How to know your body is run-down
MUCH like a car that needs servicing, the body will send us messages by way of gentle nudges about deeper internal imbalances that need attention right away, or in the short term.
Dr OK Francis, general practitioner at Absolute Medical Centre in St Catherine, said anything from not getting enough sleep to over-exercising may affect stability and cause a disruption to the immune system, making the body more susceptible to viruses and infections.
He said the body shows signs of being run-down in several ways.
“Recurrence of night fevers and contracting colds more regularly, excessive tiredness, so you fall asleep even while carrying out activities, as well as poor concentration and low energy levels are a few,” he said.
He explained that other signs of the body being run down are often overlooked because some people believe that issues such as stress and depression are not associated with it.
“If you constantly have a reoccurrence of other illnesses that have been treated, depression, stress or memory loss, then these are major indicators that your body may be run down,” said Dr Francis.
The effects
Dr Francis said becoming forgetful and developing poor eating habits are two of the side effects of a body that is run-down. Overtiredness or exhaustion causes memory loss because a person’s ability to concentrate diminishes once they are in this state. Poor eating habits could also give rise to other health issues.
If a person’s body is run-down, this can severely dampen their mood and their approach to life situations. However, these can be addressed without a doctor’s intervention even though severe cases may warrant medical assistance.
“The issue, more than anything else, is about one’s lifestyle. An integral part of recovering is to assess your diet and include items from the food groups in their correct proportions to ensure your body is nourished,” Dr Francis said.
He recommended that a nutritionist be consulted in cases where working out a diet plan is proving difficult.
Many people often resort to consuming supplements as soon as they lose their appetite or begin feeling sleepy all the time. But Dr Francis said you should not depend on drugs alone.
“Contrary to the popularly held perception, the body cannot recover by using vitamins or other supplements alone — it requires a dietary change; it requires exercise,” Dr Francis said
He said that a person who is eating a balanced diet, putting in a few hours of exercise weekly, and giving their bodies an adequate supply of water does not require supplements.
Other recommendations
* A to-do list will help those with temporary memory loss.
* Meditation will help those who have become stressed and depressed. This will help you become focused and calm.
* Exercise is recommended for those who are not restricted because of a medical condition. It helps with figure toning and general wellness.
* Water helps with equilibrium and optimal health.
