Feeling tired and sluggish throughout the day? You’re not alone. Fatigue is one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. The good news is that there are some tablets that can help fight fatigue and give you the energy boost you need to power through your day. In this blog post, we’ll look at the top over-the-counter fighting fatigue tablets and helping you feel more alert and energetic.
What Causes Fatigue?
Before diving into the tablets, let’s first look at some of the common causes of fatigue:
- Lack of sleep – Not getting enough quality sleep is one of the biggest reasons people feel tired during the day. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Poor diet – A diet low in nutrients can lead to fatigue. Be sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of healthy proteins, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables.
- Dehydration – Not drinking enough water is a common cause of tiredness. Aim for 8 glasses of water per day minimum.
- Sedentary lifestyle – A lack of physical activity can leave you feeling sluggish. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
- Stress – High stress levels take a toll on your energy levels. Practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or talking to a friend.
- Medical conditions – Some medical issues like anemia, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and depression can cause persistent fatigue. See your doctor if fatigue lasts more than 2 weeks.
Best Tablets for Fighting Fatigue
If you’re struggling with fatigue from lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, or other lifestyle factors, these over-the-counter tablets may help provide an energy boost:
1. Caffeine Tablets
Caffeine is one of the most widely used stimulants in the world. It works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness.
Caffeine tablets like NoDoz contain 100-200 mg of caffeine per tablet, which is equal to 1-2 cups of coffee. The caffeine provides a burst of energy that can help you power through fatigue or sleepiness.
Caffeine reaches peak blood levels within 30-60 minutes. The effects generally last for 2-3 hours. Only take caffeine tablets occasionally when needed for fatigue. Chronic daily use can lead to dependence and disrupted sleep patterns.
2. B-Complex Vitamins
B vitamins play a critical role in energy production in the body. B-complex supplements contain high doses of multiple B vitamins like B6, B12, niacin, riboflavin, and folate.
Studies show that B vitamin deficiencies are linked with increased fatigue. Taking a B-complex tablet can help increase energy by ensuring you meet the recommended daily intake for these essential nutrients.
Look for a B-complex with at least 25-50 mg of the major B vitamins. Take the tablets with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
3. Iron Supplements
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. Since iron is critical for hemoglobin and red blood cell production, low iron levels can lead to anemia and extreme fatigue.
If you have low iron, an iron supplement can provide the boost you need to restore normal energy levels. Iron tablets are best absorbed on an empty stomach. Be sure to stay under the upper limit of 45 mg of iron per day.
See your doctor if you think you may be iron deficient. They can check your blood levels and recommend the appropriate iron dosage.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium plays over 300 different roles in the body including energy production, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and stress response.
Low magnesium intake is linked with fatigue. One study found that magnesium supplements helped reduce fatigue by nearly 60% in elderly adults.
Look for a magnesium tablet with at least 100-400 mg of elemental magnesium like magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate. Avoid magnesium oxide, which has poor absorption.
5. Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional medicine in Russia and Scandinavian countries for centuries.
Modern studies show rhodiola helps boost energy levels, reduce fatigue, and enhance concentration. It?s believed rhodiola supports energy by optimizing cortisol levels and reducing burnout.
Look for a rhodiola supplement standardized to contain at least 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides. The recommended dosage is 200-600 mg taken 1-2 times per day.
Lifestyle Tips for Beating Fatigue
While tablets can provide a helpful quick boost, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is key to fighting fatigue over the long-term:
- Prioritize sleep – Get on a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours per night. Limit screen time before bed and create a restful sleep environment.
- Reduce stress – Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques to lower stress. Talk to a friend or therapist if needed.
- Eat energizing foods – Go for a balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Stay hydrated with water.
- Exercise daily – Aim for at least 30 minutes per day of moderate activity like brisk walking to increase energy levels.
- Limit alcohol – Heavy alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep patterns. Limit to 1 drink per day max.
- Get moving – If you feel tired, go for a short walk or do some stretching to get blood flowing.
- Check in with your doctor – Discuss any persistent fatigue at your next checkup, especially if it’s severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Underlying health issues may need treatment.
Conclusion
Feeling tired, drained and sleepy throughout your day can really disrupt your productivity and enjoyment of life. Safe over-the-counter tablets like caffeine, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and rhodiola rosea can help fight fatigue and give you an energy boost when you need it.
Be sure to take the recommended dosages and watch out for any side effects. Tablets work best paired with healthy lifestyle habits like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and limiting stress. See your doctor if fatigue persists despite lifestyle changes and energy supplements. With the right tools, you can fight fatigue and start feeling more alert, focused and energetic!
