Is Spring Fatigue Real? A Nutrition Expert Weighs In on the Debate

Spring fatigue, often called Frühjahrsmüdigkeit, remains a debated topic among health experts. While some suggest dietary changes to ease its effects, recent studies from Germany and Switzerland dismiss it as a myth. Despite this, Inessa Gladkova, a leading food technologist in Russia, has shared her own recommendations for tackling the condition through nutrition.

Gladkova, chief technologist at a major Russian retail chain, advises adjusting diets to fight spring fatigue. She highlights the importance of hydration and electrolyte balance, suggesting hearty broths like chicken soup to restore fluids. Reducing strong coffee, alcohol, and salty snacks is also part of her guidance.

To boost energy naturally, she recommends small amounts of high-cocoa dark chocolate. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—up to four grams daily—are another key part of her advice. Additionally, she stresses replenishing vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium and sodium, to help the body recover. However, no evidence links Gladkova's recommendations to wider Russian nutritional science or public health reporting in the past five years. Recent 2026 studies from German and Swiss researchers instead label spring fatigue as a myth. Their advice focuses on general lifestyle improvements: balanced diets, regular exercise, proper hydration, and sufficient sleep.

Gladkova's dietary tips contrast with broader scientific views on spring fatigue. While her suggestions include specific foods and hydration strategies, most recent research dismisses the condition entirely. Instead, experts recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support overall well-being during seasonal changes.