Is it possible to beat chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue as part of everyday life. Who allowed him to disturb our days and why have we accepted it as an integral part of the day?

We are well aware that our health and general well – being of the organism are affected by numerous factors. In the daily race against time, no matter how hard we try to maintain the desired pace of life, it often happens that our bodies are overcame by feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Sometimes we need to stop and ask ourselves:

Why do we feel constantly tired and could this chronic condition seriously damage our health?

In the everyday life of the 21st century, fatigue has become one of the most present and the most significant health problems. Fatigue affects the entire population regardless of age and it occurs as a result of various factors such as lifestyle, physical and mental activities or hidden diseases.

In the world of health and nutrition, great attention is being paid to the effects of antioxidant substances in protecting and preserving the organism’s health. The term

antioxidant itself, means a substance, vitamin or mineral that has the ability to interact and neutralize reactive molecules, defined by one name as free radicals.

What are free radicals?

Reactive molecules or free radicals which represent the main factor of oxidative stress, are formed during various metabolic processes happening in the body. Free radicals are unstable particles that interact with molecules. When the production of free radicals overcomes the antioxidant protection of the organism, they lead to functional damage, lack of energy and aging of cells.

The sources of these particles can be endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous include tissue inflammation, injuries, immune reactions and strenuous exercises. Exogenous incorporate different types of radiation, tobacco smoke, drugs, pesticides, etc. The role of the antioxidant system is to protect cells from excessive production of reactive molecules.

Could antioxidants help us beat chronic fatigue?

Apart from protein, fats and carbohydrates which represent macronutrients necessary for body’s function, antioxidant substances act as fuel for the cells. Adequate intake of antioxidant substances through diet and supplementation can contribute to the reduction of feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.

Some of the most important antioxidant substances that contribute to the vitality and health of the body are:

Vitamin C

As an essential nutrient that belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. The human body does not have the ability to produce vitamin C which means that its intake through diet and supplements is necessary. Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants that contributes to the body’s defense, regeneration and repair of damaged tissue.

Alpha lipoic acid

A very important antioxidant. It is a molecule that is soluble in water but also in lipids, which allows it to access every cell within the body. Not only does it have the ability to neutralize free radicals, but also to restore other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E in the body.

Selenium

As an essential mineral that has a strong antioxidant effect, it is necessary for the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, two main enzymes in the body that protect cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, selenium protects the body from heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium.

To conclude, chronic fatigue is not something we should get accustomed to or something that we have to accept. Chronic fatigue should be acknowledged as an alarm or a signal that our body is sending us and the one that we shouldn’t ignore.