Lately, I’ve seen many clients who have advised that they're feeling fatigued. Some have listed it as their number 1 health priority.
Others have told me that they’re fatigued however, followed it up with a “but hey that’s normal, I’m a mum” and others just put it down to the long hours they work.
Not only are my clients fatigued, but friends and family are also fatigued. What is going on?
Some have no idea why they’re feeling so average or can’t remember the last time they felt good. That makes me really sad. However, it can be fixed!
Yes, fatigue is common, but it doesn’t mean it’s normal, especially if it’s not relieved by a good nights rest. There’s a difference between feeling tired and fatigued.
Tired is temporary.
If it becomes chronic, all day, every day, and is not relieved with sleep, well, that’s no longer temporary.
As a nutritionist, one of the first things I think about is diet! What is this person eating? Are they getting the right nutrients? What is missing from their diet? What else is going on for them?
What can cause fatigue?
Iron deficiency?
Underperforming thyroid? Subclinical thyroid disease?
Hormonal imbalances such as cortisol?
Blood sugar imbalances?
Nutrient deficiencies?
Food reactions and sensitives?
Gut issues?
Oxidative stress?
Mitochondrial dysfunction?
Ongoing and prolonged stress?
Immune system dysregulation?
Over exercising?
Not enough exercise?
We’re told that exercise can improve fatigue. Sure, it can. But what if we’re too fatigued to begin exercising is the first place? That's a bit tricky isn't it?
This is where we need to stop and look at the biochemistry and ask, well what on earth is really going on here.
Hmmm, not so straight forward as you first thought, right?
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 known to support and improve fatigue include*:
Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Magnesium
B vitamins
*Please, as always, never self prescribe. Leave that to the professionals. Dosages vary depending on your circumstance.
Foods to include to improve fatigue include:
Increase consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit
Good quality carbohydrates (not sure what these are, I can help!)
Protein from plant and animal sources - always choose the highest quality.
Good fats!
Basically, a wholefoods diet free from processed foods,
Foods to reduce to improve fatigue include:
Caffeine (wondering how on earth you’ll function without it?)
High sugar diet
Highly processed foods
Energy drinks - these are just awful
How can nutritional medicine help?
As a clinical nutritionist, I can help you get to the root cause of your fatigue. I can help you work out what nutrients are missing from your diet and together we can implement some dietary and lifestyle changes to suit your needs.
Are you at that point, where you’ve had enough of the excuses or confused with all the information out there on Dr Google?
Please get in touch and let me help you get back to being your vibrant self.
What if you’ve never felt vibrant? I’ll leave you with this thought:
Give fatigue the finger! You don’t realise how bad you feel until you start feeling great again.
