Why Am I So Tired? Common Causes of Fatigue and How to Fix It Naturally

Many of my clients are telling me they feel exhausted. Not just tired, but deeply, persistently fatigued.

Some list it as their number one health concern. Others brush it off with “It’s just part of being a mum,” or  “I’ve got young kids” or “Of course I’m tired, I work long hours.”

And it’s not just clients. My friends, family, and people all around me are running on empty.

But here’s the truth:

Fatigue may be common, but it’s not normal. Especially if it doesn’t improve after a solid night’s sleep.

Tired is temporary. You bounce back after rest.

Fatigue lingers. It’s there, every day and sleep doesn’t fix it.

That’s your body’s way of saying something’s not right.

So What’s Causing All This Fatigue? 

Fatigue is complex, and there's rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.

Possible drivers include:

• Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, magnesium, vitamin D and B vitamins in general).

• Underactive or subclinical thyroid dysfunction

• Cortisol or hormonal imbalances

• Blood sugar dysregulation

• Food intolerances or sensitivities

• Gut dysbiosis or poor digestion

• Oxidative stress (when your body has too many unstable molecules called free radicals and not enough antioxidants to keep them in check).

• Mitochondrial dysfunction (when the tiny powerhouses in your cells don’t work efficiently, your energy takes a hit!)

• Chronic stress (so common these days).

• Overtraining or not moving enough

• Immune system dysfunction

• Post-viral fatigue (e.g. long COVID)

Yes, even "healthy habits" like exercise can be tricky when you’re too exhausted to begin. That’s when we need to dig deeper into the biochemistry.

How Nutrition Can Help

One of the first things I investigate?

What’s on your plate. Your diet is a powerful tool to help restore energy.  

So, what nutrients should I focus on?

Well, it depends on what is driving or causing your fatigue. Everyone has a different story and needs a tailored treatment plan.

Key nutrients that may support energy levels include:

• CoQ10

• Acetyl L-Carnitine

• Magnesium

• B vitamins

• Iron

Please don’t self-prescribe. These nutrients work best when tailored to your individual needs and at therapeutic dosages.

What to Eat More Of:

• Fresh seasonal vegetables and seasonal fruits

• High quality carbohydrates (yes, carbs!)

• Protein from quality plant and animal sources (not highly processed foods)

• Healthy fats (think avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds)

• Unprocessed, wholefoods! Meals made with ingredients you recognise.

Foods To Cut Back On:

• Caffeine (I know. But let’s talk.)

• High sugar foods such as cakes, pastries, sweets, chocolate and sugary drinks

• Energy drinks (spoiler, they don’t give you real energy)

• Ultra-processed foods

• Alcohol (it might help you fall asleep faster but it blocks deep, restorative sleep)

How I Can Support You

As a clinical nutritionist, I’m trained to identify underlying causes of fatigue.

That might include:

• Functional testing (e.g. nutrient status, thyroid, gut health via blood tests and stool test)

• Reviewing your diet, lifestyle, and symptom patterns (food diary).

• Creating a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan that works with your life, not against it including quality practitioner supplements at therapeutic doses.

Are you tired of feeling tired? 

Or feeling confused by everything you’ve read on Dr Google or Chat GPT?

Click here to book your appointment today!

What if you’ve never known what feeling “great” actually feels like?

You don’t realise how bad you feel… until you feel better.