Fatigue is one of those things that will affect us all every now and again but it should be transient. If you are feeling fatigued for weeks or even months on end then it’s time to speak to a health professional. There are many factors that contribute to feelings of fatigue from simple fixes to requiring a treatment plan. Good news though…when we start to feel a little “off” we believe it’s a great opportunity for change!

1. Nutritional deficiency

There are several nutrients that are required for natural energy production from ATP in our cells. When we eat poorly, aren’t digesting or absorbing nutrients from our food properly, or are not managing our stress we start to see nutrient deficiencies and fatigue is a common symptom as a result. Some of the nutritional deficiencies related to fatigue are highlighted below.

• CoQ10 – cellular production requires B vitamins, vitamin C, and tyrosine
• Essential fats – omega 3, 6 & 9
• Antioxidants – selenium, vitamin C & coQ10
• Amino acids – methionine, carnitine, glycine, leucine
• Minerals – iodine & iron
• Electrolytes – phosphate, potassium & sodium

Proper assessment by a nutritionist or naturopath is recommended to identify the source of your fatigue in your individual situation rather than taking lots of supplements unnecessarily.

2. Chronic stress

New research suggests that long-term stress can change the structure of neural networks in our brain. According to this new science, there is a relationship between excess stress hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress that contributes to these changes. Unfortunately if unmanaged can worsen stress and fatigue over time, leading to chronic fatigue syndrome, unless the causes are not addressed. This process is identified as HPA dysfunction in natural medicine. Fortunately, this is reversible with the right support!

3. Immune-related

Chronic immune activation or imbalances caused by inflammation, oxidative stress, slow healing, and/or infection has been shown in research to contribute to disruptions in cellular energy production. Therefore further highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system, including the 70% that lives in your gut.

4. Blood sugar imbalances

Fluctuations in blood sugars have been known for a long time to contribute to feelings of fatigue, especially in those most vulnerable either genetically (family history of diabetes) or those with a diagnosis of diabetes. Blood sugar imbalances can also cause mood changes, which further complicate fatigue.

5. Hormone imbalances

Changes in hormone levels can also be a cause of ongoing fatigue. Thyroid hormones play an essential role in maintaining a healthy metabolism, including digestion and utilization of nutrients from food. As suggested before nutrition is fundamental to maintaining energy production in cells. Low progesterone has also been associated with low mood and energy in women. If your man is feeling constantly low in energy and moody then it’s a good opportunity for him to discuss testosterone levels with his doctor.

6. Poor quality sleep 

For many years research has shown the importance of sleep in maintaining overall wellbeing. Particularly studies suggest that insufficient sleep can disrupt mood plus increase the production of inflammation and oxidative stress that all affect the immune system.

7. Excess body fat

If you know you are carrying excess body fat then it may be related to your fatigue. However excess weight is not the cause generally, it’s usually any number or all of the other reasons mentioned here that may also be contributing. We find that weight loss is a complex, but common health concern that isn’t always as simple as calories in & calories out. But never fear, natural medicine can help you figure that out too!

8. Chronic disease

As mentioned before fatigue is a symptom that is considered as part of a whole picture when diagnosing the causing factor. This is especially the case in modern medicine as fatigue is a common symptom relating to many chronic diseases ranging from electrolyte imbalances to HIV, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia. The possibility of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is also a possibility if you have been suffering from fatigue lasting longer than 6 months, but is not resolved with sleep or rest, however, CFS is not generally a recognized condition in modern medicine. It is always a good idea to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis to rule out more serious diseases.

If you are ready to get your health under control and need some personalized professional guidance make sure you book your FREE Discovery Chat in our online clinic today. Our wide selection of high-quality professional products are available as part of your free consultation and we express post products Australia-wide.