Eating to Energize

Are you feeling low in energy and unable to keep up with the activities of daily living? Is mental fatigue and stress keeps you away from performing your work duties? Is your diet sufficient for you to see the day through?

Right eating habits and hygiene-friendly cooking techniques can keep you in shape and physically active. At times you might find it little confusing as to what items you should eat and what foods you must avoid as there are innumerable mouthwatering recipes knocking on your door everyday.

Are you Feeling Rundown Following an Enticing and Adventurous Day?

Here you go with things that can tickle your muscles and help regain your strength!

• Having a handful of dry fruits within 10 minutes of waking up can supply your body with necessary magnesium to aid in conversion of glucose into energy.   
• Whole-grain bread in breakfast can be an energy booster with its essential carbohydrates which are preferred body fuels.
• 8-10 glasses of water intake can prevent your body from dehydration & reduce fatigue.
• Eating fresh fluid-filled fruits such as orange, apple, strawberries, grapes etc. is another perfect way of keeping yourself energetic and hydrated. 
• To boost your energy as well as mood, nibble at some chocolates. It will do the trick for you.
• Don’t pamper your sweet tooth too much as it may cause immediate spikes followed by a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, making you less energetic by the end of the day. 
• A whole-wheat cracker with peanut butter is a power snack that can keep up your energy level for longer periods.
• Whole-grain cereal with milk is another strategy.

If the above tips don't work for you and if your energy levels are constantly on the lower side, you must be missing out on some of the essential nutrients in your diet. Before it is too late, seek a doctor’s advice to prevent any unwanted harm to your body.

Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension in Women

If your feet and hands go numb after prolonged sitting or lying down or if your vision go blur when transferring from sit-to-stand or from lying down to sitting, this can be an indication for you to see a heart specialist. You might be dealing with low blood pressure or postural hypotension.

Your body needs to put the best effort against gravity to pump up the necessary blood that is required for you to stand. This causes a decline in your blood pressure. The sudden drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness, blurred vision, and uncomfortable feeling all over your body. You must seek immediate medical attention if you have a fainting spell upon rising.

What Low Blood pressure?

• Pregnancy - Right from the moment your urine pregnancy test turns positive, you will witness hypotension as your blood vessels start to dilate.
• Dehydration - Any spike in temperature, exhaustion due to heat, or chronic diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration thereby lowering your blood pressure.
• Heart conditions - Continuous low blood pressure can be a result of heart condition. Unusually slow heart rate is a common cause of hypotension.  
• Severe blood loss - Any severe blood loss, whether menstrual loss or accidental injury, can lower your blood pressure, and you can end up having a life-threatening shock.  
• Medication-induced - Certain antihypertensive and antidepressants are known to cause hypotension.

 Preventing Hypotension 

• Engaging in cardio exercises such as brisk-walking, swimming, jogging, or bicycling or doing aerobic exercises can help improve your blood circulation and lower the chances of hypotension.
• Try to stay away from heat exhaustion when outdoors as extreme temperatures are known to cause dehydration and lowering of blood pressure.
• Replenish yourself with lots of liquids to stay protected from adverse effects of dehydration and hypotension. Add a little salt for increased water retention in your body.
• A 3-step-approach for any postural changes will be your best bet to prevent hypotension episodes. Or you can slow down your movements to prevent dizziness and fainting spells. 

“When did you last check your BP?”