The Vitality Factor!

Are you grateful that you do not have a major disease, but frustrated that you lack vibrant energy?

This energy, or vitality as I like to call it, is simply physical, mental and spiritual energy. One needs vitality to live life passionately and to its fullest.

Lab tests cannot measure vitality. You have experienced this when you have been examined by a doctor and told that you are very healthy. Yet, your energy and vigor for life is not what it used to be.

This is an area where holistic healthcare really shines. Holistic medicine does not accept that the absence of disease equals health. It looks to optimize the health of a person to her fullest potential. Only when the body, mind and spirit are working in harmony can one experience vitality. Natural therapies work with the healing systems of the body to optimize vitality.

Drug therapies do not have the inherent ability to optimize vitality that food, herbs, homeopathy and other natural therapies have. Following are some key ways to improve your energy and vitality.

Evaluating Energy

One of the first things to look at is whether or not the affected person has a medical condition that could lead to fatigue. For example, a condition like diabetes or hypoglycemia could result in low energy levels. Other examples would include cancer, hypothyroidism, arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Depression is strongly associated with fatigue–the two go hand in hand.

Keep in mind that many prescription medications have fatigue as a side effect. Common examples include high blood pressure medications, antihistamines for allergies and steroids such as prednisone, which is used for inflammatory diseases.

Diet is a major factor when evaluating the causes of low vitality. The typical Canadian diet is too high in sugar, caffeine, processed oils and foods. This leads to blood sugar imbalance and resulting low energy. In addition, these nutrient-robbers steal energy-producing vitamins and minerals from the body. A diet that focuses on whole foods–such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and fresh fish will lead to an increase in one’s vitality and energy. A natural healthcare practitioner can help you evaluate any food allergies, which also lead to fatigue and a dysfunctional immune system.

It has been recognized in both Chinese and naturopathic medicine that poor digestion leads to many health problems, including fatigue, depression and a weak immune system. This makes sense as we can only gain nutritional value from what we absorb.

Poor dietary habits, stress and chronic illness can all lead to a breakdown of the digestive system. Maldigestion forms metabolic toxins, which further add to internal dysfunction in the body. This can lead to conditions such as Candida, an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive tract that mimics many symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

By improving what one eats, counteracting the effects of stress and using therapies such as enzymes, herbal supplements, homeopathy and other natural therapies, one can revitalize the digestive system.

Hormonal Balancing

Many women in their menopausal years require natural therapy to balance their hormones. Keep in mind that hormones are powerful chemicals that play a major role in mood, energy and libido. My two favorites for women are black cohosh and vitex (chasteberry). Some women require the use of natural progesterone cream or other additional hormones as recommended by their naturopath.

Low thyroid function is often an overlooked cause of fatigue in women and seniors. Symptoms can include fatigue, cold hands and feet, constipation, poor memory, low body temperature and dry skin. Unfortunately, blood tests often do not pick up subnormal thyroid activity. Basal body temperature readings and physical symptoms are accurate ways to assess thyroid function. When stress becomes chronic, or an illness lingers on, this hormone can become depleted, leading to a breakdown of the immune system. Adrenal glandular supplements are helpful for some people to stimulate and support the adrenal glands. These glands are important for coping with the effects of modern day stress.

Get Going With Ginseng

Ginseng supplements are often used to enhance energy production and balance immune system activity. Ginseng works as an adaptogen–that is, it helps the body adapt to stress, whether it be physical or mental. This largely occurs due to ginseng’s supportive effect of the adrenal glands.

There are three major types of ginseng. First is Siberian ginseng, which is popular among athletes for its ability to help the body handle higher loads of training. It is what herbalists call a neutral herb, in that most people can tolerate it.

Panax, or Chinese, ginseng is also a powerful adaptogen. It is more suited to people who are burned out and tend to be chilly, as it is a warming herb. Caution is to be used with this herb, as it can be too stimulating for some individuals who are already overstimulated. Men generally tolerate it better than women. Chinese ginseng can be used for six weeks to increase vitality levels. Long-term use should be under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner. The third most common type of ginseng is American ginseng. It is also more suited to men who tend to be on the warm side and often have lung problems as well (such as bronchitis or asthma).

Nutritional supplements are always part of a comprehensive program for chronic fatigue and may include magnesium, vitamin C, coenzyme Q₁₀, and B-complex. Some people with fatigue respond very quickly to injections of vitamin B₁₂ by their physician.

Toxins are often important underlying causes of poor vitality. The accumulation of pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants can lead to a dysfunctional immune system. They also interfere with enzyme pathways involved in energy production. Juice fasts, green drinks, and liver herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion root are a good place to start. These detoxification therapies can produce dramatic results when combined with saunas and exercise programs. A supervised detoxification program by your naturopathic doctor may be helpful.

Regular exercise is key to enhancing vitality. I believe it is one of the most underrated ways to increase energy and enhance mood. Start by choosing one exercise you like and stick with it. Keep it simple and fun.

Lastly and often most importantly, take time to rest and focus on ways you can increase your vitality. Figure out what your major stresses are and how you can eliminate and/or cope with them.