Fatigue

Fatigue (low energy) is one of the most common complaints that patients report to their doctors. Fatigue can result from many different causes and each of these must be investigated and ruled out in anyone that complains of fatigue. These include:

Anemia
Low thyroid hormone or thyroid hormone imbalances
Blood sugar imbalances
Toxicity or compromised hepatic detoxification
Hormonal imbalances
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Immune imbalances or chronic inflammation
Psychological stress
Lack of sleep
Lack of physical activity or excessive physical activity
Nutrient deficiencies

Functional medicine management of fatigue

A comprehensive approach to the management of fatigue must take into consideration many aspects of health, including gut barrier integrity and imbalances of gut flora, liver detoxification capacity and toxic burden, hormone imbalances, immune imbalances, nutrient status and most importantly, mitochondrial energy production capacity. More specifically, Functional Medicine approaches fatigue by supporting normal physiology of the organ systems which become imbalanced in this condition and may contribute to the development and progression of this condition.

There are several areas of management of fatigue in the Functional Medicine approach:

Assessing for and eliminating pathogenic infection and supporting immune health
Restoring normal gut barrier integrity, digestion and gut microbial balance
Supporting liver detoxification processes and decreasing toxic load
Supporting restoration of hormone levels, including adrenal hormones involved in the sleep-wake cycle
Supporting healthy blood sugar regulation
Supporting energy production by the mitochondria, the “power-houses” of the body’s cells
Restoring healthy levels of nutrients in cases of nutritional deficiencies

Free Consultation

Schedule a free 15 minute consultation