Tiredness, Extreme Excessive Chronic Tiredness all the time

There are numerous reasons why you may feel tired all the time; it may even be the result of medication you are taking. In any event, it is essential you see your doctor for an individual diagnosis, since diseases that have tiredness as a major symptoms such as diabetes, anaemia or heart disease, all require conventional treatment.

Causes of Tiredness

Other common causes of tiredness, such as depression and stress, are less easily diagnosed, either by laboratory tests or on physical examination. Poorly controlled levels of sugar in the blood can also cause tiredness, and may be a factor in causing depression.

Chronic tiredness was first recognized as a key feature in food intolerance as long ago as 1930 and since then many doctors have confirmed this observation. Tiredness can also be present if you have recurrent episodes of thrush or have chemical sensitivity.

Increase your intake of vitamin-rich fruit and vegetables to combat tiredness.

Treatment of Chronic Tiredness

See your doctor for a diagnosis. Improve your diet (see box opposite) so that you supply your body and immune system with the nutrients they need for healing. Even if you feel totally exhausted, it really is worth the effort of trying to make a few small improvements. Once you are comfortable with these you will hopefully feel well enough to do a little more. In addition, make sure you eat at regular intervals, and in a relaxed environment whenever possible.

Try to reduce stress and make time to include a gentle, gradually increasing, exercise programme, such as tai chi.

Make sure you have enough rest and try to establish a regular sleep pattern. Learn how to relax. Sleep is often disturbed in CFS and may improve with a low dose of a conventional antidepressant drug (even if you do not feel particularly depressed). If the prescribed dose makes you too sleepy, ask your doctor to reduce it. Some people are extremely sensitive to medication but can avoid the sleepiness, yet achieve better sleep, with the dosage that might be given to a small child.

Consider taking mineral and vitamin supplements, especially vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc and magnesium. If possible, it is best to obtain professional individual advice about appropriate dosages.

If you remain tired 4-6 weeks after introducing the above measures it is possible you have food intolerance and should consider the Diet Plan.

Consider trying an alternative therapy. Helpful therapies include massage, yoga, psychotherapy and acupuncture.