Still tired after eight hours of sleep?
Body+Soul by Ravisha Rajapaksha
Dragging yourself through the day, battling mid-afternoon crashes, or feeling wiped out after your workouts?
While many blame busy schedules or poor sleep, experts say the real culprit might actually be what you eat.
How can your diet contribute to low energy?
According to antioxidant researcher and clinical nutritionist Dr Vincent Candrawinata, known as Dr Vincent, your diet plays a crucial role in determining whether you feel energised or fatigued.
"The food you eat directly affects blood sugar stability, metabolism, and cellular function, all of which impact your energy levels throughout the day," he says.
Dr Vincent says other potential causes of low energy can include:
Blood sugar fluctuations
When you consume refined sugars and processed carbs, you experience those energy rollercoasters - a rapid energy spike, followed by a crash that leaves you feeling sluggish.
Nutrient deficiencies
If you're not getting enough iron, your body may be struggling to transport oxygen effectively, leaving you feeling exhausted. Low magnesium can also impact how your muscles function and impact your sleep quality, resulting in daytime fatigue.
Dehydration
Even mild dehydration can cause brain fog, headaches and low energy levels.
Water is essential for nutrient transport and energy production at a cellular level, so drinking enough fluids is key to maintaining vitality.
Inflammation and gut health
Your body's inflammatory response matters as well. A diet heavy on processed foods and artificial ingredients can create chronic inflammation, which is linked to feeling tired.
“Poor gut health, caused by a lack of fibre, probiotics, or excess sugar can impair nutrient absorption, leading to low energy production at a cellular level,” Dr Vincent says.