Seasonal fatigue and low energy: why it happens and how to prevent it

Many people are familiar with seasonal fatigue and low energy. When autumn arrives, many begin to experience weakness, difficulty concentrating, and frequent headaches that seem to have no obvious cause. While ordinary tiredness can often be overcome with sufficient sleep and regular rest, restoring the body’s energy levels and overall vitality can be more challenging.

Main causes of seasonal fatigue and low energy

Until a few years ago, one of the main explanations for what is commonly called the «autumn blues» was believed to be low serotonin levels (the so-called «happiness hormone»). However, recent research by University College London (UCL) challenged the idea that depression is primarily caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

The Mayo Clinic, one of the largest nonprofit medical research organizations in the United States, identifies several common factors that can contribute to reduced energy and fatigue during autumn:

• Excessive physical exertion (many people try to overcome fatigue by increasing the intensity of their workouts);
• A sedentary lifestyle (common among men and women who work desk jobs);
• Insufficient or poor-quality sleep (less than eight hours per night or sleep interrupted by frequent awakenings);
• Stress and nervous exhaustion;
• Unhealthy habits (smoking and excessive alcohol consumption);
• Poor nutrition (excessive consumption of fried or sugary foods, especially shortly before bedtime);
• Previous influenza or acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). A weakened immune system can directly affect overall well-being. Watch our video to learn how to strengthen your body’s immune system:

At first glance, the factors listed above may not seem directly related to seasonal changes. However, comparing summer and autumn daily routines makes it clear that many of these causes of reduced energy and vitality become more pronounced as the colder months arrive.

In addition, an unbalanced diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies, common symptoms of which include poor well-being, weakness, and increased fatigue. Vitamins themselves do not serve as direct sources of energy for the body. Instead, they act as essential cofactors in metabolic processes within cells, helping the body properly process food and obtain energy from it.

Which vitamins does the body need in autumn?

It would be inaccurate to claim that one vitamin is universally more beneficial or essential than another. However, the following nutrients are particularly important for supporting overall well-being and helping prevent seasonal fatigue:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) not only supports the immune system but also participates in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. One of these neurotransmitters is dopamine, which is involved in motivation, reward, and pleasure;
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the body’s response to external factors and stimuli;
• Vitamin H (biotin) is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, helping convert nutrients into glucose, which the body uses as an energy source;
• Vitamin D is essential for supporting the immune system and maintaining healthy bones and cartilage. Adequate vitamin D levels may also help support musculoskeletal health and reduce the risk of seasonal worsening of certain inflammatory conditions;

The best sources of vitamins are not necessarily dietary supplements or pharmaceutical products, but rather natural, high-quality, fresh foods.

Citrus fruits, sauerkraut, bell peppers, and rose hips are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin B1 is found in abundance in flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, and soybeans. Biotin is present in almonds, peanuts, and organ meats, including beef and veal liver. Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, as well as egg yolks, are good sources of vitamin D.

CraftOil nuts and seeds – natural sources of essential nutrients

The CraftOil catalog always offers fresh, organic nuts and seeds of various varieties. Our products are sourced from environmentally clean regions, are free from treatment with agricultural pesticides and preservatives, stored under ideal conditions, and packaged in convenient paper bags with resealable closures on the day your order is placed.

Our flaxseeds (brown and golden), sweet almonds, soybeans, peanuts, and other products are certified and rich in nutrients essential for the normal functioning of the human body.

CraftOil also offers an excellent selection of cold-pressed vegetable oils. We produce flaxseed, almond, sesame, caraway, mustard, and other oils using our own presses, ensuring exceptional taste and aroma.

For more information about our product range, submit an inquiry through our website.