Weakness is the feeling of body fatigue (tiredness). A person experiencing weakness may not be able to move that part of their body properly or they may experience tremors (uncontrollable movement or twitches) in the area of weakness.
Some people experience weakness in a certain
area of their bodies, such as the arms or legs. Others may experience full body
weakness, which is often the result of a bacterial or viral infection such as
influenza or hepatitis. Weakness may be temporary, but in some cases it is
chronic or continuous
Cause of
Weakness
Common causes of weakness include:
- influenza
- insomnia
- medication side effects (often seen with mild tranquilizers used to
treat anxiety)
- polymyositis (inflammatory muscle disease)
- chemotherapy
- hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E
- blood loss
- cancer
- stroke
- heart attack
- muscle or nerve injury
- diseases affecting the nerves or muscles
- medication or vitamin overdose
- poison
Although weakness caused by cancer may appear
slowly over an extended amount of time, weakness caused by a heart attack or
stroke is often immediate.
In addition to experiencing weakness, other
symptoms such as difficulty breathing, pain, and irregular heartbeat may be
present.
Signs of
Weakness
Isolated
Weakness
If you experience weakness in one area of
your body, you may find that you are unable to move that part of your body
efficiently. You may also experience:
- delayed or slow movement
- uncontrollable shaking (tremors)
- muscle twitching
- muscle cramps
Full Body
Weakness
Full body weakness causes you to feel run
down, similar to the feeling you get when you have the flu. This is often
called fatigue, but it is also possible to experience full body weakness
without feeling tired.
Some people who experience full body weakness
also experience fever, flulike symptoms, or pain in the affected area.
Dangerous
Symptoms
You should contact your doctor if you
experience any of the following symptoms:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- confusion
- difficulty speaking
- changes in vision
- severe pain
1.
Bananas
Bananas
contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose that give you a quick
energy boost up. Bananas have high amount of potassium that converts sugar into
energy. Whenever you feel weak, eat one or two bananas. You can also try banana
shake or smoothie.
2. Milk
Milk is a
rich source of vitamin B that reduces weakness. It is also a good source of
calcium that keeps your bones strong. Whenever you feel lethargic, drink a cup
of warm milk with one teaspoon of honey in it. Alternatively, you can also add
1 teaspoon of licorice powder in warm milk. Drink it two times in a day.
Note – Consult
your doctor before taking licorice, on a regular basis, as it may increase
blood pressure in some people.
3.
Strawberries
Intake in
form of juice, or eat plain or combine with other fruits, strawberries provide
you with huge energetic. It enhances immunity and repair tissues of the body.
4.
Almonds
Almonds are
packed with vitamin E and magnesium that makes you feel energetic. These dried
fruits convert fat, protein, and carbohydrate into energy. Every day soak 2
almonds in water overnight. In the morning, remove the skin of almonds, and eat
them. You can also eat roasted almonds, whenever you feel fatigued.
- A handful of nuts like walnuts,
raisins, etc., are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids and release energy
quickly. Natural sugar in these nuts keeps you going for the whole day.
- Eat 4-5 dates every day, in order to
reload the lost energy.
5. Indian
Gooseberry
Indian
gooseberry is a nutritious fruit that improves the energy level. It is a very
good source of vitamin C, protein, irons, calcium, carbohydrates, and
phosphorous. It strengthens your immune system. It is recommended to eat one
Indian gooseberry daily. You can also grind them in a juicer and take them with
honey.
6.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
has been used in making food and medicines for centuries, around the globe. It
is easy to digest, boosts up metabolism, and increases energy as well. Coconut
oil stimulates the thyroid gland and balances hormones. You can use coconut oil
for daily preparation of your food.
7.
Acupressure
It is a
touch therapy that uses pressure on some specific body points for reviving the
body. Putting pressure on the points between the eye brows, shoulder muscle 1-2
inches from the side of the lower neck, below the kneecap, on the outer part of
the chest, three finger widths below the belly button, etc., can relieve
general weakness.
8. Oats
Oats are the
great components to boost up the energy. It is loaded with carbohydrates and
fiber that help prevent hunger cramps. Magnesium and phosphorus in oats have
the ability to put off fatigue and tiredness.
9. Garlic
Garlic has
astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that repair weak immune
system. One can consume raw garlic clove on daily basis.
10. Warm
up and Exercise
Regular
exercise and simple physical activities strengthen your stamina and increase
your muscle strength. Morning time is the best for exercise. Daily warm up and
stretching for 15 minutes will keep you fresh and energetic. Yoga and
meditation are also a great way to keep your energy levels high.
11. Water
Dehydration
can lead to tiredness, so drink plenty of water, juice, milk, or other liquid
beverages, in order to stay hydrated. Vitamin A, C, and B1 in fruit juices
energize you.
- Prepare a drink of glucose powder and
a pinch of salt in water. Add lemon juice for taste. Drink this as often
as required.
- A blend of tomato and apple juice can
prevent weakness.
- Carrot juice is also a good energy
booster.
12.
Yogurt
Protein
present in yogurt releases energy, and natural sugar boosts your energy levels.
It makes you feel fuller for long time, and also gives you a boost of instant
energy.
Note – If
you are suffering from cold or some throat infection, you should avoid intake
of yogurt.
13.
Mangoes
Since this
juicy fruit is a good source of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and dietary
fiber, it assures optimal health. The iron contents enable one to overcome
anemia. Starch in mangoes provides instant energy when it gets transformed into
sugar.
- Sprinkle rose water, cardamom, a pinch
of saffron and honey on mango slices and have them.
14.
Coffee
Consumption
of coffee in moderate amount keeps you active and energetic all through the
day. It accelerates endurance and improves the rate of metabolism.
Note – Intake
of more than 2 cups of coffee, in a day, increases the risk of insomnia and
anxiety.
15. Eggs
Eggs are
enriched in riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin A, iron and protein. Having eggs in
breakfast is a perfect start of a healthy day. You can include egg sandwich,
green vegetables, and omelette with cheese or boiled egg in your regular diet.
16.
Sprouts
Consumption
of sprouts provides the needed amount of protein and energy to your body.
REMEMBER
Weakness can
be treated in many different ways. Determining the underlying cause provides
the best method of treatment. When you visit your doctor, he or she will go
over your symptoms and the time you began experiencing them. This will give
your doctor an idea as to what is causing you to feel weak.
Your doctor
may request that you give a urine sample and he or she may also take a blood
sample from you. These samples are tested for infections and signs of possible
medical conditions that may cause weakness. If you’re experiencing pain, your
doctor may also order an imaging test to have a look at the area affected.
Imaging tests include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds.