5 Common Causes of Fatigue and How to Address Them
Are you constantly tired, no matter how much you sleep? Fatigue isn’t just “part of life”—it’s your body’s signalling that something deeper is out of balance.
In functional medicine, we look beyond quick fixes to uncover why you feel this way. In this blog, I’ll share the five most common causes of fatigue and actionable steps you can take to reclaim your energy naturally.
1. Nutrient Deficiencies
Why It Happens:
Fatigue is often linked to low levels of key nutrients your body needs to produce energy, such as:
Iron: Low iron can lead to anaemia and oxygen transport issues.
Vitamin B12: Essential for energy and nervous system health.
Magnesium: Supports over 300 enzymatic processes, including energy production.
What You Can Do:
Include iron-rich foods like leafy greens, red meat, or lentils.
Supplement with a high-quality B-complex vitamin and magnesium glycinate (consult your practitioner for personalized dosages).
Test your nutrient levels to pinpoint deficiencies.
2. Poor Gut Health
Why It Happens:
Your gut is where nutrients are absorbed, hormones are regulated, and inflammation is managed. When your digestion is compromised, you may experience:
Bloating, gas, or constipation.
Poor absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.
Increased inflammation that drains your energy.
What You Can Do:
Add gut-friendly foods like bone broth, fermented vegetables, and probiotics.
Avoid processed and inflammatory foods like sugar and gluten.
Uncover the root cause with advanced stool testing to assess gut health and identify imbalances.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Why It Happens:
Your hormones (like cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones) are crucial in energy production. Imbalances can cause:
Adrenal fatigue (too much or too little cortisol).
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone).
Blood sugar dysregulation leads to energy crashes.
What You Can Do:
Balance your blood sugar with protein, healthy fats, and fibre in every meal.
Prioritize quality sleep and stress management.
Get your thyroid and adrenal function tested to identify imbalances.
4. Chronic Stress
Why It Happens:
When you’re under prolonged stress, your body produces excess cortisol, which can eventually lead to adrenal burnout. Over time, this disrupts sleep, immune system, and energy levels.
What You Can Do:
Build stress resilience.
Supplement with adaptogens to support stress recovery.
Schedule time for yourself—self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for healing.
5. Hidden Inflammation and Toxins
Why It Happens:
Exposure to toxins (from food, water, and the environment) and chronic inflammation can overburden your body, leading to fatigue. Key contributors include:
Processed foods and sugar.
Environmental toxins (heavy metals, pollutants).
Infections or gut dysbiosis.
What You Can Do:
Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in colourful vegetables, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants.
Support your detox pathways with liver-friendly foods (cruciferous vegetables, lemon water, and milk thistle).
Drink plenty of filtered water to flush out toxins.
Still Exhausted? Find the root cause.
If you’ve tried these steps but still feel exhausted, it’s time to dig deeper. Fatigue isn’t just a symptom; it’s a signal.
As a functional medicine practitioner, I help identify the root cause of your fatigue through:
Advanced testing: Comprehensive assessments of nutrient levels, hormones, gut health, and toxins to pinpoint imbalances.
Personalized wellness plans: A tailored approach designed specifically for your body’s unique needs, including nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle strategies.
Don’t settle for feeling tired all the time. By addressing the root cause of your fatigue, you can regain your energy, focus, and quality of life.