Ask the Experts- November 2021

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I seem to get fatigued since hitting menopause. I am 56 years old. Can you explain any of this to me. I read your newsletter each month and love it. Thank you for your help.

Janis

Dear Janis,

You and your doctor should work together to find out the cause of your fatigue. Your doctor should rule out depression which is a common cause of fatigue. Other medical causes of fatigue include sleep problems such as sleep apnea; hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid condition) ; heart disease; anemia , as well as other health concerns.

Here are some measures you can try:

Exercise. Sedentary people who start an exercise program have more energy than people who do not exercise. Ask your doctor about he/she recommends. A 15 minute walk each day should provide you more energy and it will lead to other health benefits, too.

Take a short nap. Try a 20 minute nap each day. It should help to improve your fatigue level.

Drink caffeine in small doses. But do not drink it in the midafternoon or after that time.

Get adequate sunlight. Sunlight may help you to feel more awake. Avoid sitting in dimly lit rooms.

Eat foods rich in B12. The average adult should get 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. This will help prevent anemia due to the lack of vitamin B12.

Here are some of the best foods with B12:

• Clams
• 100% fortified breakfast cereal (check the label)
• Trout
• Salmon
• Canned tuna fish
• Fortified soy milk
• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• Swiss cheese
• Ham
• Egg, 1 large

Or, speak to your doctor to see if you need to add a B12 supplement.