Signs

Is it normal to be tired all the time?

Here are some examples that can be helped with functional medicine:

• Some battle the snooze button every morning, only to drag themselves out of bed with their mind set on one thing – coffee.
• Others crash in the afternoon with brain fog and trouble concentrating, pushing through until they can go home to their couch.
• Most know they’d feel better with more exercise and healthier foods but can’t find the motivation to do it.

Fatigue is so common that it can seem to be the norm.

But it’s not normal.

Follow along because I’m about to unpack a series of posts on what might be causing fatigue and what you can do to regain your energy.

Root Causes

Why am I so tired?

Many people complain of weight gain, hormonal changes, or digestive problems, but the vast majority also struggle with FATIGUE.

Let’s assume a good doctor has already ruled out the most common medical causes of fatigue – like anemia, hypothyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. Now let’s assume the fatigue is still there.

Here are 10 lesser-known causes of fatigue.

1. Medication Side Effects – Blood pressure medications, statins, antidepressants, antihistamines, and proton pump inhibitors can all cause fatigue.
2. Micronutrient Deficiencies – Nutrients needed for energy production include vitamin B12 and other B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D.
3. Mitochondrial Function – Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they can become damaged by things like pollutants, environmental toxins, infections, medications, or nutrient deficiencies.
4. “Burnout” – What some call “adrenal fatigue” is more specifically a dysregulation of the HPA axis. It happens when chronic stress exhausts both the adrenal glands and the nervous system.
5. Stealth Infections – Lyme disease, EBV, fungal infections, or mold disrupt the immune system and contribute to fatigue.
6. Gut Problems – SIBO, IBS, and other digestive issues interfere with the absorption of nutrients needed for energy.
7. Hormones – Cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormone all affect energy.
8. Over-Exercising – Both too much and too little exercise can leave the body feeling drained and exhausted.
9. Over-Drinking – Caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol put a strain on the nervous system and hormones.
10. Emotional Stress – Everything from anxiety to depression to just plain boredom can cause fatigue.

The point is that “fatigue” does not have one clear cause. We need to do the detective work to find the source in each beautifully unique individual.

Lifestyle

Caffeine and sugar are not the only ways to get a quick jolt of energy. Here are 5 BETTER ways to give yourself a natural pick-me-up:

1. Move – Movement is one of the best ways to get your circulation going and energy up! Walk around the block, do jumping jacks, or simply stand up for a few minutes and shake out your limbs.
2. Breathe – Your cells need oxygen to generate energy! Sometimes we hold our breath without even knowing it, so if you’re feeling drained, pause to take a few deep energizing breaths.
3. Cold Water Splash – If you have access to a sink (and are not wearing makeup), splashing cold water on your face can give you a quick burst of energy.
4. Hydrate – Your cells also need water to function at their best and generate energy. Being just 2% hydrated can impair your ability to concentrate and focus. Keep water on hand all day, and take some big gulps if starting to drag.
5. Eat a Snack – Blood sugar swings can be a big cause of fatigue. Rather than get to the point of craving a sweet snack, stay ahead of your energy by eating balanced, whole-food meals.

These may be “quick fix” energy boosts, but if you make them a part of your routine, you could start to feel calmer, happier, and more energized every day.

And remember – getting to the root cause of tiredness and fatigue can take some detective work. Functional medicine is a great way to investigate your unique chemistry.

Supplements

Below are 3 supplements to optimize energy.

1. CoQ10 – Coenzyme Q10 is required for energy production at the cellular level. Some of the foods highest in CoQ10 are organ meats and fatty fish, so supplements might be helpful if you don’t eat these foods.
2. Reishi – Reishi and other medicinal mushrooms are adaptogens, meaning they support the body’s energy production and resilience to stress. Reishi can be taken as pills or as a powder mixed into coffee or tea.
3. B Complex – Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B12 are needed for many different enzyme systems to work—particularly those involved in energy metabolism.

Also remember – not all supplements are created equal! Some have fillers, additives, and artificial colors. Others use cheaper and lower quality forms. It’s best to purchase from manufacturers you know you can trust.