Chronic Fatigue - What Is it?

Chronic fatigue is a condition defined by prolonged and debilitating fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep. Naturopathic medicine views chronic fatigue as a complex condition with multiple underlying causes[i].

From a naturopathic perspective, chronic fatigue may be caused by a combination of possible factors such as chronic infections, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivities, stress, and poor sleep quality[ii].

Nutritional Therapists aim to identify and address the underlying causes of chronic fatigue through investigative questions and functional testing. They use a personalized and holistic approach, this may include a comprehensive medical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tools. The results of testing and the naturopathic timeline will inform the treatment plan created. These treatment plans made for your individual needs may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, and other natural therapies[iii].

The goal of naturopathic treatment is to restore the body's natural balance and promote optimal health and wellbeing, thereby reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue and improving overall quality of life.

Why Do We Get Chronic Fatigue And Who Is At Risk?

Let’s look deeper into the potential causes of chronic fatigue:

• Chronic infections: such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and Candida overgrowth, can weaken the immune system and cause chronic fatigue.
  
• Adrenal fatigue: Chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, which is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, including cortisol, to help the body cope with stress. This can lead to fatigue, among other symptoms. (read our article on adrenal fatigue here).
  
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid dysfunction, can lead to chronic fatigue[iv].
  
• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in key nutrients, such as deficiencies of vitamin C, vitamin B complex, sodium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, l-carnitine, l-tryptophan, essential fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10[v].
  
• Food sensitivities: Food sensitivities, such as gluten or dairy intolerance, can cause chronic inflammation and contribute to fatigue.
  
• Sleep disturbances: Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can cause chronic fatigue.
  
• Emotional and psychological factors: Chronic fatigue may also be related to emotional or psychological factors, such as chronic stress, depression, or anxiety.
  

It's important to note that chronic fatigue is often multifactorial, meaning that there may be multiple underlying causes that contribute to the condition.

Nutrition and Dietary Advice For Chronic Fatigue

Naturopathic nutritional therapy is a method that uses food and supplements to encourage the body's natural healing processes and tackle underlying imbalances that lead to chronic fatigue. People with chronic fatigue may be given the following dietary and nutritional recommendations:

1. Consume a nutrient-rich diet - A diet that is abundant in nutrient-dense whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins, can provide the necessary nutrients to promote optimal health and energy production.

2. Refrain from consuming inflammatory foods - Inflammatory foods like sugar, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates can lead to chronic inflammation and aggravate chronic fatigue symptoms[vi]. (Read our article on inflammation)

3. Identify and address food sensitivities - Food sensitivities like dairy or gluten intolerance can cause chronic inflammation and contribute to fatigue. Identifying and avoiding these trigger foods can help decrease inflammation and increase energy levels[vii].

Note: please bear in mind everyone has a different health journey, there is often no one size fits all which helps to resolve symptoms. Please speak to our nutritional therapist team here at Therapy Organics in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Our expert team can look deep into your personal journey and causational factors which are unique to you. We can recommend a nutrition, supplement and lifestyle plan and also recommend testing which will help us get to the bottom of the issues for you.

Supplements For Chronic Fatigue and Their Benefits

Try: A Vogel Siberian Ginseng Eleutherococcus Drops: Siberian Ginseng helps to increase energy levels and fights symptoms of fatigue through supporting your psychological health[viii], its also a great option for balancing female hormones[ix].

Try: Terranova Cordyceps Rhodiola & Ginseng Super-Blend Powder: Cordyceps, Rhodiola Root, American Ginseng, Ginger Rhizome/Root, Avena Sativa (Green Oat Seed), and Cayenne Fruit are adaptogenic herbs with various benefits such as supporting healthy energy metabolism, nerve function, and circulation. They may also help with exercise tolerance, endurance, and nutrient distribution in the body. Cordyceps: Cordyceps have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine among older populations to provide energy, reduce fatigue and boost libido and sex drive[x].

Try: Viridian D-Ribose Powder: A nutritional kick-start providing high-potency support. Featuring Ribose with the supportive nutrients Magnesium, Acetyl-l-carnitine and Malic Acid. Studies show significantly improved symptoms of chronic fatigue conditions, including: Increasing energy levels. Improving sleep quality. Improving mental clarity[xi].

Try: Cytoplan Nicotinamide Riboside: Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a very unique member of the vitamin B3 family. The body converts NR into Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) which is an essential molecule found in every living cell.

NAD+ enables cells to convert the food that we eat into energy. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) may be depleted in chronic fatigue syndrome[xii].

Try: Sun Chlorella A: Chlorella is a freshwater single-cell green algae, a natural whole food that contains a spectrum of nutrients perfectly designed by nature. Those nutrients include Iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Folic Acid Chlorella is of great interest to many who suffer from Fatigue (AFS) and become exposed to heavy metals in the environment[xiii]. These algae can help your body to detox.

Try: Terranova Beetroot Juice, Cordyceps & Reishi Superblend Powder: Beetroot Juice, Cordyceps & Reishi Super-Blend is an energy-powering powdered combination of fresh freeze-dried Beetroot Juice & Greens, Cordyceps Mycelia, Reishi Mycelia and Wheatgrass Juice with Ginger and Cayenne. Beetroot has been studied in light of fatigue due to its high levels of potassium and iron are invaluable for those getting over a viral illness or suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome such as ME [xiv]. Studies show that reishi mushrooms may reduce the severity of chronic fatigue[xv].

