😴 Why you are becoming more and more tired

The winter months are tough for many people: little sunlight, cold, shorter days. Combine that with work stress and unhealthy food, and your energy level plummets. If you drag yourself out of bed tired in the morning or are ready for a nap in the afternoon, you are certainly not alone.

But where does that fatigue come from?

How does energy work in your body?

Energy is created in your cells, including by burning glucose (from carbohydrates). Fatty acids and amino acids (from fats and proteins) also provide energy.

Did you know that your brain uses more energy at rest than your muscles? Even when you are sitting still, your body is working hard!

When energy levels are insufficient, fatigue occurs. This can have several causes, such as:

• Vitamin/mineral deficiencies

• Hormonal imbalance

• Sleep problems

• Stress

• Illness or medication use

• Mitochondrial dysfunction (powerhouses of your cells)

💥 Vitamin B12: the engine of your energy

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of fatigue, especially in people who eat little or no animal products. B12 is only found in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.

Symptoms of a deficiency:

• Persistent fatigue

• Brain fog or concentration problems

• Tingling in hands or feet

When taking supplements, choose the active forms: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin , preferably as a lozenge for absorption through the oral mucosa.

Magnesium: Your Natural Energy Booster

Magnesium is essential for:

• Energy production in the cells

• Muscle relaxation and tension

• Stress regulation

A deficiency can lead to:

• Fatigue

• Bad sleep

• Muscle cramps or eyelid twitching

• Irritability

The best absorbable forms:

• Magnesium malate (energy & muscle function)

• Magnesium taurate (for stress and palpitations)

• Magnesium citrate (for cramps and constipation)

• Magnesium bisglycinate (mild for the intestines)

Our agricultural land contains less magnesium than it used to. Supplementing it through food and supplementation is therefore not an unnecessary luxury.

☀️ Quick fix: Vitamin D3

In the Netherlands we have too little sun for sufficient vitamin D3 production , especially in the fall and winter. D3 is actually a prohormone , which is essential for your energy level, resistance and mood.

NB:

• Sunlight (min. 20 min) without sunscreen, sunglasses or long clothing is necessary for production via the skin.

• Vitamin D is best taken in oil form (drops or capsules).

Children and the elderly – who often spend less time outdoors – also benefit from supplementation. If necessary, have your values ​​checked by your GP.