Just about everybody I know over the age of 35 complains about exhaustion and low energy. It might be an afternoon crash or just general fatigue 24/7. In fact, it’s so common that I think we have accepted this as a normal symptom of being a busy and stressed adult today.
Well, I can tell you not only is this NOT normal, it’s a symptom that something isn’t functioning properly “under your hood.” In fact, its symptoms like these that are the warning signs that your body is in trouble.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. With some fairly easy changes, you can get your energy back and begin to feel incredible all day. Here are the most common causes of low-energy that Jeff and I help patients overcome every day.
1. Blood sugar imbalance
No, you don’t have to be diabetic to have blood sugar imbalance. In fact, out-of-control blood sugar leads to fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, chronic pain, stress, depression, anxiety and more.
This is the most common imbalance I see in my work with clients. That being said, we will not see this reflected on labs in a fasting glucose or A1C test, we must look more closely to daily glucose control to really understand what’s going on.
2. Food sensitivities
Today, many people are unknowingly sensitive to common foods they’re eating regularly. When they eat these foods, the immune system is stimulated to attack, increasing inflammation and as well as the stress hormone, cortisol.
On an ongoing basis this can lead to exhaustion, pain, allergies, skin imperfections, anxiety, digestive distress and even autoimmune disease.
3. Hormone imbalance
Hormone imbalance is often linked to fatigue, whether that is a bi-product of dysregulated stress hormones, sex hormones or even thyroid. But, it’s not as easy as correcting these imbalances with hormone or thyroid replacement.
While, sometimes we need to use a hormone replacement to support the body in the short-run, there’s typically a reason that these levels have gone awry. When we figure it out, the body will naturally balance itself leading to better energy and overall health.
What you can do
Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill boosting energy that will work long-term. Fixing fatigue and giving you your youthful spark back means taking a deep dive into the unique biochemistry that makes you tick. We do this with a thorough set of diagnostic labs, a comprehensive health history and an assessment of your current symptoms. Each of those provides clues that build a case for your therapeutic plan.
Once we identify why your cells are lagging, we can fuel your body with the support it needs to generate energy, getting you back in the game. In the short-run you’ll reap the benefits of a clear mind, healthy body weight, amazing sleep and plenty of energy. In the long run, you will have set the foundation for disease-prevention and an effective anti-aging strategy! Click here to take your next step to regaining energy.
About Megan Barnett, MS
Megan Barnett is a functional medicine practitioner in Portland, Oregon. In her clinical practice, she helps patients identify the root cause of their health problems, then designs individualized and evidence-based approaches to alleviate symptoms and help their bodies heal. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Functional Medicine from University of Western States.