We are meticulous about taking our supplements, working out regularly, and eating a wholesome, healthy diet with an occasional libation thrown in, because balance. Yet, we sometimes feel fatigued, tired, or the most common descriptor of all, a little off. If you’re a coach, you may even have clients that come to you with the same problem.

Don’t worry, we’re not going to list out scary and debilitating illnesses that could be the issue. ITN is not in the fearmongering business nor are we WebMD – we trust our community will always stay up-to-date with annual physicals and checkups.

We have however, put together 5 of our favorite tried and tested health hacks that can take you from fine to fabulous in no time.

5 HEALTH HACKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

1. LOW STOMACH ACID

Otherwise known as hypochlorhydria, this GI issue limits the amount of gastric acid produced, negatively impacting how efficiently your vitamins and minerals are absorbed.

Optimal levels of gastric acid also remove harmful bacteria from food and overall, help maintain a healthy microbiome. Symptoms of low stomach acid include feeling full, nausea, heartburn, difficulties swallowing supplements, and when tested, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

This could explain why you’re doing everything right, yet you still feel off.

While supplementation can help (and can be discussed with your primary care physician if necessary) an easy trick is to dilute two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water and drink before eating. Ideally, do this before your highest protein meal.

2. EATING ONE FOOD TOO REGULARLY

This is a catch 22 conundrum. You have your favorite healthy options locked down. Out of nowhere, that salad or smoothie that you have on rotation begins to make you feel a little sick.

Your body expects an array of different foods, and even though you think you’re doing the right thing by eating consistently, eating the same food repeatedly can cause a food intolerance.

Include more variety in your food rotations and trick your GI system by opting for something different on random days. Even switching between unsweetened coconut and almond milk can be helpful. Your body will thank you for it!

3. USING STRESS AS A NUTRIENT

Do you often feel bored and restless unless you have 100 things to accomplish before lunch? A dose of adrenaline is healthy – it’s when you begin relying on stress to get you through your day it becomes an issue.

Unlike healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, stress is devoid of any nutrient value. It may not be obvious at first, but using stress to “power through” (when it’s in fact, zapping your energy stores) could be making you feel a little less than optimal.

So, next time you have an influx of projects, take a deep breath and eat lunch before you dive in.

4. EXPENDING LESS, GETTING MORE

Hi, it’s the broken record. It’s not the first time you’ve heard that slowing down can help reap bigger rewards. You know less is more – it’s putting it into action that’s challenging.

Your body requires recovery and recuperation (more than you think) and often is the reason why you’re just not feeling your best.

Commit to doing more of nothing. Skip brunch and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a good book.

Not feeling the gym? A break can be just as beneficial, especially if you’re going to struggle through the workout. Reevaluate your midweek calendar to limit after-work events to 2 per week.

What other ways can you do less for more?

5. ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOU’RE REALLY HUNGRY FOR

Your diet may have a nutritionist-approved gold star, but it’s important to regularly check in with yourself to ensure all aspects of your life are providing the same level of nourishment. This can be especially important when it comes to jobs, relationships, and travel – not feeling 100% satisfied in any part of your life will leave you wanting and feeling low.

Every now and then, sit with yourself and ask yourself some questions. Is your job fulfilling you? What would improve it? Are you satisfied in your relationship? What would make it better… That trip abroad you’ve been planning for 5 years but have yet to pull the trigger? How do you make that happen?

CONCLUSION

It’s easy to hide behind good dietary habits as your well-being seal of approval. For truly optimal health, it’s critical to think beyond smoothies, juices, and functional foods and to ask yourself these hard questions.

Identify what is serving you and what isn’t. As our founder, Cynthia Garcia always asks, “What are you really hungry for?” Let us know in the comments below!