On Thursday, we talked about 5 hidden causes of fatigue that affect your health and beauty.  One of the lifestyle changes you can make to help combat fatigue is the foods that you eat.  Here are the Top 5 Fatigue-Fighting Foods:

Orange Juice - OJ is a great source of energy-essential vitamin C and also helps in the absorption of blood-building iron.  Unbelievably, 1 out of 3 women don’t get enough vitamin C.  In a recent study, women who were low in vitamin C did much better on treadmill tests after they were given extra C daily – “they felt better and they had more energy” said Carol Johnston, PhD, RD.  She suspects the connection between vitamin C and energy has to do with C’s role in producing  carnitine (a molecule that helps your body burn fat for energy).

Coffee - I know we said on Thursday to decrease your intake of caffeine, however, coffee (in moderation) works as  a quick pick-me-up by making energy stores more available and increasing “muscle fiber recruitment”, i.e. helping the fiberlike cells in your muscles work together for maximum efficiency.  Note: the boost from caffeine is unsustainable, so coffee should never be used in place of eating.

Beans - Fiber-filled legumes improve endurance.  And they’re a great source of iron (the most important mineral for fighting fatigue).  Iron is needed for energy because of its role in the creation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to where it’s needed in the body.  Having too little iron lowers your metabolic rate – and your energy levels.

Water – This liquid prevents acute dehydration, which forces  your cells to borrow water from the bloodstream, reducing your vitality.  Drinking water  also prevents cumulative dehydration, which can build up and cause fatigue.

Apples – Like most fruits, apples have simple sugars, such as fructose for energy and fiber to spread that energy surge out over time.  And the fiber in an unpeeled apple has been associated with improved regularity and the prevention of colon cancer.

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