Fighting Fatigue

Feeling tired is a condition that is quite normal for young and old when it happens after exertion or exercise, and when the brain produces melatonin for us to go to sleep in the evening. However, being tired (chronic fatigue), is a health condition affecting an increasing percentage of the population (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome).           

Although the reasons behind being tired may be multiple, you need only one reason to feel miserable every day, wondering what, if anything, can bring relief. 

For decades, people have tried to self-medicate with stimulants in either pill- or liquid-form, legal or not, to meet deadlines at work, to keep-up with relationships and commitments, and to be more productive in life. Others are (self-) medicating to suppress lingering pain, such as from migraines and arthritic conditions, or just to make it through the day.(1)(2)

While some may dismiss fatigue as being “all in their heads,” fighting it can be a tough and ongoing personal battle. Chronic infections, low-grade viruses, environmental toxins, hormonal challenges, improper diet or food allergies, over-medication, trauma from physical and emotional abuse, suppressed emotions, sleep apnea or deprivation,  and undiagnosed conditions such as vision problems, Lyme’s Disease, hypothyroidism, just feeling cold all the time, urinary tract infections, or even heart disease are all possible causes of chronic fatigue. Sadly enough, people are often dealing with these in combination. 

Ann Boroch, ND, in her book called Healing Multiple Sclerosis – Diet, Detox & Nutritional Makeover for Total Recovery (www.annboroch.com), writes about her own battle of multiple sclerosis at the age of 24, how she actually died temporarily, and how she discovered that her mercury fillings and addiction to sugar had made her both toxic and full of yeast. The book describes in detail the number of disorders associated with yeast overgrowth, including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and different autoimmune illnesses - and what needs to be done to overcome them for good. When yeast enters the blood stream and starts to affect different systems of our body we call that Candida. Dr. Boroch, therefore, wrote a second book called The Candida Cure in which she highlighted what people with this chronic condition could do to overcome or avoid many of the aforementioned chronic disorders. Sadly, Ann Boroch past away in early August 2017. The autopsy report revealed that she hung herself. However, I know personally that she was in a very happy space: she was about to publish an expanded and updated version of The Candida Cure, after much work on her and the editor's part. So, there is doubt about the truth around her death.(3) In the year surrounding that time quite a few (alternative) doctors were dying under dubious circumstances. 

The new book has made it to market, though, and is a wonderful support for anyone fighting chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and chronic diseases.

Chronic tiredness, and that constant feeling of fighting-to-survive, open the door to a combination of symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, achy-ness, and of always feeling overwhelmed. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is actually one of the major reasons for suicides, because there is not really a known cure. And on that note, we see an increase in suicide rates amongst our teenagers today, who are so over-stimulated by schoolwork, sports, TV, social media, high-carbohydrate snacks and peer pressure, that the strain to perform and be successful has become unbearable for many. During the recent COVID pandemic (some think we're still in it...), many young people have had experiences of emotional collapse. Sure, it seemed like a vacation when the school closed; however, long-term, students became confused about what to do on a daily basis. Boredom and feeling lonely settled in, especially within those who need a daily routine. School was limited, connection with classmates was diminished, (sport-) activities were put on hold; those depending on school breakfast/lunches may have suffered a deficiency in important nutrients for brain activity and muscle development. These can all be contributors to fatigue, depression and self-esteem issues, and ultimately an increase in suicides amongst our young people during COVID. 

Diagnosing fatigue correctly demands an open and honest mind from both patient and practitioner. The interview needs to be extensive; and blood work might be necessary to discover 1) nutritional deficiencies, 2) anemia, 3) hormonal imbalances, and possible 4) inflammatory responses, which may cause elevated levels of white blood cells and alkaline phosphatase.

1) Nutritional deficiencies: There can be so many options here. Bottomline is that it's not about having a bad meal or snack now and then. This is related to a chronic, habitual, sometimes genetic, journey of putting too many of the wrong nutrients into you body (toxicity), or just not eating enough of a good variety of foods (deficiency). There is a possibility that your Mom and Dad were not healthy when you were conceived, and/or they may not have been healthy eaters during pregnancy. These things may start you somewhat behind regarding the health of your organs. Then, following a standard American diet while you are young, the potential effects of vaccinations, and the the introduction to mercury fillings or bad dental habits are factors that cannot be denied when growing up and living your life. At some point the choice will be yours. Cells rejuvenate and replace themselves regularly; stem cells are abundant while we are young. However, the better we start eating, the better and healthier the reservoir of cells becomes. We can turn things around, feel vibrant and rejuvenated once again!

It may be interesting to look into different diets and perhaps change things up a bit. I can't tell you what is the best for you; that is something for you to try out. it shouldn't take years to discover if a different diet is working, perhaps 1-2 months. I do suggest you read up on a specific diet of your choice. Learn how to do it, and what the pros and cons are. Don't just become a vegan or vegetarian unless you know what some of the pitfalls or long-term effects could be.(4) Similarly, is a ketogenic diet for you at this point, complete with intermittent fasting?(5) Or, would you like to try the Carnivore diet; pretty extreme but apparently with quite a few benefits?(6)(7) And then there is the macrobiotic way of eating.(8) At some point I may write more about all these, and more; just to provide a better overview. We are living in exciting times; so many options. But, please be wise in you choice(s).

