Fatigue is one of the most common complaints I see in my office. People are T I R E D… How do we approach and address the underlying factors for fatigue in a patient? There are so many different reasons why a person may be tired. In general I will ask my patients detailed questions to narrow down the possible causes of their fatigue.
SLEEP
Restful sleep is one of the most important factors that affects overall energy levels. Do you have trouble falling asleep? Or do you tend to wake up frequently in the night? This is known as sleep onset vs sleep maintenance insomnia and they are effective treatments for both types of sleep issues. Many people have an undiagnosed condition called sleep apnea for which you can get tested. Sleep apnea causes lowered oxygen delivery to the brain through the night making you feel tired the next day. It can also contribute to other health issues like headaches and high blood pressure.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
The most common nutrient deficiency that causes fatigue is iron deficiency. I this often in women, but also in teens and children who complain of feeling tired. Certain medications that treat conditions such as diabetes and heartburn can cause a B12 deficiency which can cause fatigue. Vitamin D deficiency can also contribute to daytime tiredness. Reviewing dietary intake as well as medications can give clues as to which nutrients may need to be repleted for better energy.
UNDIAGNOSED MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Depending on other symptoms reported, conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, chronic infections or autoimmune disease can also present with fatigue. It is important to take a good medical history, physical exam and order blood work if this is suspected.
OTHER FACTORS
There are other factors that can also contribute to fatigue; such as chronic stress, a diet high in processed foods/sugar and lack of exercise. Once a patient is evaluated and it is determined which factors are likely to contribute to being, it is time to address them using principles of naturopathic medicine. This is where Naturopathic Medicine truly shines – it is person centred medicine that addresses each person as an individual and provides specific interventions to help them get back on track and feeling great.
