn’t easy, we feel you. Apart from having a healthy diet, consider taking supplements to help boost energy production in the body. And where better to get your vitamin supply than Vitable?

Vitable offers a multivitamin subscription you’ll love. All you have to do is complete a short online quiz, and you’ll get a vitamin combination personalised to your unique health needs (from over 1.2 million possible combinations) — how amazing is that?

Get home-compostable daily packs containing your vitamins delivered straight to your doorstep monthly, so you can get the energy boost you need.

Find out more about the vitamins/supplements we’ve mentioned above:

Iron | Ashwagandha | Magnesium | Acetyl L carnitine | B complex | Vitamin C

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.