You may also need to take some dietary supplements to fill in the gaps where diet may either not provide what you need, or if you have a problem with absorption. Think therefore about digestive enzymes for the stomach and duodenum functions, but perhaps also some high-quality probiotics for the small intestine and for the colon (There is more information on this site about the process of digestion). Then, it's always safe to take a high-quality multivitamin. I suggest you go to a reputable health foods store or nutrition center for that. Look for milligrams per serving size (1 tablet? 2 capsules? 1 TBSP?) and for the absorbability. Also look for the "other" ingredients, just below the supplement facts. Stay away from soybean oil, calcium carbonate (only 10-20% absorption), magnesium oxide (only about 5% absorption), DL-Alpha Tocopherol (synthetic vitamin E), zinc oxide (poor absorbability, has tendency to oxidize the cells, not oxygenate). Some companies even add unhealthy ingredients, such as Sucralose, Aspartame, artificial flavors and colorings. Please be aware of this and chose you supplements more carefully. Don't just buy on price alone.

2) Anemia: Anemia is not a disease, but rather a symptom of various diseases. It reflects either on a reduction of red blood cells in the blood stream, or a reduction of hemoglobin, which are the oxygen-carrying parts of red blood cells. Less oxygen going to our cells will cause less energy and fatigue; this makes it more difficult for our cells to perform.(9)

In most cases we're talking here about a low iron level in the blood; something that can both be experienced as low energy and as a possible dizzy feeling when getting up from a chair or from laying down. As far as chronic anemia is concerned, this is especially the case with women who have heavy monthly periods, as well as with people who donate blood on a regular basis. And there is also a possibility that one has an internal bleeding that has not been diagnosed.

   

Have you been suffering from chronic pain, caused by injury or accident (i.e. car, sports, fall on the ice, etc.) or overuse (physical labor, repetitive work, or sitting down too much)? 

Then there is also the need to address possible long-term trauma, marital- and other relationship issues, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, fears from unknown causes, and anger spells, as well as a possible cause for insomnia.

Keep in mind that daily stress has led people to find unhealthy ways to stay on top of their game. This has led to the regular use of both legal and illegal stimulants, often resulting in addictive behavior. This article is not about right or wrong, but simply addresses the complexity of the causes for fatigue. However, if you smoke (or have smoked) marijuana on a regular basis, or if you use alcohol daily, or cocaine or opiates of any kind, and now you need more in order to feel the desired effect, then you must realize that your body cannot follow that course to anywhere other than self-destruction. If these are your concerns, then realize that there is hope as well as plenty of help in the form of answers out there.

Yes, there are plenty of supplements available to increase energy, such as B-vitamins, whey- or egg protein, ginseng, royal jelly, DHEA, yohimbe, gotu kola, guarana, ginkgo biloba, rhodiola and NoöRacetam (piracetam). These can help to accelerate the healing process, but they cannot be a replacement for dealing with the causes of the disorder. 

If fatigue is caused by hypothyroidism (TSH > 2.0, low Free-T3, possible increased antibodies), than you may benefit from taking increased amounts of iodine, l-tyrosine, and a bovine thyroid glandular. 

If the thyroid is low because of adrenal fatigue, than benefits may be felt from supplemental herbs such as licorice, eulethero (formerly Siberian Ginseng), rhodiola and an adrenal glandular from a bovine-/sheep source. (The adrenals lay on top of our kidneys and consist of the actual gland that produces the hormone DHEA; and the cortex that is responsible for cortisol production when we are under stress.) 

Both the thyroid and adrenal glands are stimulated by the pituitary gland in the brain, which also helps the production of human growth hormone, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. A weakened pituitary gland can have a devastating affect on energy production in the body. 

There is also the possibility that fatigue is a result of  vitamin D3 deficiency. This hormone (often called a vitamin) improves mood, regulates glucose levels, helps the immune system, and aids in the metabolism of calcium and magnesium, both necessary to give us a good night’s sleep.

And lastly, you can fight fatigue by starting a weekly exercise routine, which helps endorphins, hormones, blood flow, weight loss by burning stored fat, muscle development, good looks and self-esteem.

2. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160509105651.htm

3. https://www.snopes.com/news/2017/08/09/authorities-rule-ann-borochs-death-suicide/

4. https://webber-nutrition.co.uk/vegan-diet-pros-and-cons/ 

5. https://www.verywellfit.com/pros-and-cons-of-ketogenic-diets-4140331 

6. https://mealplanpros.com/carnivore-diet-before-and-after/ 

7. https://www.verywellfit.com/carnivore-diet-pros-cons-and-meal-plans-6754671

8. https://www.drskinfeed.com/blogs/news/the-macrobiotic-diet

9. Book: Prescription for Nutritional Healing.