Take the Quiz to start zeroing in on the source
Begin
Feeling tired?
I’m vegan or vegetarian.
How are your eating habits?
I’m on a diet, or have foods I avoid.
I’ll eat anything.
Something intense like CrossFit, or HIIT-style workouts.
What’s your workout of choice?
I haven’t had a lot of time for workouts recently.
Mainly low-impact stuff like walking, yoga or swimming.
How old are you?
50 or older
Between 25-50
Under 25
How’s your mental state?
More irritable than usual.
Not great, I’ve been really busy.
Pretty good, honestly.
How do you feel when you wake up?
I need to hit snooze a few times every day.
Sometimes I’m slow to get out of bed, but mostly ok.
Great, it’s time to seize the day.
Ladies: How’s Auntie Flo been treating you?
The worst. Heavy periods all the time.
Just fine—my periods are pretty normal.
At my age? Haven’t seen her in years!
OK. Last question. How do you look?
My nails are brittle and my skin is dry.
I’ve got some bags under my eyes, but otherwise fine.
I look great, of course!
retake Quiz
You’ll need a doctor-administered test to know for sure, but some of your answers indicate a potential for iron deficiency. Iron deficiency simply means you lack enough iron in your diet. Because iron is a critical component of red blood cells, iron deficiency over time can lead to anemia, a condition in which red blood cells aren’t able to carry sufficient oxygen throughout the body. This oxygen shortage can leave you feeling fatigued and depleted. Iron deficiency is fairly common—it affects up to a quarter of the world’s population according to some estimates. Women tend to be more at risk than men, in part because of the nutritional demands of pregnancy and blood loss due to menstruation. Vegetarian/vegan diets and high-intensity exercise (especially with high impact forces) can also be risk factors. In fact, some studies estimate that up to 50 percent of athletes suffer from iron deficiency. Fortunately, iron deficiency is usually easy to treat. If your doctor discovers you’re iron deficient, she may prescribe a daily iron supplement. Floradix® Iron + Herbs Liquid Herbal Supplement is a great option (also available in tablets), the formula is vegetarian and contains vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption*. And unlike a lot of supplements on the market, it’s free of artificial additives. Note: If you’re vegan, check before you buy an iron supplement, Floravital Iron + Herbs (also from Floradix) is a great vegan alternative. The Vegetarian version above lists honey as an ingredient).
Your Result
Fortunately, iron deficiency is usually easy to treat. If your doctor discovers you’re iron deficient, she may prescribe a daily iron supplement. Floradix® Iron + Herbs Liquid Herbal Supplement is a great option (also available in tablets), the formula is vegetarian and contains vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption*. And unlike a lot of supplements on the market, it’s free of artificial additives. Note: If you’re vegan, check before you buy an iron supplement, Floravital Iron + Herbs (also from Floradix) is a great vegan alternative. The Vegetarian version above lists honey as an ingredient).
One of the leading causes of unexplained tiredness isn’t a physical issue but a mental one. Yes, some of your answers could indicate low iron or other nutritional shortages (consider asking your doctor about taking an iron supplement or multivitamin). But they could also indicate that you’re experiencing higher than average stress levels. Tiredness and irritability might indicate that your priorities are out of whack. Work may seem like it is taking over your life, or a number of other factors could be stressing you out. Strategies like journaling, taking time off, or making space in your schedule for exercise could help your fatigue and general feelings of fulfillment.
Tiredness and irritability might indicate that your priorities are out of whack. Work may seem like it is taking over your life, or a number of other factors could be stressing you out. Strategies like journaling, taking time off, or making space in your schedule for exercise could help your fatigue and general feelings of fulfillment.
Your answers could rule out some leading causes of chronic fatigue like iron deficiency and mental health issues. If the feeling persists, seeking out a professional opinion is a great idea, but in the short term your fatigue could boil down to inadequate nutrition. If you live an active lifestyle, make sure you’re eating enough and getting the right balance of nutrition. Consider adding more fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to your diet, or talking to a nutritionist or dietician about supplementing with a multivitamin.
If you do, look for multivitamins that contain a variety of vitamins and are low in added sugar. Floradix’s Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin contains vitamins A, D, and E, as well as essential B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and B6. The liquid formula is easy to digest and absorb, and its fruit-juice base means it’s eminently smoothie-compatible. If you’re looking to make some positive changes to take care of your body, a multivitamin is a great place to start.
