Really run down - need some kind of 'tonic'

[LolaLadybird]

I'm sure it's a common complaint at this time of year but I'm just really run down. Had tonsilitis about a month ago and only about a week after recovering from that I came down with a really heavy cold and cough. I've had the cold for 10 days and now have blocked sinuses. The thing is I just can't shake off a physical tiredness. I usually like to exercise quite regularly but when I've done so the last 2 days, I've felt pretty wiped out at the time, and then a bit achey and tired later in the day.

It's really frustrating. I just want to feel well again and get normal levels of energy back. Any ideas ...?

Any chance you could be anaemic? Are you vegetarian or might you just have low iron levels? The liquid ones are good if you don't tolerate the tablets very well. You can improve their effect by also consuming vitamin C which might also help with the tiredness. It usually takes a couple of weeks for iron supplements to have an effect.

Was also going to ask if you might be anaemic...
I could have written your post a few months ago. I finally saw my GP and had a blood test and was very anaemic. I've been taking Floradix ever since (liquid iron formula) which has really helped. It is also a tonic -it contains various herbal extracts - and does really help.

And yes do take extra vitamin C which is good if you are run down.

I guess it's possible when I think about it. I'm not veggie but we don't really eat very much meat. Also, as I've not been well and have had a busy time of it at work, I've not been eating as healthily as I should.

It's probably a bit of a wake-up call to make me improve my diet as I'd rather try that first than an iron supplement (have heard they don't suit some people).

Oh, and I do usually take a multivitamin supplement which I've also been a bit lax about lately (I tend to think of it as a preventative thing, so when the prevention thing hasn't worked, I stop bothering - strange/flawed logic I know!). Have started back with the multivitamins this evening...

... have just checked the pack and the multivitamin also contains 36% of iron RDA so low iron level thing is sounding more and more likely.

We're a vitamin taking family!! For a short term pick up, Berrocca is great. Longer term I really like a multi-vitamin called Multibionta. It's got vitamins, minerals and a probiotic...it really seems to work for me and DH.

I also think it's important to consider your diet too though, as well as drinking water, sleep and fresh air. All those things we all consider so important for the kids do us adults good too! And it's easy to forget.

Hope you feel better soon!

Lola, improving your diet is absolutely the way to go but will take longer to work IME. So you could try the iron (I've never known anyone have problems with the liquid ones) for a couple of weeks to kick-start your energy returning, and while you get your diet sorted. Up to you of course though.

I think lots of women are iron deficient after having kids as pregnancy, birth and breast feeding can all contribute to anaemia.
I couldnt take iron tablets but the liquid form is fine and contains several other good things.
Certainly made me feel much better.
You could have a blood test done if it puts you rmind at rest, this would confirm (or not) if you are anaemic.

Thanks for all your comments. I've been a bit more focused today - ate plenty of fresh fruit and meat and back on the vitamin/probiotic supplement. Also just limited the exercise to a really nice walk with DH and DCs. I'm training for my first triathlon next month so feeling the pressure to get out and exercise but figured that if I keep pushing myself while I'm not entirely well then I'm just going to take longer to recover properly.

I'm planning to visit the chemist in the next couple of days in search of one of the liquid iron supplements and hope that'll give me a bit of a boost.

By the way, any other recommendations or
f liquid supplements (Floradix noted)that taste OK? I read the dose for Floradix is 10 ml twice a day - sounds like it could be a struggle if it doesn't taste good!

Its got to be Floradix all the way; I used to get ill all the time and then someone told me about above tonic, i took it for 3 months and i haven't really been ill since, i now get a bottle about 3 times a year to top up, i think it is actually magic! but you've gotta keep it in the fridge and it tastes ok too.