Energise your life
Quick fixes for fatigue
Quick fixes like energy drinks, coffee and sugary snacks can be enticing ways to help you kick-start your morning or get you through that 3pm energy slump. However, they’re all prone to having a rebound or 'crash-and-burn' effect. In other words, although they offer a brief pick-me-up, it’s often followed by an abrupt energy slump.
Fatigue and stress
Fatigue is a type of tiredness or weariness which doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep.
Long-term stress is one of the most common causes, but others can include:
- Sleep deprivation
- Excessive physical exertion
- Poor eating habits1
How can herbs help?
Korean ginseng is one of the most esteemed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it’s traditionally taken for the relief of fatigue as well as enhancing energy levels and physical stamina.
Found in Fusion Energy, Korean ginseng is also traditionally used in TCM as an adaptogen - in other words, as a herb that helps the body to adapt to stress. Other traditional uses for it in Chinese medicine include for supporting healthy mental function and for calming the spirit.
Replenishing Qi
In TCM, Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is a word that describes the energy that flows through your body giving you the capacity to respond to your environment as well as the ability to think, move and even breathe.
Korean ginseng is traditionally used in TCM to replenish healthy Qi (and consequently to support health and wellbeing).
The medicinal mushroom reishi is another popular traditional medicine for relieving fatigue in TCM, via its traditional action of strengthening both the Qi and the Blood. It’s also found alongside Korean ginseng in Fusion Energy.
What about vitamin supplements?
Consider taking a B-complex supplement, like Fusion B Complex Advanced. It contains B-group vitamins that support the body’s energy levels and cellular energy production.
In addition:
- Vitamin B2 and folic acid relieve tiredness
- Vitamin B5 supports healthy stress responses in the body and vitamin B1 supports healthy nervous system function
- Vitamin B6 supports healthy brain function and emotional balance
- Vitamin B3 and biotin support healthy cognitive function
Other tips for fighting fatigue
- Get enough sleep: It goes without saying that a good night’s sleep will help boost your energy levels throughout the day. Try to practice good sleep hygiene, for example by going to bed at the same time every day, and doing something relaxing before bed like reading or meditation
- Rest up: It’s important to give your body time to rest and recuperate if you’re living a busy life or going through a stressful time. Do restful activities in the evening to allow your body to recharge - try yoga, stretching or even qigong
- Eat a healthy diet: A good balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats with plenty of wholegrains, fruits and vegetables is vital to contribute to your energy levels
- Incorporate B-group vitamins in your diet: B vitamins can help with energy production. Look out for foods such as salmon, green leafy vegetables, liver, eggs, oysters, legumes and nutritional yeast
- Get moving: Increasing your exercise or physical activity (while ensuring not to over-exercise) will boost your energy levels, help you manage your stress and improve your sleep too
References
- Victoria State Government. Last updated June 2015, accessed 1 March 2021 from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/fatigue-fighting-tips
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.