Everyone experiences fatigue at least once in their life. Also called asthenia, fatigue is a symptom of many illnesses but it can also be attributed to daily activities. It is a very common reason for medical consultation. Fatigue usually has an easily identifiable cause, an effective remedy and is therefore temporary.

It is important to consult a doctor, who can establish an accurate diagnosis:

• if fatigue occurs suddenly

• if it goes on for too long

• if it is not related to a lack of sleep or to a pathology already known

• or if fatigue is associated with symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, etc.

Chronic fatigue is a syndrome apart and is defined by a deeper involvement, and as the name suggests, which lasts longer. It can be defined as a state of constant weariness that develops over time. Result: mental capacity and energy are reduced. Chronic fatigue affects the emotional state and the psychological state of the person affected.

Note that drowsiness is not the same as fatigue, even if the desire to sleep predominates in both cases.

The causes of fatigue are extremely numerous and varied. Let us quote in a non-exhaustive way:

• the pace of life:
  • lack of sleep
  • alcohol consumption
  • lack of regular physical activity
  • inactivity
  • poor diet (nutritional deficiencies)

• psychological conditions:
  • trough
  • anxiety
  • anguish
  • stress

• sleep disorders:
  • insomnia
  • early awakenings
  • Sleep Apnea
  • disturbance of the biological rhythm: night work, jet lag

• bacterial or viral infections

• endocrine diseases, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

• the pregnancy

• neurological pathologies, such as multiple sclerosis

• cancers and their treatments, including chemotherapy

• obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes

• heart problems

• anemia

• inflammatory diseases

• hepatitis

• or simply, aging

Whatever the cause, fatigue is a red flag and deserves attention. It is therefore strongly recommended to go see a doctor without delay.

Fatigue disrupts the quality of life:

• it limits daily activities

• it can be associated with feeling depressed

• it can be responsible for more serious problems, such as an accident, a fall, a fracture, etc.

• it can be associated with impaired intellectual and cognitive functions

Fatigue, if it is not taken into consideration and treated, can lead to a state of physical and mental exhaustion (the famous “burn out”).

Treating the root cause of the fatigue is the best remedy. To relieve this state of fatigue, however, there are valid natural solutions. These include a balanced and adapted diet, rich in:

• vitamin C: kiwis, peppers, guavas, oranges, broccoli or blackcurrant

• antioxidants: small fruits and berries, vegetables, certain meats such as turkey and pork

• vitamins E and B: certain fish and shellfish such as hake, salmon, cod, or even crab

• magnesium: legumes, oleaginous fruits, etc.

• iron: black pudding, calf’s liver, or prawns

The use of essential oils can be effective in cases of fatigue: the essential oil of peppermint or that of black spruce have a stimulating effect.