What Physiological Factors Are Responsible for Fatigue?

From a physiological perspective, fatigue results from some sort of stress, reaction or insufficiency in the body. Fatigue means a loss of energy or exhaustion. Physiological factors that cause fatigue include lack of oxygen, lack of sleep, anemia, dehydration, insufficient nutrients, imbalanced electrolytes, infections, depression, disease, diabetes and more. If you experience fatigue, make sure you follow a nutritious diet plan, get plenty of sleep, exercise and take the necessary vitamins and minerals. Consult a physician if fatigue persists over an extended period.

Not Enough Oxygen

• The human body cannot function properly without the proper amount of oxygen. If you have ever traveled to elevations above 14,000 feet, you may have felt the lack of oxygen present in the thin air. Sometimes, simple deep breathing will raise the energy level in your body. Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., author and physician suggests sitting up straight and breathing in through your nose to a count of four, holding that breath to a count of seven, releasing that breath through your mouth on a count of eight. Repeat this several times as a hedge against fatigue anytime of day. Getting additional oxygen to your cells through exercise also boosts energy.

Electrolytes

• In the human body, all functions occur as a result of electrical signals sent between your brain and various parts of your body. Minerals carrying an electric charge flowing through your bloodstream help to keep your energy level up and, when these exist in proper balance, they combat fatigue. These minerals, also known as electrolytes, control the amount of water present in your body, your blood pH level and muscle function. Electrolytes efficiently conduct your body's electrical signals. Electrolyte imbalance impedes this conductivity resulting in fatigue or lack of energy.

Insufficient Nutrients

• A nutritional deficiency may cause fatigue. The reasons for nutritional deficiency may include not eating enough food, insufficient nutrients in the food you eat, certain prescription medications depleting the nutrients in your body or a simple lack of the necessary minerals and vitamins. To avoid fatigue, avoid processed foods and choose to eat foods high in nutritional value including raw nuts, green vegetables, fresh fruits, eggs, whole grains and plain live yogurt. Most people will also benefit from taking a daily multivitamin. Consult a qualified nutritionist for more details.

Dehydration

• Believe it or not, dehydration may cause fatigue. Even mild dehydration may lead to lack of energy or malaise. Made up primarily of water, every cell in your body needs regular replenishment with fluids to function properly. Insufficient levels of water and bodily fluids means the blood thickens and the body has to work harder just to continue functioning. That extra effort requires more energy which means less overall energy in the rest of your body which results in fatigue. Get rid of fatigue by drinking more water and eating more foods that contain water like melons, celery, cucumbers and tomatoes.