Try: Terranova Vitamin C 250mg Multi-Ascorbate Complex (Non Acidic): Vitamin C 250µg Complex with a blend including Acerola, Rosehips & Sea Buckthorn. Vitamin C at higher doses can be helpful for symptoms of chronic fatigue. Studies show high-dose vitamin C showed a significant reduction in fatigue in almost all studies [xvi].

Try: Living Nutrition Fermented Ashwagandha: Wholistic Ashwagandha is a natural formula to nourish the mind and relax the nervous system[xvii].

Try: Dr. Schulze's Superfood (400g): The 14 botanical foods in Dr Schulze's Original Superfood Plus (four weeks supply) provides high levels of protein as well as high levels of vitamins B6 and B12. In studies, some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome benefit from taking B vitamin supplements [xviii].

Try: Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin (ONE Multi): O.N.E. Multivitamin is a once-daily formula with a comprehensive profile of highly bioavailable vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and other factors to support optimal nutrition.

Functional Testing For Chronic Fatigue

Functional testing can help identify underlying dysfunctions that contribute to chronic fatigue. Tests such as Adrenal Stress Index, Thyroid Panel, Genetic Testing, Intestinal Permeability Profile, Coeliac & Gluten Sensitivity Panel, and Dietary Antigen Test can assess adrenal function, thyroid function, genetic variations, gut health, gluten intolerance, and food sensitivities. By identifying these factors, targeted treatment strategies can be developed to address the root cause of chronic fatigue.

• Adrenal Stress Index: This test measures the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and DHEA throughout the day to assess adrenal function. Adrenal dysfunction can contribute to chronic fatigue. Learn more: Adrenal Stress Index

• Thyroid Panel: This test assesses the function of the thyroid gland, which plays an important role in energy production. Thyroid dysfunction can contribute to chronic fatigue. Learn more: Complete Thyroid Panel
  
• Genetic Testing: This test can identify genetic variations that may contribute to chronic fatigue, such as mutations in the MTHFR gene, which can affect methylation and energy production. Learn more: Genetic Testing
  
• Intestinal Permeability Profile: This test assesses the health of the gut lining and can identify leaky gut syndrome, which can contribute to chronic fatigue.
• Coeliac & Gluten Sensitivity Panel: This test assesses for gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, which can contribute to chronic fatigue. Learn more: Coeliac & Gluten Sensitivity Panel
  
• Dietary Antigen Test: This test assesses for food intolerances or sensitivities, which can contribute to chronic fatigue. Food Sensitivity Test (Dietary Antigen Test)
• General investigations into gut health, to support treatment plans based on regenerating the gut: Intestinal Permeability Profile, Metabolomix Plus, NutrEval

Lifestyle Advice For Chronic Fatigue:

In addition to dietary recommendations, naturopathic nutritional therapy may also involve lifestyle changes to support the body's natural healing processes and improve energy levels:

• Get regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help to improve energy levels and reduce symptoms of fatigue. Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, may be recommended for individuals with chronic fatigue[xix].
  
• Practice stress reduction techniques: Chronic stress can contribute to fatigue. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help to reduce stress and improve energy levels.
  
• Prioritise rest and sleep: Getting enough rest and quality sleep is essential for individuals with chronic fatigue. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of fatigue.
  
• Avoid overstimulation: Overstimulation, such as exposure to bright lights, loud noises, or electronic devices, can disrupt sleep and contribute to fatigue. Avoiding overstimulation in the evening and creating a calming environment can help to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue.
  
• Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Balancing work and other responsibilities with rest and relaxation is important for individuals with chronic fatigue. Prioritising self-care and creating boundaries around work and other activities can help to reduce stress and improve energy levels.
  
• Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, which can help to improve energy levels.
  
• Connect with supportive social networks: Social support can be an important factor in improving energy levels and reducing symptoms of fatigue. Connecting with supportive friends and family members, or joining a support group, can help to improve mental health and wellbeing.

A naturopathic practitioner and nutritional therapists can work with an individual to develop a personalised lifestyle plan that addresses their unique needs and supports optimal health and wellbeing.

Treatment Options For Chronic Fatigue:

Naturopathic medicine offers a range of treatments that can be effective in addressing the underlying causes of chronic fatigue. Here are some of the naturopathic treatments that may be recommended:

• Nutritional supplements: As mentioned earlier, nutritional supplements, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10, can support energy production and help to address nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to chronic fatigue[xxii].
  
• Herbal medicine: Herbal medicine involves using plant-based remedies to promote health and wellbeing. Certain herbs may be recommended to support adrenal function, reduce inflammation, and improve energy levels[xxiii].
  
• Bowen Technique: The Bowen Technique is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that involves using light pressure and small movements to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. The Bowen Technique can help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate pain, which can contribute to reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture can help to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and alleviate pain, which can all contribute to reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue[xx]
  
• Massage: Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, which can all contribute to reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue. Different types of massage may be recommended, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
  
• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to promote physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Essential oils can be used topically, inhaled, or added to a bath to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and promote relaxation, which can all contribute to reducing symptoms of chronic fatigue[xxi].
  

For more information on naturopathic treatments contact us today, or have a look at our treatments section to see the treatment options we can provide.