If there are instances when you feel tired or have little energy, you are not alone. With today’s 24/7 schedules, people are more likely to feel tired and overly stressed. While it may happen because of a lack of sleep, but it’s not always the reason. In most cases, fatigue or tiredness may arise due to a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle. Some of the reasons that can take the most out of you and you’ll end up feeling exhausted are:

1. Lack of high-quality sleep
2. Deficiencies in nutrients
3. The stress factor
4. Chronic medical conditions
5. Good sleep but lack of quality unscheduled rest
6. Caffeine consumption is too high
7. Chronic dehydration
8. Obesity or overweight
9. Dependence on drugs or alcohol
10. Working in shifts
11. Sedentary living
12. The use of certain medications

Even though most people feel exhausted some days, the constant feeling of tiredness or run down isn’t normal. Constant exhaustion can lead to chronic fatigue, severe medical conditions, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and more. If changing your lifestyle or taking a proper diet is still not making you feel good or back on track, you must consult your healthcare provider to find the right cause.

Vitamin B12, also known as Cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin or an essential nutrient that is required for performing several roles in your body. It helps in the development and function of the nervous system, and the red blood cells formation, preventing birth defects, supporting bone health, and much more. The human body needs it, but can’t produce it, so it is necessary to take it through dietary supplements and good nutrition. Some of the good sources of Vitamin B12 that you can add to your diet routine include:

1. The liver and kidneys of animals are some of the most nutrient-dense foods.
2. Nutrient-dense shellfish, clams are the perfect snack.
3. Known as a saltwater fish, sardines are small, soft-boned, and high in B12.
4. Tuna.
5. Unfortified nutritional yeast.
6. Trout.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, plays a significant role in the human body. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C is responsible for collagen synthesis, neurotransmitter production, preventing infections, fighting diseases, and its deficiency can cause serious health problems. Deficiency symptoms of Vitamin C include bleeding gums, frequent bruising and infections, anaemia, scurvy, and poor wound healing. Hence, some of the fruits and vegetables that you can add to your diet to maintain healthy levels of Vitamin C are:

1. Chili peppers
2. Guavas
3. Sweet yellow peppers
4. Black currants
5. Parsley
6. Kale
7. Kiwis
8. Broccoli
9. Brussels sprouts
10. Lemons
11. Papayas
12. Strawberries
13. Oranges

Fertility problems can be caused by alcohol consumption in men. Studies have reported reduced gonadotropin release, testicular atrophy, and decreased testosterone and sperm production in individuals who drink alcohol heavily for a long period of time.

Shockingly, the research indicates that between 48 – 67% of the population in the U.S. has some form of MTHFR polymorphism.  MTHFR prevalence varies between ethnic groups as well. Americans of African descent have the lowest risk of having an MTHFR variant, while those of hispanic or italian heritage have the highest.

Having the MTHFR mutation means that your capacity for detoxifying some substances, including heavy metals, hormones, and neurotransmitters, is reduced. It is important for people with MTHFR polymorphisms to detoixify, but difficult to use conventional “detox kits” or programs simply because some detoxification programs or products will push our bodies to release more toxins than we can actually eliminate and so do more harm than good.

Gentle detox strategies that focus on the physical elimination of toxins via the gut or skin will have better long-term effectiveness than more aggressive detox protocols that push the liver or enzyme systems to liberate toxins. These gentle detox strategies can include therapeutic sweating and sauna use, which encourages heavy metal release through the skin, the use of gut binders such as fiber, clay, or zeolites and topical castor oil.

Gentle detoxification strategies are a big part of the MTHFR lifestyle, and must be coupled with toxin avoidance to be effective.  Working on eliminating common toxins in your home, food, and water is one of the best steps you can make in your health long-term.