FATIGUE

THE SITUATION:
Prepare for the staff meeting, don't forget the groceries, walk the dog, take the kids to practice, remember to read up on that report from work, cut the lawn . . . if you are exposed to the hustle and bustle of U.S. culture it's probably safe to say that your life is CRAZY!  With so much to do, and so much planned to do, it’s no wonder that generalized fatigue is one of the most common complaints among both “healthy” and ill patients.

THE PROBLEM:
Despite being one of the most common symptoms, fatigue may also be one of the most under-treated complaints as well.  When you go to your doctor with generalized complaints such as fatigue, he/she will often order a blood test to rule out any overt disease process such as anemia, cancer, or diabetes.  Typically, upon receipt of your labs, all of your results are “within normal limits,” and presumably you are fine.  You are then probably instructed to get more sleep and consider exercising more.

The problem with this model is that THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG!  You’re tired all of the time!  Besides the fact that fatigue keeps you from operating at your full potential, it also indicates that our metabolism is not operating at full speed.  While it was good news that you did not have a medical condition, non-medical sources of fatigue were likely not assessed, suggested, or even discussed.  These factors can include:

• Poor diet
• Disordered eating pattern
• Emotional/Physical stress
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or drugs
• Chronic dehydration
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Food sensitivities
• Environmental toxins

The above list gives you a pretty good idea into the complexities of the symptom of fatigue.  Even an otherwise healthy person with one of these factors will likely experience varying levels of chronic tiredness.  The good news?  There is something you can do about it! 

THE ANSWER:
Fatigue has many angles and can be caused by anything from hormonal imbalances to complex issues of nutrient insufficiencies or food allergies.  Chronic fatigue will lead to obesity, high cholesterol, blood sugar irregularities and more. Since it changes the rate of our bodies normal metabolic rhythm, it can have an adverse effect on virtually every normal function of our body. Because each individual is different, you will get the best results if the care you receive is targeted for your specific metabolism.  Don't suffer any longer, schedule an assessment with one of our practitioners is your best bet to address a symptom that has probably been pushed aside for years.

In the mean time, focus on these fool proof tips to boost energy levels:

1) Eat Protein For Breakfast
Gone are the days of a donuts and coffee as your routine breakfast.  Stabilize your blood sugars for the long haul (or at least until lunch) by getting a protein source early in the day.  An egg white omelet or protein shake is a good start—but consider eating red meat or chicken breast.  It may sound weird but it works to stave off hunger and keep your blood sugars stable.  

2) Time Your Meals (and Snacks)
You can eat all the right foods, but if you’re only eating one meal per day it will cause you to be tired.  Focus on a regular, balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner with scheduled snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.

3) Never Underestimate Sleep
This is an obvious link to fatigue but in addition to the quantity of sleep, quality is also just as important.  Furthermore, going to bed at the same time every night helps our body establish hormonal energy patterns and keep you energized. Most sleep authorities today are recommending 9 hours of sleep.

4) Get Up And Get Going
The best advice for increasing energy levels for most people is to work out early in the morning.  This gives you more pep for your day and also helps us fall asleep easier and sleep longer, more soundly at night.  An increased level of fitness also helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues more efficiently for enhanced energy production.

5) Dietary Supplementation
Insufficient levels of certain nutrients can wreak havoc on your energy and metabolism.  Many energy supplements/drinks are touted as increasing energy but are actually just supplying a heavy dose of caffeine.  A good multivitamin is usually indicated, but specific recommendations should be made by your health care practitioner.  Exciting advances in metabolic testing allow doctors and nutritionists to customize supplement suggestions based specifically on a patient’s individual metabolism.  

6) Rule Out Food Allergies
The wrong foods for the wrong person can cause an immune response which will rob your body of energy.  Specific tests are necessary to determine which foods are best and which ones you may want to avoid.

Although fatigue has dozens of potential causes, it indicates that something is wrong.  Leaving this problem unaddressed can increase our risk for developing serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.  Visit one of our providers and get started today on the road to a healthier, more energetic you!