What Is Lethargy?
Lethargy is a common condition associated with many medical issues, which leaves an individual feeling sleepy and fatigued (both mental and physical). It can be identified by the following symptoms.
Symptoms Of Lethargy
Individuals suffering from lethargy may experience:
Mood swings Reduced thinking ability Fatigue Low energy Sluggishness
As mentioned earlier, lethargy is a symptom associated with many underlying medical conditions. These may include the following.
What Causes Lethargy?
Health conditions that can leave you feeling lethargic include (1):
Anemia Flu Stomach virus Carbon monoxide poisoning Dehydration Hyperthyroidism Fever Hypothyroidism Swelling of the brain (hydrocephalus) Lyme disease Kidney failure Meningitis Pituitary diseases like pituitary cancer Poor nutrition Sleep disorders like sleep apnea Traumatic brain injury Stroke
Mental health disorders that can result in lethargy include:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Major depression Postpartum depression
Lethargy can also be caused by certain medications such as narcotic drugs. As discussed, lethargy can occur in babies and children as well. The symptoms that may surface in lethargic infants are:
Difficulty to be roused High fever Symptoms of dehydration The appearance of sudden rashes Vomiting forcefully for more than 12 hours
If you notice any of these symptoms or causes, you could be suffering from lethargy. But irrespective of the causes, certain home remedies can help improve your condition.
How To Cure Lethargy And Laziness Naturally
1. Drink Water
Keeping yourself hydrated is one great way to treat and prevent lethargy and laziness. Dehydration can leave you feeling fatigued and tired. Thus, adequate intake of water and other healthy fluids can have a significant impact.
2. Essential Oils
a. Basil Essential Oil
2-3 drops of basil oil A diffuser Water
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily. The stimulating properties of basil oil help boost your concentration, sharpen your senses, and alleviate stress and depression (2).
b. Peppermint Essential Oil
2-3 drops of peppermint oil A diffuser Water
You must do this at least twice daily. Research shows aromatherapy works great in treating fatigue and other lethargy symptoms. Peppermint essential oil works similarly to basil oil in relieving mental fatigue and stress (3).
3. Basil Leaf
10 basil leaves 1 cup of water
You must drink this twice daily for optimum benefits. Basil exhibits cognition-enhancing properties in addition to reducing stress, anxiety, and lethargy (4).
4. Coffee
1 tablespoon of coffee powder 1 cup of water Sugar (as needed)
You can drink 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily. The caffeine in coffee boosts your alertness and energy levels (5). Do not drink more than two cups of coffee in a day as it may make you feel tired and sleepy, making you even more lethargic.
5. Honey
A few teaspoons of pure honey Replace the sugar in your favorite dessert or smoothie with a few teaspoons of honey. You must consume honey daily. The carbohydrates in honey boost your energy levels and help combat lethargy. In fact, honey is also a recommended source of carbohydrates for athletes during endurance exercises (6).
6. Lemon
½ lemon 1 glass of warm water Honey (as required)
You must do this once every morning, preferably on an empty stomach. The citric acid in lemon juice can help treat exhaustion by fighting oxidative stress. Regular intake of vitamin C (which lemon juice is rich in) also enhances iron absorption, thereby alleviating the fatigue and stress associated with lethargy (7), (8).
7. Green Tea
1 teaspoon of green tea 1 cup of water Honey
Drink green tea twice daily. The antioxidant polyphenols in green tea can relax your mood and relieve the stress and tension that cause lethargy (9). Note: Having too much green tea can leave you feeling tired and sleepy. So, keep a check on your intake.
8. Magnesium
200-400 mg magnesium Consume 200-400 mg of magnesium daily either via your diet or supplements. Foods rich in magnesium include spinach, kale, figs, banana, avocado, raspberries, legumes, broccoli, cabbage, and fish (salmon and mackerel). Do this daily. Magnesium deficiency can cause stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Thus, supplementing your diet with magnesium can help improve your condition (10). Following a healthy diet also plays an important role in your recovery from lethargy. Incorporate the following foods into your daily diet along with the home remedies.
What Are The Best Foods To Treat Lethargy?
Foods that help boost energy levels and prevent lethargy include:
Chia seeds Bananas Quinoa Oatmeal Whole wheat bread Beans Almonds
In addition to taking these foods, making certain changes to your lifestyle can also help.
Prevention Tips
Drink plenty of fluids. Get proper sleep and rest. Manage your stress. Exercise regularly. Avoid consuming foods like white bread, sugar, junk food, and energy drinks.
Once you succeed in making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle, it is quite easy to deal with lethargy. However, if there is no improvement in your condition, it is best to get yourself checked by a medical professional for further assistance. Hope you found this article informative. Do let us know your feedback in the comments section below. What vitamins are good for treating tiredness? Vitamins B12, B9, and C are great for preventing fatigue and treating lethargy. In some cases, deficiencies of these vitamins could be responsible for lethargy (11). When should I be concerned about lethargy? If your lethargy has persisted for two or more weeks despite following a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting enough rest, then you should seek medical attention. What is lethargy vs. fatigue? Lethargy refers to a state of lacking energy, whereas fatigue is a feeling of tiredness. Lethargy can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Possible causes of lethargy may include depression and a lack of sleep, and this condition can be alleviated by getting enough rest or sleep. On the other hand, fatigue can often be relieved by engaging in activities that restore energy, such as yoga or meditation.
