Why am I always tired?
One of the most common questions we get asked in our online communities is
"why am I so tired"?
Fatigue really is a representation of many factors in our body and you need to do a little detective work to determine which of the following causes are related to your individual health situation.
The most common causes of fatigue we see in our online clinic and communities are;
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Poor Mitochondrial Function
- Lack of Quality Sleep
- Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
- Thyroid Deficiency
- Weak Digestion
- Poor Liver Function
- Viral After-effects
- Insulin Resistance and Poor Blood Sugar Control
- Insufficient Hormone Production
- Lack of Strenuous Exercise
- Incorrect Dietary and Lifestyle Choices
Let's look at each of these areas in a little more detail;
Nutrient Deficiencies
Without certain nutrients such as Iron, B Vitamins, and Magnesium you will always struggle with fatigue. These key nutrients power our cellular energy centres and are commonly deficient in the western community despite most people consuming a nutrient rich diet. The problem is two-fold. First is many are people consuming diets which are over processed, leaving food calorie rich and nutrient poor. Many people also do not consume enough variety in their food choices. Secondly is our bodies burn these nutrients too quickly. Inefficient cellular function utilises these nutrients too quickly leaving a state of deficiency. Certain nutrients like iron are also lost readily through women's menstrual cycles.
Poor Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria are organelles in our cells that produce energy from food. When our mitochondria numbers diminish or become inefficient in producing energy we become fatigued. The above nutrients are important for mitochondrial function however keeping our cells in a clean state is equally important. Our cells accumulate internal and external toxins which inhibit the mitochondrial ability to produce energy leaving us feeling weak and fatigued.
Poor Quality Sleep
If you do not get regular, high quality sleep, your health will suffer in many ways. Everything I do in my waking life is directed towards getting a good nights sleep because it is literally the most important element for health and wellbeing. We repair and cleanse when we sleep well.
Stress leading to Adrenal Fatigue
Stress is exactly that. A stress on the body. Any additional stress on the body will fatigue it. Our adrenal glands are largely involved in the stress adaption response with long term stress levels leading to adrenal fatigue. When your adrenals fatigue it can lead to long term chronic fatigue, impact thyroid function and disrupt hormonal balance.
Thyroid Deficiency
If you are tired. Go and get your thyroid tested. Our thyroid controls our metabolism and when it is deficient our energy levels will be sluggish. Make sure you check all your thyroid markers including TSH, T3 and T4 levels.
Weak Digestion and Poor Liver Function
These two organs systems work together to ensure we digest all the nutrition from our diets. You can have the best diet in the world and a weak digestive system which causes food to be incompletely digested and ferments in your gut. Poor digestion is extremely common and develops as we age. Equally our livers are such high work organs making it is very easy for them to congest and not filter internal and external toxins leading to cellular build up affecting mitochondria. Supporting liver function and increasing the amount of LIVE probiotics and prebiotics in your diet is essential in rebuilding a healthy liver and digestion. You can do this through fermented foods, plant rich diets high in fibre and our Happy Greens and Happy Turmeric.
Viral After-effects
If your immune system is compromised then viral infections can linger in your system affecting cellular energy production. Ask your doctor to test you for any latent viruses which could be affecting your energy levels and then boost your immunity with a healthy diet and lifestyle, olive leaf, astragalus, echinacea, vitamin C and probiotics.
Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Control
Insulin Resistance occurs through consumption of too many refined carbohydrates, prolonged stress levels and poor sleep. Getting checked for insulin resistance is a good idea if you are finding energy slumps during the day. Avoiding refined carbohydrates, but not all carbohydrates, chromium, zinc and magnesium can improve blood sugar control and improve insulin sensitivity.
Insufficient Hormone Production
Hormones influence how we feel in many ways. Mood, energy, sleep and hormonal symptoms. Low progesterone and testosterone namely can affect energy levels. Working on increasing your internal hormone production (not taking external hormones) can have a huge effect on your overall energy and vitality.
Lack of Strenuous Exercise
Our mitochondria have a 9 day life cycle and the body produces the amount of mitochondria needed for our energy demands. If you do not perform any strenuous activities in this life cycle the body will reduce mitochondrial numbers. Over time you end up with only the bare necessity of mitochondria needed for your survival. Exercise increases numbers and helps to maintain and provide sufficient energy levels.
Unhealthy Diet and Lifestyle Choices
If you do not fuel your body with a balance of healthy fats, carbohydrates and protein you will always feel sluggish and lack energy. If you restrict any of these food groups you will eventually run out of energy. A healthy diet is not difficult or complex. It is all about preparing food at home and avoiding processed foods. A predominantly plant based diet with healthy fats and small amounts of quality proteins win the race every time.
Summary
If you need assistance checking any of these areas our online clinic with specialist holistic health care practitioners can guide you. A combination of Happy Greens, Happy Liver and Happy Hormones can set you on the right path to rebuilding your energy levels and vitality. If you need help with stress of sleeping then Happy Calm may just be the right tool to break bad sleep and stress habits.
You do not need to travel through life feeling tired and lethargic. Health and vitality are in reach if you embrace a wellness lifestyle. Your unique health path is a journey. Let us guide you with the right approach.
