Recommendations for improving energy levels

[Gemi33]

Hi All

I feel constantly exhausted and lacking in energy - I have been to the Dr and ruled out anything it could be (I do have an underactive thyroid but have been on treatment for some time and get regularly checked). I am so fed up with having no energy and I also feel like when I'm tired I struggle to concentrate and eat healthily so I feel like if I could boost my energy it will really help me to feel generally better and more motivated.

Does anyone have any recommendations for things they've done to improve their energy levels - could be supplements, food, anything really,.

Thanks!

xx

Vit d? Magnesium also makes a massive difference to my sleep and therefore my energy level.

I’m assuming that you’ve had your iron levels checked ?
I take vit B complex for energy.
Even though you are tired get out in the fresh air for a good walk. I often feel tired and don’t want to walk the dog, but when I get back I’m no longer tired.

Vitamin B complex and Vitamin D drops made a massive difference for me.

Also yes to getting out in the fresh air, even if only a quick walk.

Losing any extra weight (I need to follow my own advice here but I know this is one of the reasons for me)

Are you getting 8 hours good sleep each night?

Not sure if your thyroid issue means the 'usual' advice is void, but iron, B12 and magnesium are usually recommended for depleted energy. Ideally from diet but supplements might be good to get levels up initially.

I have the same issue with exhaustion. For years the GP just took blood tests and said I was perfectly healthy although I struggle with basic self care. I saw a different GP for an unrelated issue years later and when I mentioned it in passing she referred me to General Medicine at the hospital for further investigation. No answers yet thanks to the pandemic putting things on hold. Perhaps you could ask for a similar referral.

Are you perimenopausal? Can have a big effect on energy levels. Drink the correct amount of water. Look at your diet...high sugar and carb can lead to blood glucose peaks and troughs.

I have CFS but have tried a lot of things. Found vit D and magnesium helpful.
Also tried going gluten as i have other food intolerances and that seems to be helping too. (If you try this, get Becky Excell's book How to make anything gluten free. The bread is edible!)

Think about alcohol too. It makes me tired next day now.

GP will take a reference "normal" level of ferritin in the blood as anything 12 or above, but I did read that this is better off in the 30-40 range. After being severely anaemic a few years ago I started to eat more red meat and supplement with Spatone sachets and it changed my life, I describe it as if a light bulb was suddenly switched on inside me.
Going for a short run, fast heart rate in the fresh air, will always spike my energy levels, if you can drag yourself out there first thing it can make all the difference to your day.
I've had to go almost tee total in my 40's as the hangovers spoil my existence the whole next day, even from 1 glass of wine so it's just not worth it for me. I often wonder how people who drink regularly get by.

What age are you. How long has it been for

Many thanks for all the replies. I'm 37 and I do have some weight to lose which I know will help, but I find that I struggle to eat healthily when I am always tired so I was hoping to find something else to help.

I have previously been anaemic so take iron and until fairly recently had B12 injections (the Dr has stopped the injections and will review after the next blood test.

I used to feel always feel exhausted and frequently napped in the afternoon and fell asleep on the sofa. Sometimes I would feel so tired I would be scared I might fall asleep while driving. Blood tests just came back as mildly anaemic. I made quite a few changes...

• Gave up alcohol, cut back on caffeine and none after 4pm, started drinking a lot more water.
• Started taking a multivitamin with iron and a high dose of vitamin D.
• Started going to bed and getting up at the same time everyday.
• Started eating breakfast, usually have porridge with some fruit and a pint of water.
• Started doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day (mostly just a walk to start with).

Simple obvious changes really, but the difference in my energy is amazing, I no longer fall asleep on the sofa or feel so tired that I need a coffee before I drive home from work. I can concentrate so much better at work.

Reading the posts on here has made me get off the sofa and start taking my vit D tablets again! I was taking them pre Covid and forgot about them since being ill . I do think that despite the fact I wasn’t massively unwell with Covid my energy levels are definitely lower than pre Covid!

Exercise

Berocca works for me, and an iron supplement

Some really great suggestions. I was previously prescribed vitamin D because my levels were low but I was then told I didn't need it but maybe some supplements would be a good idea. I don't drink alcohol or caffeine but diet and exercise could definitely do with improvement.