Suddenly Exhausted All The Time? The Reason May Lie In Your Gut

Exhausted womanIt’s not just end-of-summer sadness – I swear I’ve been feeling more tired than usual this autumn.According to gut health specialist Dr Megan Rossi, who’ll be speaking at New Scientist Live from October 18-19, this could partly be down to seasonal changes – “As the days get colder and darker, you might naturally spend less time outdoors and exercise less, which can impact both energy levels and mood, as physical activity is a powerful mood booster,” she said. “On top of that, autumn and winter bring an increase in cold and flu viruses, and when your immune system is working harder to fight off infections, it can drain your energy reserves.” But speaking to HuffPost UK, the dietitian said that light changes and decreased activity levels aside, there may be another reason for increased drowsiness during the colder months – our gut health.Why would gut health changes make you more tired in autumn?One reason, Dr Rossi explained, is that just like our bodies, our gut bacteria follow Circadian rhythms (“body clocks”). So, as the days get darker and our melatonin (sleep hormone) levels struggle to adjust, our gut bacteria might find it hard to stay in sync, too. Additionally, the dietitian stated, changes to your workout routine don’t only affect your muscle gains. “A drop in physical activity can also negatively affect your microbial diversity, adding to the challenge, as exercise has been shown to support a more diverse gut microbiome,” she revealed. Less healthy guts may make us fatigued.And though “gut microbes thrive when you feed them a variety of high-fibre, plant-based foods,” many of us reach for more refined fare in the cooler months.This can lead to “fewer ‘good’ anti-inflammatory microbes being nourished as a result,” so their ability to boost your health is limited. The change can also “leave you feeling sluggish,” the expert told us.“Plus, with around 70% of your immune system living in the gut, as it ramps up to defend against seasonal viruses, you may notice the impact on both your digestive system and energy levels,” Dr Rossi continued.Between a sluggish gut and an active microbiome using more of our energy than usual to prep us for winter, no wonder I’ve been feeling so worn out.How can I improve my gut health for better energy?Fibre-rich foods like fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains can go a long way to helping a struggling gut. To help you reach your recommended 30g a day, Dr Rossi advised: “Even if fresh produce isn’t always available, you can stock up on frozen options like mixed berries or mango, and even mixed green veggies or cruciferous veggies like cauliflower.“They’re just as nutritious, and the mixed variety in particular will quickly help boost the variety of plants in your diet.” Adding frozen berries to your porridge or popping an extra fruit in your smoothie can go a long way, she said.And for people who crave autumn comfort, Dr Rossi says hearty food can still be your friend.“Legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils are packed with fibre and are an easy addition to pasta dishes, soups, stews, etc,” she ended.Related...'Finger Breathing' Could Help Transform Your Sleep. Here's HowThis Many Sleepless Nights A Week Could Raise Dementia Risk By 40%I Gave Up Sleep Tracking For A Week, And I've Never Felt More Rested

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