Always tired? That is not a normal feeling, but many of us (especially women) feel tired so much of the time we have come to accept it as normal. Quite often, the chronic tiredness is caused by an underlying health problem and your body will reveal clues regarding the health problem. If you always feel tired, look for these clues your body may be giving so the underlying health problems can be solved and you can regain a normal level of energy.
White Flecks on Fingernails
When is the last time you really looked at your bare fingernails? Many women have not seen their bare nails in a decade and don’t realize nail polish or acrylic nails could be hiding an important health clue.
White flecks on fingernails are a clue that your body is not getting enough zinc. Zinc is essential for proper fingernail growth and for converting food into cellular energy. An underlying health problem of a zinc deficiency will leave you feeling chronically tired. The problem is easily treatable with a daily zinc supplement of 20-30 mgs, and within a couple of months there should be a noticeable increase in your energy level.
Tiny or No Half-Moons on Fingernails
If the pale half-moon shapes (lunellas)at the base of each of your fingernails is tiny or non-existent, it could indicate a problem with your thyroid gland. One out of every six women have thyroid problems which initially manifest in feelings of tiredness. Ask your doctor for a simple blood test to determine how your thyroid is functioning and also discuss adding a selenium supplement (it reduces thyroid inflammation) to your daily vitamin regimen.
White Patches on the Tongue
The tongue holds clues to your tiredness – white patches indicate an overgrowth of yeast in the body and yeast is an energy drainer. Yeast flourish in the body when you take antibiotics or eat too much sugar, the yeast produce toxins which drain the body of energy. Get the yeast under control and regain your energy by eating alkaline vegetables (broccoli and peas) which will squash the growth of yeast.
Sore or Swollen Tongue
A sore or swollen tongue is a red flag alert to the body not getting enough iron, and not enough iron means chronic fatigue. When the body does not have an adequate iron supply, the red blood cells can’t properly nourish delicate body tissues, like those covering the tongue. To increase iron level and beat chronic fatigue, eat a daily serving of meat or fish. If you’re vegetarian, take a daily iron supplement (15 mgs) to boost iron levels.
Red, Irritated Eyes
Red, irritated eyes can be attributed to a variety of causes, like allergies or dry air, or they may be giving you a clue to why you feel tired. Eyes that are red and irritated can be a result of a vitamin A deficiency, which is essential for healthy eye capillaries and overall energy. Increase daily intake of vitamin A by adding green vegetables to the daily diet.
Dark Under Eye Circles and Puffy Eyes
Dark under eye circles and puffy eyes appear to be the classic telltale sign of someone who is tired, but they are actually clues as why that person is tired. Food allergies cause chronic fatigue, dark circles under eyes and puffy eyes. When a person with a food allergy eats a food which triggers the allergy, the immune system goes into overdrive, which drains energy, causes bloating (puffy eyes included), inflammation and dark circles under eyes. Sugar, dairy and wheat are the top three food offenders, but to pinpoint your specific food allergy requires a due process of eliminating foods.