Lately many clients have commented that they are feeling fatigued. When I ask them to expand on their overall all feeling they state that they are tired or have a lack of energy. Other terms used to describe fatigue are exhaustion or being lethargic. For clarity, fatigue and sleepiness are not the same thing; sleepiness is a symptom of fatigue.
Many physicians consider fatigue as a medical condition. As a functional health clinician I believe fatigue is based on nutrient deficiency. All to often, due to the stresses in life and the ‘need it now’ mentality, we tend to jeopardize our health in lieu of our jobs. What good are you to your family, to yourself or to your employer if you are not functioning at your best?
List of Explanations for Fatigue
There are a number of possible causes for fatigue, which can be divided into three general categories; lifestyle, medical and mental issues. Listed below, under each category, you’ll see a number of points that may lead to fatigue. However, I am convinced that poor nutrition is the real culprit…
Lifestyle
physical activity and physical exertion
lack of activity
lack of sleep
being overweight or obese
periods of emotional stress
grief
certain medications, such as antidepressants or those that have a sedative effect
using alcohol on a regular basis
using street drugs, such as cocaine, on a regular basis
using narcotics
consuming caffeine
not eating a proper and nutritious diet
Medical
anemia
pain
Addison’s disease (a disorder affecting your hormone levels)
hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
arthritis
insomnia and other sleeping disorders
eating disorders, such as anorexia
autoimmune disorders
fibromyalgia
congestive heart failure
cancer
diabetes
kidney or liver disease
infection
chronic fatigue syndrome
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD, which makes it difficult to breathe) emphysema
restless legs syndrome
Mental
Anxiety or depression may be cause for fatigue- this may be a symptom of the condition.
Should any of the following accompany your fatigue it is wise to seek medical help immediately.
rectal bleeding
vomiting blood
a severe headache
pain in the chest area
a feeling of faintness
rapid heart beat
irregular heart beat
feeling short of breath
severe pain in the abdominal, back, or pelvic region
Nutrition
As functional health clinicians we recommend a SpectraCell blood draw to check Micrnutrients, CardioMetabolic risk, Pre-Diabetes risk and male – female hormone levels. Nutrition is key to a healthy body. When we are consuming a whole food plant based nutrition regime coupled with clean filtered water and clean supplementation, fatigue is often overcome with energy and positive thinking. Most of the points listed above can be overcome with proper nutrition. Remember nutrition first followed by physical activity and positive thinking. Slow down, think healthy, eat healthy…be healthy. Nutrition first!
Health is our greatest wealth.
