Thread: Feeling Lethargic: lack of energy

Originally Posted by Milkman

But now is not a good time to change

changing your attitude and lifestyle costs nothing

Originally Posted by Milkman

Thanks to all for the comments.

As for water, I drink at least 4.5 liters per day, in large part to ward off gout,

Umm.. I hate to sound like the devils advocate here, but TOO MUCH WATER can be harmful to your health also. If your kidneys are working fine your body will flush out the excess no problem. But it also means you lose more than normal amounts of mineral salts essential for normal bodily function. Loss of electrolytes can cause disorders of the nervous system and cause things like cardiac arrhythmias. Add things like coffee and alcohol into the equation, as they speed up fluid loss via the kidneys and you increase the chance of losing essential electrolytes. A blood check can tell how your electrolytes are running.

Everything in moderation.

Originally Posted by Milkman

Dr Andy, true. I can change my attitude. I think that's a part of it.

Panda,

Thanks.

I have been drinking this much water to try to ward off gout.

But I have increased my sodium intake (VNese fish sauce, which is very salty.)

And I get sodium with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in the AM and PM.

Perhaps I am drinking too much water. I do drink beer almost daily, but it fluctuates, and I drink 1 cup of coffee per day.

Potassium loss is the big one that can cause problems.
Blood tests are relatitively cheap these days.

As for Potassium, I should return to eating a banana per day. Perhaps 2 a day.

Originally Posted by Milkman

Lately, I've lacked energy both mental and physical.
I feel lethargic. Mostly mental.

Sounds like chronic depression. You have not much else to do, do you?

^^ I am taking the B-complex vitamins again.

I eat little meat. I think this is good.

DaffyD. ^

Not depressed or "down." Not at all.

It's some kind of energy, thing.

I am going for walks, and I'm looking for bananas.

Originally Posted by Milkman

Not depressed or "down." Not at all.

'Depression' is not necessarily a 'down' thing -- people that feel 'happy' can be undergoing depression.

Originally Posted by Milkman

Serious. In good mood. Things are good, all-around.

That's good, but doesn't mean it's not depression.

Originally Posted by Milkman

I think I just am bored by doing the same thing for so long.

But now is not a good time to change (economy).

Feeling limited, or underlying frustration over a state of affairs, or boredom are all indications of types of depression, which can manifest itself in the symptoms you describe.

Not saying that's what it is, but don't discount it just because you don't feel 'down'.

^ OK,

so, then. What do I do?

Originally Posted by Milkman

^ OK,

so, then. What do I do?

Wring your hands over your head, look yonder heavens and exclaim "Why me?"

Originally Posted by chitown

You can buy vitamins in bulk and have them sent here.

Or you can try eating proper food like normal people do.

It also sounds like chronic fatigue syndrome.
At any rate you need to get off your behind exercise watch the calories emphasis on fruits and veggies. Notch down on alcohol somewhat. Cut back on coffee, drink more teas. Green an oolong teas work great for me.
If you're taking meds like Valium and such wean yourself off those.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by chitown

You can buy vitamins in bulk and have them sent here.

Or you can try eating proper food like normal people do.

The problem is that the earth's soil has been so depleted (over farmed, chemicals, etc) that what you get in the form of fruit and vegetables in the present time does not have the same nutrients it had 100 years ago.

Originally Posted by Mr Earl

It also sounds like chronic fatigue syndrome.
At any rate you need to get off your behind exercise watch the calories emphasis on fruits and veggies. Notch down on alcohol somewhat. Cut back on coffee, drink more teas. Green an oolong teas work great for me.
If you're taking meds like Valium and such wean yourself off those.

Thanks for the infor Mr Earl,

No, I don't take valium, nor any other pills.

Originally Posted by chitown

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by chitown

You can buy vitamins in bulk and have them sent here.

Or you can try eating proper food like normal people do.

The problem is that the earth's soil has been so depleted (over farmed, chemicals, etc) that what you get in the form of fruit and vegetables in the present time does not have the same nutrients it had 100 years ago.

Sorry Mate, but that is complete bollocks.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by chitown

The problem is that the earth's soil has been so depleted (over farmed, chemicals, etc) that what you get in the form of fruit and vegetables in the present time does not have the same nutrients it had 100 years ago.

Sorry Mate, but that is complete bollocks.

You beat me to it.

From the October 17 "NPR Talk of the Nation" podcast, could be of interest:
Scientists have identified a virus lurking in 68 of 101 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Whether the virus -known as XMRV- causes the syndrome is unclear. Molecular biologist John Coffin describes how the findings fit with what scientists know about XMRV.

I am eating at least one banana per day, and have reduced beer intake to 3-4 cans per night.

I'm working more now.

Walking, but need to do more and will do more.

it's been two weeks since the OP...

Originally Posted by Milkman

I feel lethargic. Mostly mental.

have you followed any of the advice given in this thread?
have you cut down on the booze?
improved your diet?
increased the amount of exercise you do per day?
in general, are you feeling better than you did when you made the OP?

Originally Posted by chitown

I also am doing a ton more reading than I used to - 5 to 6 books a week.

tell us about those 10-12 books you've read over the last two weeks.