Combating Lethargy: An Overview of Causes and Energy Supplements

Lethargy is commonly felt by most of the population at one point or another. What is worrisome is that feelings of lethargy or lack of vitality can be symptomatic of a greater issue. There are many different supplements available to combat these feelings as well as lifestyle changes to make. Here we will examine some of the more common causes of lethargic feelings and some different supplements used to aid in changing those feelings.

Possible Causes

There are many possible causes of lethargy, also referred to as fatigue. Some of those include: Anemia, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid disorders, side effects of medication, chronic pain, malnutrition, diabetes, and many others. It is a good idea to see a physician to make sure that the lethargy one may be experiencing isn't linked to a serious illness before beginning a supplement regiment. Often lethargy may simply be feeling a little down or needing a change in routine.

Choosing A Supplement

There are a wide variety of supplements available. These have a wide range of ingredients, purposes, and costs. Knowing what type of energy a supplement provides is essential in choosing the appropriate energy supplement to best suit one's own needs. For ease these will be broken down into three categories and how they work in the body.

1. Stimulants

One group out there is what one could refer to as the stimulant category of supplements. Stimulants might include caffeine and herbal compounds such as green tea, yerba mate, guarana, kola nut, ginseng, bitter orange, red peppers, and kratom. These types of stimulates come in capsules, tinctures, and in energy drinks such a RedBull, Monster, etc. Research shows that these types of supplements are often only a temporary boost, sort of like a cup of coffee. They won't provide long lasting results and may end with and energy crash. That said, Kratom is a bit different from the rest. This plant in low doses can have a caffeine-like stimulant effect, but has many other uses.

2. Nutrional

A second group of supplements works with the way the body metabolizes nutrients. Nutrient supplements could include B vitamins, specifically B6 and B12, coenzyme Q10, taurine, creatine, carnitine, and other amino acids. These are all things that a person should get from a healthy diet. These supplements would benefit a person with a deficiency or an athlete burning through their body's stores of naturally acquired nutrients. However, a perfectly healthy individual may not necessarily see a huge energy boost. With any supplement it is hard to say what is going to work with what person. A vitamin may help one person with their lethargy while it may do nothing for another.

3. Calorie

The last group of supplements would be calories. This is one than is seen all the time in bars packed with energy boosting food ingredients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and calories. Another big trend now is vitamin infused water, also often with as many calories as a soda. Calories are where we draw our energy from on a daily basis, so yes these things will boost energy. Again, a healthy diet is a better option to avoid high calorie bars and drinks for a quick boost.

The best ways to go about combating lethargy are by maintaining healthy eating habits and getting proper sleep. If one is going to utilize these supplements the nutrient based ones seem to be the best long term option. Like all supplements they are available in pill forms as well as liquids that can often be added to a beverage for easy consumption. Remember to consult with a physician before starting a supplement regiment and to make sure that lethargy isn't connected to a greater health issue.

Georgina Clatworthy writes on topics relating to health, well-being and lifestyle.  She contributes this article on behalf of Arena Ethnobotanicals, who offer supplements such as those made from Kratom plants and which can provide energy and vitality benefits.