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You get 8 hours of sleep.
You don’t skip breakfast.
You’re not sick.
And still you feel tired all the time.
Sound familiar?
Welcome to the modern epidemic of hidden fatigue where young, seemingly healthy people feel constantly exhausted, mentally foggy, and physically drained.
But what if it’s not sleep that’s the problem?
Let’s explore 7 lesser known reasons why Indians especially Gen Z and millennials feel like they’re running on empty.
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
Many Indians are shockingly low in:
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Vitamin D
B12 affects brain and nerve function. Iron helps transport oxygen. A lack of either means:
“You’re breathing, but your cells are gasping.”
Even vegetarian diets, if unbalanced, can cause these deficiencies.
🩺 Signs to watch for:
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Pins and needles sensation
- Mood swings
2. Blood Sugar Imbalance
Even if you’re not diabetic, eating:
- Too much sugar
- White rice, bread
- Skipping meals
…can crash your blood sugar.
Your body goes into “energy rollercoaster mode” high sugar → sudden dip → tiredness, brain fog, hunger.
🧠 Try: Balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
3. Mental Exhaustion (Zoom Brain!)
We underestimate how mentally tiring life is now:
- Constant notifications
- Screen overload
- Multitasking
- Social media anxiety
Even without physical work, your brain burns energy and emotional stress drains it faster than a treadmill session.
Try-
- 2 hours of screen free time daily
- Saying “no” to unnecessary mental tasks
- Meditation or just silence
4. Lack of Movement
Ironically, sitting too much makes you feel more tired.
Why?
- Slows down circulation
- Affects lymphatic system (waste removal)
- Muscles stiffen, reducing oxygen flow
Even walking 20–30 minutes daily boosts energy more than coffee.
5. Poor Sleep Quality (Not Just Hours)
8 hours of broken, light sleep = bad sleep.
You may snore, grind teeth, have apnea (breathing pauses), or sleep too late all of which impact energy.
Tip: Try a sleep tracking app or get checked for snoring related issues.
6. Chronic Dehydration
Mild dehydration = 10–15% drop in energy levels.
If you drink tea/coffee but skip water, you’re slowly draining your body’s battery.
Start the day with 1 glass of plain water. Refill every 2 hours.
7. Emotional Burnout
Sometimes, tiredness is your soul whispering:
“I’m not okay.”
If you’re constantly pleasing others, stuck in a toxic job, or ignoring your passion your body reacts with chronic fatigue.
Energy isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, spiritual.
Parting Thoughts:
Tired all the time ≠ lazy.
It’s a signal, not a flaw.
Listen to it. Fix your food. Move more. Say no. Breathe deep.
Your body is trying to help not betray you.
2. The Truth About Seed Oils: Are You Slowly Poisoning Your Family?
But new research says these seed oils might be the most dangerous thing in your kitchen.
Let’s explore why health experts are now calling them the “liquid cigarettes” of the modern diet.
What Are Seed Oils?
Seed oils are industrial oils extracted from:
- Soybeans
- Corn
- Sunflower
- Cottonseed
- Canola (rapeseed)
- Safflower
They undergo:
- High heat
- Chemical solvents (like hexane)
- Deodorizing and bleaching
This creates a clear, odorless oil but also oxidized molecules harmful to the body.
Why Are They Harmful?
These oils are:
- High in omega 6 fatty acids
- Low in omega 3 (anti inflammatory)
This omega imbalance causes:
- Chronic inflammation
- Gut issues
- Weight gain
- Fatty liver
- Hormonal imbalances
- Even links to cancer and Alzheimer’s (ongoing studies)
Refined = Chemically Altered
Refined oils are stripped of:
- Antioxidants
- Nutrients
- Fiber
And replaced with: - Free radicals
- Trans fats (in small traces)
These silently damage your cells every day.
Indian Cooking Makes It Worse
Indian meals often use:
- Reused oil
- High heat frying
- Too much oil per meal
Each time you reheat, oxidized particles multiply causing even more harm.
How Seed Oils Sneak Into Everything
- Chips
- Biscuits
- Instant noodles
- Fried snacks
- Packaged foods
Even so-called “healthy snacks” often use refined oil.
What Doctors Are Saying
“We’re seeing fatty liver, PCOS, and gut inflammation in 16 year olds. Diet is the #1 cause.”
Dr. Mansi Shah, Gastroenterologist
Healthier Swaps for Daily Cooking
Cold pressed mustard oil
Wood pressed groundnut oil
Coconut oil (for frying)
Ghee (best for Indian cooking)
Avocado or olive oil (for salads)
Avoid:
“Refined” label
Vanaspati
Vegetable oil blends
What to Do Now?
- Don’t trust the word “heart healthy” on packs
- Read labels for hydrogenated/ refined oils
- Switch gradually to natural fats
- Cook with less oil overall
Parting Thoughts:
Seed oils were never a part of Indian tradition.
They came with industrial food and brought silent health chaos.
Go back to ghee, mustard oil, coconut oil like your daadi used to.
She wasn’t just cooking. She was protecting you.
