10 Common Problems
Google "Why does my body feel heavy?" and you'll see a majority of articles related to weight loss and obesity. The longer you are searching for answers the more frustrated you can get. It is ironic that finding answers can be so challenging because the majority of people suffer from feelings of fatigue, heaviness, and weakness. There are many reasons for these feelings. The cause could be more obvious than you thought. Here are 10 common reasons your body may feel weak and heavy all the time, after you eat, after activity, in the early morning on rising, or the afternoon hump and evening stretch.
See whether you can recognize yourself in any of these.
1. Sleep Deprivation
Based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine: Healthy adults require 7 to 9 hours of rest each night. It is estimated that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one out of three adults sleeps just seven or less hours, increasing their risk of developing multiple health issues, including fatigue.
If you're getting less than seven hours per night and fatigued, it may be time adjust your sleep routines. If you're experiencing insomnia contact us today for an appointment.
2. Lack of Exercise
Physical activity is vital to maintaining your energy levels. While exercising, your body creates more mitochondria, tiny structures within the cells of your body that convert oxygen and food into energy. More mitochondria your body has the more energetic you feel. Exercise helps you circulate oxygen and plays a crucial part in increasing the energy level of your body.
The CDC states that healthy adults should take at minimum 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity workout, or 75 mins of vigorous aerobic exercise per week, or a mix of both. It may sound like an awful amount. You can break it down into manageable pieces according to your schedule.
3. Dehydration
Feelings of weakness and fatigue are both common signs from dehydration. Researchers think that this is caused by a decrease in the blood volume of your entire body in the event that there you don't stay hydrated. If you're not getting enough blood flow, your blood pressure may fall, making it difficult for oxygen and nutrients to enter the brain.
Scientists suggest the daily total drinking water consumption that is 11.5 cups (just less than three-quarters of a gallon) for women, and 15.5 cups (nearly one gallon) for men. This includes plain water as well as water from other sources such as drinks and food items. About 20% comes from food , the remainder you can drink.
4. Poor Diet
The energy level of your body is directly linked to the foods you eat. Consuming a lot of processed and sugary foods will likely cause you to feel exhausted and bloated, or give you that "heavy feeling in my stomach".
Instead, you should opt for an appropriate diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins along with a proper mix of fats. Your body will get more of what it requires in addition to a steady flow of energy.
5. Stress
Stress in the workplace is on the rise according to a new study from the American Psychological Association. The stress of money and relationships, work, and many other issues in life can drain your energy levels and cause your body to feel heavy, tired, and sad.
There are many ways to deal with tensions. You can try meditation, exercise, talk to a counselor, journal, or utilize your support systems.
6. Anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body fails to produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lung to the body's tissues. Insufficient oxygen to organs and tissues causes your body to feel fatigued and heavy, can lead to migraines, menstrual issues, dizziness, nausea, and heart palpitations or atrial fibrillation (A-Fib)
Anemia typically occurs due to an iron dysregulation, which can be affected by copper and zinc levels or other minerals in the body. However, other illnesses and deficiency may also trigger anemias. Consult a provider when you suspect that you may be anemic.
7. Insulin Resistance
Insulin is a hormone that your body uses to turn sugar as glucose into energy. It assists your cells to take glucose from the blood and transform it into energy , or keep it in storage for later use.
If cells become insulin resistant, glucose isn't able to enter cells and transform into energy in the way it should. This lack of energy can cause you to feel tired as well as heavy and weak.
Anybody can develop insulin resistance, however, those with an unhealthy lifestyle and larger stomach adipose tissue are more at risk. Speak to a provider regarding any questions.
8. Depression or Anxiety
Feelings of weakness, fatigue and weight loss are typical signs of anxiety and depression. Patients with depression typically feel continuously fragile and heavily weighted down because neurotransmitters that regulate energy levels aren't functioning properly.
The heaviness and fatigue can also be from results of the anxiety-related arousals. The body releases hormones to fight off an alleged threat, following that it is when you "crash" when those hormones levels drop quickly. The more you experience it, the more challenging it is for the body to cope with on a regular basis.
If you experience depression or anxiety frequently, speak with an expert to discuss natural treatment options.
9. Food Intolerances
Sometimes, feelings of heaviness are much more related to our stomachs than energy. Around one of 10 adults as well as one out of 13 kids suffer from food intolerances which cause discomfort or fatigue after eating.
Food intolerances often cause irritation in the digestive tract, which can lead to bloating, acid reflux, and the feeling of general heaviness. Working towards an elimination diet with the help of a provider can reduce the heaviness, gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort and stomach pain.
10. Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland creates important hormones that regulate the body's processes, including metabolismk digestion, as well as heart rates. People suffering from hypothyroidism suffer from an underactive thyroid. This means that it isn't producing enough hormones, usually due to nutritional and mineral deficiencies.
Without these hormones, system functions slow down. The digestive system can't efficiently process energy and nutrients enough, which means that the body can feel heavy and weak.
If you suspect that hypothyroidism may be the cause your symptoms of weakness and heaviness seek out a functional medicine or holistic doctor.
Whatever you do, don't lose hope. We are all a work in progress in this life. If you can't find a reason the reason your body is feeling heavy, there's another one that can. There's help available to help you!
Contact RedLion Medical Group Today
Daniel Meinke NP is a functional, holistic, and alternative practitioner who helps people improve their overall health and well-being by providing individualized functional medicine. We will work to help you address that question you've been asking "Why does my body feel heavy?"
You'll receive a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific problems and issues. Contact us today!