What Causes Decreased Energy Levels, and How to Fix It
Decreased stamina, or reduced levels of physical energy, is a common medical condition that almost everybody will experience at some point in their lives. Decreased energy levels may occasionally a serious health concern; therefore, if you continue to notice unusual symptoms with no obvious cause, you should visit your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. However, an unusual loss of stamina can have a variety of potential causes, many of which can be corrected quite easily.
Overtraining
Overtraining is a condition that can occur if you exercise excessively without sufficient sleep, rest or nutrition, making it difficult for your body to recuperate sufficiently. It is important that you eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep, especially if you are very active physically. This will allow your body to properly heal and regain normal energy levels.
Dietary Issues
The quality of your diet also heavily influences your stamina levels. Insufficient or improper caloric intake may reduce your energy. You should eat breakfast regularly and should consume a balanced diet that includes sufficient vitamins, minerals, protein and complex carbs. Although the occasional treat is acceptable, you should be careful not to overindulge in highly processed foods or those high in sugar or sodium, or your energy levels could suffer (among other health problems).
Illness and Allergies
Of course, being sick can make you feel tired, but reduced stamina could also be due to allergies or related problems. If you do not notice any other potential causes for your fatigue, you should visit your doctor to check for any allergy issues that you may not have known about.
Stress
High levels of stress can also deplete your stamina in several ways. It causes energy-wasting anxiety, higher cortisol and lower sex hormones, and lower-quality sleep that then compounds all the other problems. Yoga, meditation and caffeine reduction all may help decrease stress levels and improve sleep, leading to greater stamina and vitality.
Testosterone
Finally, testosterone is a major contributor to feelings of energy and vitality in men, so low testosterone levels can result in a major blow to stamina. The body produces less testosterone as it ages, and older adults commonly experience reduced libido and energy as a result. Strength training and diet combat this for many people, but some may require testosterone replacement therapy to stay in the normal range for this critical hormone. Your doctor can give you more specific advice about how to handle low testosterone levels.
