Unveiling Summer Fatigue: An Insightful Study by FANCL
FANCL, renowned for its personalized supplements, conducted an extensive analysis on summer fatigue using data from over 33,000 individuals aged 20 to 69. This recent survey aimed to explore the correlation between feelings of fatigue during summer and factors like nutrition, sleep quality, and exercise habits. The findings shed light on essential strategies to combat summer fatigue, emphasizing the role of zinc intake alongside adequate sleep and physical activity.
Key Findings of the Study
1.
Seasonal Fatigue Perception: Participants reported feeling worse and more fatigued during summer than in other seasons.
2.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Levels of essential nutrients, particularly Vitamin B1 and zinc, were notably lower in summer.
3.
Fatigue Correlation with Zinc: Individuals who experienced persistent fatigue had significantly lower levels of zinc in their bodies.
4.
Sleep Quality Issues: The survey indicated that fewer respondents felt well-rested after sleep or satisfied with their sleep quality during summer.
5.
Sleep Duration Matters: Those who slept over six hours reported lower levels of fatigue compared to those who slept less.
6.
Exercise Frequency: Regular exercisers (more than twice a week) experienced less fatigue than those who seldom exercised.
These results suggest that combating summer fatigue requires a comprehensive approach focused on nutrition, sleep, and exercise.
FANCL’s Commitment to Health
Since starting in 1994, FANCL has prioritized health and nutrition, adjusting its approach to reflect modern lifestyle challenges. As consumers face varied lifestyles, the importance of sleep and exercise has become increasingly critical. To better support customers, FANCL is evolving into a comprehensive health support company, not only helping with dietary needs but also emphasizing the significance of sleep and exercise.
The recent study is part of FANCL's commitment to raise awareness about nutrition, sleep, and exercise through regular health data releases. With expectations of hotter summer weather, as forecasted for July to September, proactive health management is essential.
Detailed Analysis of Findings
The findings regarding summer fatigue also revealed specific health concerns that need addressing:
- - Perception of Health: Survey responses confirmed a higher prevalence of poor health perceptions in summer compared to other times of the year.
- - Nutrient Levels: The analysis highlighted that zinc levels were low in summer, indicating an increased need for this nutrient during hot months influenced by stress from UV radiation and humidity.
- - Rest and Recovery: Summer sleep patterns indicated a need for focus on sleep quality improvements. A majority of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their restfulness and quality during this season.
- - Exercise and Well-being: A correlation between exercise frequency and fatigue indicates that enhancing physical activity can mitigate feelings of lethargy.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Katsumi Shibata, an expert in dietary guidelines, emphasizes the importance of zinc, especially during summer. He states that the body's demand for zinc rises in hot weather due to increased stress and the need for immune support. When zinc is insufficient, it could lead to energy metabolism issues, causing individuals to feel fatigued. Thus, ensuring adequate zinc intake during summer is vital for maintaining energy and overall well-being.
Recommendations for Summer Health
To prevent summer fatigue, proper sleep and light exercise are crucial, paired with adequate zinc intake from food or supplements. Foods rich in zinc include seafood, red meat, grains, cheese, and eggs. A suggested recipe is the “Gochisou Salad” which incorporates these nutrient-rich foods while remaining appetizing even in hot weather.
Recipe for Gochisou Salad
Ingredients (serves 4):
- - 1 pack of FANCL Brown Rice Pasta (70g)
- - 1 pack of salad chicken
- - 2 boiled eggs
- - 8 cherry tomatoes
- - 1/2 cucumber
- - 1/4 can of corn
- - 3 leaves of romaine lettuce
Dressing:
- - 4 tablespoons of Caesar dressing
- - 1/2 packet of FANCL Kale Powder
Instructions:
1. Cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
2. Rinse romaine lettuce in cold water, drain, and tear into pieces.
3. Mix Caesar dressing with kale powder.
4. Arrange romaine lettuce on a plate and top with other ingredients.
5. Drizzle dressing just before serving and mix well.
Sleep Recommendations for Summer
Encouraging serotonin production is vital for sleep. This can be achieved by getting morning sunlight, increasing chewing during meals, and engaging the lower body in physical activity.
Environmental Considerations: Maintaining a room temperature of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius is suggested to ensure comfortable sleeping conditions, ideally using air conditioning throughout the night to prevent heat accumulation.
Online Exercise Programs
For those deterred by summer heat, FANCL offers convenient online exercise programs that allow for enjoyable workouts from the comfort of your air-conditioned home.
Future Research Plans
FANCL aims to continue contributing to a healthier society by performing in-depth analyses of health-related data, with a focus on empowering individuals through nutritional support and raising awareness around fitness, sleep, and overall health management.