Why am I so tired?

If I had to guess which complaint was number one in my office, I would say it is FATIGUE. Fatigue is defined as “extreme tiredness.” It can be acute (just happened, and for a short period) or chronic (lasting for a long time). You can experience mental, emotional or physical fatigue. Other synonyms for fatigue are weariness, exhaustion, tiredness, languor, lethargy, drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness. Each of these synonyms have their own qualifications, but the bottom line is, we don’t like it! We want to be energetic, lively, spirited, industrious, vigorous and dynamic! Who wouldn’t?

So if you find yourself in the fatigue spectrum of things, it’s time we pull out the magnifying glass, put on our health detective coat, and dig into the reasons why you may be fatigued.

The reasons can be broken up into two major categories: Lifestyle and health/disease. Lifestyle would include lack of sleep, excess activities, not drinking enough water, eating foods lacking quality nutrients, being overwhelmed, insufficient physical activity, skipping meals, drinking alcohol or taking drugs, etc. Most of these we are aware of, and are within our control to change.

The health (or lack thereof) reason is much more extensive. Many illnesses have a fatigue component to them. Organs and glands that are not working up to par such as the adrenals, thyroid, heart, pancreas, kidneys, liver, lungs and brain can all be factors.

Many medications you may be taking for these organs and glands, as well as other conditions have side effects that include fatigue. If you are inflamed, in pain, are fighting an infection of any type, fatigue is likely. Especially if you are fighting a chronic infection or virus, known to you or sitting just below the surface, the body will be inclined towards tiredness. It’s exhausting for the immune system to be constantly fighting something! This could be an underlying tooth infection, chronic sinus congestion/infection, or any infection in the body.

Nutrient imbalances, especially minerals, proteins and fats can lead to fatigue; especially those responsible for building the blood, such as iron. The thyroid, adrenals and pancreas are all energy-supplying glands that have their own special mineral, fat and protein needs. When lacking, fatigue is a real possibility.

While the thyroid is often recognized as responsible for fatigue, its buddy, the adrenal glands may be even more so. They are often neglected in conventional medicine. Reserved for investigation only if suspected to be in failure, it can also be an issue in the stages below that. Like every other organ or gland in the body, there is no such thing as total health or total failure, and nothing in between. The in between, the gray area, is the time to address function and get them back towards health again. Getting all organs back to health again is the answer to the fatigue fix. Learn more by attending our upcoming health class, Adrenals & Thyroid: Answers to Fatigue & Weight Gain, Wednesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

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Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Dr. Carling is a “Health Detective,” she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.