Feeling tired is a common complaint and it is no wonder with environmental pollution clogging our metabolism, lack of good food, high levels of stress and lack of physical exercise.

Feeling tired is a common complaint and it is no wonder with environmental pollution clogging our metabolism, lack of good food, high levels of stress and lack of physical exercise.

But there are ways to tackle this. Firstly you should consult your GP and get the obvious test done, including a blood count, kidney and liver function, thyroid function tests, iron and iron stores.

Your GP may advise other tests depending on your symptoms. but if these all come back normal and you are still finding yourself tired there are some other remedies that you may find useful.

A common factor is ‘adrenal fatigue’ — these flight or fight glands get overused in responding to stress. They are also helpful in regulating blood sugars.

A low GI diet helps them function better and supplementing with zinc, chromium, vitamin C and B vitamins helps nourish them.

There are ‘adrenal support’ formulas available from several companies, which you can buy over the counter. Symptoms and signs of adrenal fatigue include dizziness on standing, low back pain, small or no ‘moons’ in your fingernails, blood sugars fluctuating and dark rings under the eyes.

Candida overgrowth in the bowel is another common problem. I think the best test for this is gut fermentation. The sufferer takes five grams of glucose in a mixture of powder and capsules and blood is drawn one hour later. If you have a lot of yeast you will ferment some of the glucose into alcohol which is picked up in the blood.

Anti yeast remedies can then be taken. Colonic irrigation can be useful to re-establish healthy bowel bacteria.

Some herbal remedies are useful for energy. Rhodiola rosea was found by Russian scientists to lift the mood and increase energy.

In one trial even the performance of doctors who work night shifts was enhanced and another showed improved exam results in students. I wish it was available when I was at Queens.

Panax ginseng seems to work particularly on the adrenals and can improve blood sugar control. It’s effect is enhanced along with a multi mineral/vitamin.

Ashwagandha is an Indian version of Panax ginseng (which is Asian). Other helpful remedies include Kelp, which works on the thyroid.

Don’t forget the basics - good diet, low carbohydrates, exercise and reduce stress — if possible.

Contact Dr Finbar Magee at Synergy Healthcare on 9070 9300.