Fatigue is a common complain in autoimmune diseases

“Doc I feel so tired like I have the flu all the time”…..

 Fatigue is commonly described as a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, lack of energy that not only that affects their well-being but it affects their emotional health and their relationships.

Here are a most common causes of fatigue in autoimmune diseases
1. still active or poorly controlled disease (if you still have symptoms, signs and elevated markers of inflammation, most likely the disease is still active or sub-optimally controlled)
2. if you have anemia
3. vitamin D deficiency
4. medication side effect (e.g methotrexate)
5. thyroid dysfunction
6. long term use of steroids

What patients can do to improve energy levels?

➢ Eat a healthy diet. Choose to eat fresh veggies and fruits, low-fat dairy, lean protein and avoid processed food. Drink a lot of water, more than 2 liters of water/ day (8 glasses of water a day). Stop drinking soda drinks. Avoid sugar or processed sugar. Better choose fresh fruit as your dessert.
➢ Listen to your body. Learn your limits. Try to schedule naps or breaks in your busy schedule. 
➢ Sleep is very important. Make sure you sleep at least 8 hours a day.
➢ Schedule a regular exercise program at least 3 times per week.
➢ Try relaxation techniques such as massage or meditation that will better control your stress level.

o I hope this helps and makes you feel better soon.