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6 Effective and Natural Methods to Cope With Chronic Fatigue

     

    6 Effective and Natural Methods to Cope With Chronic Fatigue

     

    Chronic fatigue affects one million to four million Americans and can negatively impact the quality of life. Symptoms of chronic fatigue include: 

    • Constant or relapsing fatigue
    • Fatigue that interferes with your daily activities
    • Swollen neck lymph nodes 
    • Poor memory or concentration
    • Recurring headaches
    • Achiness after physical activities
    • Muscle soreness
    • Joint pain
    • Sore throat
    • Tiredness that occurs in the morning, even after a full night’s sleep

    If you have at least four of these symptoms, you may experience chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, it’s important to understand that this issue always has an underlying cause, and sometimes this cause might be life-threatening. Functional medicine works to find the underlying cause of issues like chronic fatigue. 

    We’ve collected a few ways to start rehabilitating  your energy levels and fighting that annoying fatigue:

    1. Control your stress levels and improve your sleep quality

    You probably feel like life becomes busier every year. A  restless and stressful life often negatively affects your sleep which is essential for your energy and well-being.

    You can try to end your day with mindfulness meditation and take supplements with the theanine. According to studies, this amino acid can improve sleep quality and allows you to feel rested when you wake up. Also, low-caffeine teas are a good option for those who want to boost their sleep quality. 

    2. Enhance your immune system

    There are many chronic infections like Lyme disease or hepatitis that can lead to chronic fatigue. Unfortunately, these infections are often left undiagnosed.

    You need to consult your primary care physician and get tested for underlying infections. Try Siberian ginseng, guaiacum, astragalus, resveratrol, and cat’s claw since these plants possess powerful immune-strengthening properties.

    3. Treat hormone imbalances

    Hormone imbalances are another common factor that can lower your energy levels. Any type of hormonal imbalance from adrenal fatigue to sex hormone imbalances is able to make you extremely fatigued. All of these hormonal imbalances have different symptoms, so it’s wise to visit an endocrinologist and run tests if necessary. 

    4. Help your body detoxify properly 

    Toxins are everywhere! They are in foods you eat, in the air you breathe, and some care products you use. I mean, it’s impossible to completely avoid toxin exposure but you can boost your detox pathways to help your body remove toxins well. Eat more detoxifying foods like garlic, cilantro, parsley, plantain leaf, spirulina, sage, and red clover blossoms, and care for your liver

    5. Take care of your gut

    Did you know that your gut and brain were formed from the same fetal tissue and are directly connected for the rest of your life through the vagus nerve and the gut-brain axis? In fact, most of your serotonin is produced by your gut.

    Conditions like leaky gut syndrome and increased intestinal permeability occur due to intestinal damage. This can make undigested food proteins and bacterial toxins get into your bloodstream which leads to an immune response and overall inflammation. Chronic fatigue is one of the main symptoms of these health issues. 

    If you suspect any gut problems, contact your gastroenterologist and run labs to evaluate your gut health. Endotoxins can raise blood cell count and certain inflammatory proteins.

    It’s never too late to improve your gut health. Probiotics like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus will help you. They are contained in all fermented foods.

    6. Replenish your nutritional deficiencies

    Almost all nutritional deficiencies, especially lack of iron, vitamin D, B12, and folate can provoke fatigue. See your healthcare provider and run labs to check your nutrient levels. Also, focus on following a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods like healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and organic meats.

     

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