Tips for low energy/stamina?

daisyheadmayzie started this discussion · 5/22/2012

Anyone have a good way to combat low energy / stamina? Due to chronic hepatitis c, I go through phases where my energy level and stamina are low. During these periods my appetite is poor and I often feel nauseated so I have to force myself to eat. I do eat healthy, take vitamins and supplement with protien shakes but sometimes I don't think it is enough. Maybe I should start drinking Ensure??? Usually I will have several small snacks as I can't consume a full meal. Any tips? I know there are several Veeners that battle chronic fatigue, lupus, etc, what works for you - maybe there's something I haven't tried. Thanks ladies, you are all a source of inspiration for me!

9 replies

LizzyLiz810 · 5/23/2012
I recently started drinking hemp protein which is easy to digest and tastes pretty good. I mix it with rice milk, spinach, kale, chia seeds, berries, wheat grass powder and sometimes a banana if I really need the sugar. It has been giving me a lot of energy! http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-HempShake-Super-16-Ounce/dp/B005K4PZSS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICSGMS67QGHN2&colid=1SRWXZRNP39FQ
chemgoddess1 · 5/23/2012
If you are not already taking B12 I would look into that. I might also suggest DHEA considering your age. I am not familiar enough with Hep C so I would double check with your doc to make sure both of these options are ok.
ORGANIC ANGEL · 5/23/2012
One word: juicer! It will change your life. We use the bits it doesnt break down either as compost, to make energy bars, as face masks, and as salad toppers. Yummy:) Sorry you are going through that. Natural safe detoxes are best like eating really healthy mixed w/ working out etc. Know your body, when you need rest and when and where to relieve stress from your life. It sounds like you're already on the right track🙂
Saphyre · 5/23/2012
I'm with Chemgoddess on the DHEA and the B12. One other thing you could try is a Dietary Supplement called SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine). It is actually touted for Healthy Mood and Joint Comfort, but I find that it is wonderful to take the day I pole. Something with the way it lifts your mood also gives me energy. I usually take it about 2 hours before I pole . You take it on an empty stomach so I pop this first and follow with a carb/protein meal. Sometimes that is just a Slim-Fast. If you do try it, get the ones that come in a blister pack as they are moisture sensitive. Especially since you live in Florida! I get the NatureMade brand. Also, as Chemgoddess recommended, definittely check with your doctore before taking anything, as I'm not sure how any of these may affect your illness. I hope you can find something that will help you!
Saphyre · 5/23/2012
I'm with Chemgoddess on the DHEA and the B12. One other thing you could try is a Dietary Supplement called SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine). It is actually touted for Healthy Mood and Joint Comfort, but I find that it is wonderful to take the day I pole. Something with the way it lifts your mood also gives me energy. I usually take it about 2 hours before I pole . You take it on an empty stomach so I pop this first and follow with a carb/protein meal. Sometimes that is just a Slim-Fast. If you do try it, get the ones that come in a blister pack as they are moisture sensitive. Especially since you live in Florida! I get the NatureMade brand. Also, as Chemgoddess recommended, definittely check with your doctore before taking anything, as I'm not sure how any of these may affect your illness. I hope you can find something that will help you!
JeHanne · 5/23/2012
There is no one size fits all approach to restoring your level of energy. Something that works well for one person even if they have the same condition may not work as well for you. Or the other way around. Do not judge yourself if you do not respond to an approach the way you would like. Kudos for you for getting out there and continuing to try alternate approaches to improve your wellness and quality of life. That takes strength! It is very important to allow yourself rest when you need rest. Self nurturing and accepting that you are experiencing low energy without judging yourself is also important. Life can be very challenging when one faces a chronic and aggressive illness. I know first hand. I allow myself rest. I stay hydrated with water. When I am unable to eat I do supplement with smoothies. I like the Sun Kist protein smoothies and Bolthouse Green Goodness smoothies. Work with your doctors to see what the recommend to improve your quality of life during acute flares. There are pharmacutical drugs and sleep studies that can be done. If the fatigue doesn't let up, have them also test your hormonal/endocrine/nutritional values to make sure there are not other sources of chronic fatigue. Some examples would be anemia, thyroid disease low hormone etc. It is easy when we have one disease for all symptoms to be lumped into the 'causitive factor' when there could be a secondary disease process or deficiency that is uncontrolled. If you know with certainty there is no other cause contributing to your fatigue then continue to experiment as you are with supplements and different food items. If you feel ensure may help you, try it. Find a supplemental source of nutrition that you can stand the taste of. Maybe experiement with some frozen yogurts (for probitics and a nice cool texture). Also recognizing if something sets off the low energy and low stamina. Are you working too many hours? Are you investing yourself in other people's drama? Look at if there is anything that is initiating the flare up. Live as low of a stress life as possible and have hobbies! If you love pole, pole and stretch when you are up to it. Garden or read a good book. Build a support system of loving people that accept you high or low energy. I wish you the best and I am very sorry that you are dealing with this situation. You can message me anytime and I would be more than happy to listen if you ever want to vent. Please take care and I hope you find some relief. Hugs.
JeHanne · 5/23/2012
Also symptom management during acute flare can be helpful. Drugs like 'provigil' are daytime wakefulness agents that have off label use for chronic disease. Phenergan is an amazing anti nausea drug that may allow you to keep food down in extreme cases. I am sure there might be homeopathic options out there I am just not familiar with them. I hope you get some additional feedback from others too and that you feel better.
daisyheadmayzie · 5/24/2012
Thanks for all the tips and the love gals, I will be taking a trip to my healthfood store to try some. I do always check anything new with my dr, so no worries there. I'm very healthy aside from that, I'm quite the anomoly. OrganicAngel, what brand juicer do you reccomend? I've been curious about them before but never bought one due to the cost and each brand says theirs is the best, of course - and at the end of the day, would a good blender do the same job?
JeHanne · 5/24/2012
I have a Vitamix and it is hands down the most kick ass blender in the world! I blend instead of juicing so I can get the fiber and food nutrients in the flesh/skin of the fruit/veggie etc. I was burning out blenders every 3-4 months so I got a Vitamix and it is going strong. I make green smoothies so a combo of veggie with some fruit. Love it!