If you’re tired of always being tired, it’s time to find out why. We regularly see patients whose main complaint is their debilitating fatigue which prevents them from living a life of quality.
Chronic fatigue can have various underlying causes. It’s often a complex interplay of multiple factors rather than a single cause which can make it a challenge for getting to the root cause with traditional medicine.
Some of the common factors contributing to chronic fatigue include:
Medical Conditions
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a recognized medical condition characterized by persistent fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest. Other medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea can also lead to chronic fatigue.
Psychological Factors
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can contribute to persistent fatigue. Emotional and psychological stressors can impact energy levels and lead to persistent feelings of tiredness.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor lifestyle habits such as inadequate sleep, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption can contribute to chronic fatigue over time.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium can lead to fatigue and low energy levels. Poor absorption of nutrients due to gastrointestinal issues or restrictive diets can also contribute to fatigue.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, or allergens can trigger immune responses and inflammation in the body, leading to fatigue.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, such as adrenal fatigue or dysfunction, thyroid disorders, and fluctuations in reproductive hormones, can disrupt energy metabolism and contribute to chronic fatigue.
Chronic Infections
Persistent infections such as viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus) or bacterial infections (e.g., Lyme disease) can trigger chronic fatigue as the body’s immune system works to fight off the infection.
Genetic Predisposition
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to chronic fatigue or related conditions, making them more susceptible to experiencing persistent fatigue symptoms.
While the underlying causes of fatigue vary, the good news is that there are countless ways to identify the source, create a plan and access effective treatment options.
Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to look at all the various factors that could be the root cause of your fatigue. We offer many treatments that can help you have more energy.
Some functional medicine treatments for fatigue can be short term to give you an added boost, but most can be added to your regular health routine to ensure you don’t suffer from debilitating fatigue again.
Healthy Sleep Habits
Establish a consistent sleep schedule and prioritize getting adequate sleep each night (7-9 hours for adults). Create a relaxing bedtime routine and optimize your sleep environment for quality rest.
Stress Management
Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or tai chi to help manage stress levels and promote relaxation.
Nutritious Diet and Supplementation
Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and limit consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods.
Added essential supplements to your health routine such as B vitamins and mitochondrial support supplements.
Regular Exercise
Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or gentle yoga, to help boost energy levels, improve mood, and reduce fatigue. Start with low-impact activities and gradually increase intensity as tolerated.
Mind-Body Therapies
Explore complementary functional medicine therapies such as red light therapy, infrared sauna, HOCATT, aromatherapy, or biofeedback to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall well-being.
It’s essential to work with a Functional Medicine provider to determine the underlying causes of chronic fatigue and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Treatment may involve addressing underlying medical conditions, managing stress, improving sleep hygiene, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies.
You CAN overcome fatigue and live your best life. If you’re ready to dive into your health and craft a personalized plan to put you on the right track, connect with our team today.
