Description Fatigue is not a disorder itself; it is a symptom. Most illnesses, from influenza or the common cold to depression are accompanied by fatigue. In fact, fatigue is often the first symptom of many health problems including allergies, anemia, cancer, candidiasis, diabetes, heavy metal toxicity, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, malabsorption, mononucleosis, nutritional deficiencies, and poor circulation, to name a few. Extremely persistent and disabling fatigue is also the chief symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Symptoms and Signs:Individuals may be able to perform in a limited fashion at work or at home, but easily fatigue from the activity. This may cause people to give up their jobs and greatly curtail other activities. Sometimes they may be bedridden, and low intensity activities such as housecleaning or going for a walk may necessitate a recovery period of up to two to three days. More strenuous activities and exercise are usually impossible. Occasionally, people have alternating episodes of prostration and normalcy. Fatigue may also follow viral infections such as influenza and gastroenteritis, appearing with sudden onset. Some specific symptoms include: recurrent sore throats, swollen and tender lymph nodes, recurrent headaches, recurrent low-grade fevers, painful muscles and/or joints, inability to concentrate, gastrointestinal upset, emotional upset and/or depression. Also the person may have a history of allergies, difficulty sleeping, weight loss or gain.
Causes: Persistent fatigue that is not caused by an underlying illness is usually the result of poor dietary habits and lifestyle. Usually the diet consists of high amounts of fats and refined carbohydrates, accompanied by emotional stress. Alcohol, caffeine, drugs, tobacco, stress, and incorrect eating habits may aggravate cases of fatigue as they rob your body of energy. The following must be ruled out as possible causes of fatigue: anemia, hypothyroidism, primary or secondary immunodeficiency conditions, Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, systemic lupus erythmatosis, AIDS, cancer, chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, seasonal affective disorder and depression. Your naturopath or other health practitioner will assist you in discovering the root cause(s) of your fatigue.
What to Expect: As a disorder, fatigue is usually a symptom of another underlying disorder or illness. Until the underlying cause is addressed, there is likely to be bouts of remission and exacerbations that may develop into a constant, persistent disease. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment lead to excellent recovery rates in most sufferers who follow through with their healing protocol. Very few cases are refractory to treatment.
Remedies
Amino Acids Amino acids are required for the synthesis of proteins that are in turn needed for the production of enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters essential in energy production. Opt for a high quality multi-amino acid complex brand and follow label directions for specific dosages. In general, take 10 to 20 capsules (each containing between 500 to 800mg free form amino acids) two to three times daily for severe fatigue. It is important to take the amino acid complex between meals, with juice and never with protein, i.e., milk as this will delay or halt absorption. This approach should not be used as a long-term strategy, but rather a short-term rebuilding approach for people recovering from profound fatigue of whatever cause. Aspartic acid is a major element in the energy cycle of the body and is thus a useful supplement to relieve fatigue and increases resistance to fatigue. It also detoxifies ammonia from the body, thereby enhancing nerve function. Aspartic acid is found in plant proteins, especially in sprouting seeds. L-aspartic acid is also available in multi-amino acid complex supplements and protein powder supplements. Depending on the country in which you live, aspartic acid may also be available as an isolated supplement in capsule or tablet form. You may require a prescription. L-Carnitine levels are decreased in fatigued people and this amino acid is important in the production of energy. Take one 500mg capsule twice daily between meals.
Antioxidants Grape seed extract is a nutrient primarily derived from the seeds of grapes but is also found in the skin and stems. It has powerful antioxidant properties and has protective compounds known as flavonoids. These include oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), anthocyananins, quercetin, catechin, ellagic acid and reveratrol, which is also found in red wine. Grape seed extract is also able to pass the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells from toxins that may result in fatigue. If supplementing, take 25 to 100mg daily, in divided doses. The beneficial compounds are also found in red wine, purple grape juice, and red grapes. NOTE: Discuss with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner the appropriateness of consuming red wine, where the alcohol content may interfere with certain medications. Pycnogenol is extracted from the bark of French maritime pine trees grown in the south of France. The resulting extract contains approximately forty antioxidants and a number of flavonoid compounds, making pycnogenol one of the most potent antioxidant preparations currently available. One particular flavonoid of note is OPC, which may be as much as fifty times more potent than vitamin E and twenty times more potent than vitamin C in terms of its bioavailable antioxidant ability. OPCs are also found in grape seed extract (see above). Pycnogenol is exceptionally bioavailable and is also able to pass the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells from toxins that may result in fatigue. Take 25 to 100mg daily, in divided doses. NOTE: Some people may experience allergic reactions to pine bark extract. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of supplementation with this antioxidant.
Aromatherapy Several different essential oils may be used to combat fatigue. Although these oils are classified as a stimulant, you need not be concerned with the dangers associated with such stimulants as caffeine, alcohol, or drugs. A blend of 2 or 3 of your favorite of the following oils may be used in an invigorating massage: Basil, Geranium, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Pine, Rosemary, or Thyme. These oils can also be used as a bath, but do not use more than a total of 3 drops of the spice oils, as they can be irritating to the skin. Any of these oils are indicated for physical fatigue, however, rosemary and basil to a lesser extent may be used specifically for mental fatigue and dullness. If the fatigue is partly due to inadequate rest or sleep, lavender and chamomile are good choices for enhancing rest.
Bach Flower Remedies Before you use Bach flower remedies, please read Bach Flower Remedies, Introduction -- Preparing a Treatment for general dosage information. When exhaustion is temporary, Elm may be used. This usually results when too much responsibility is taken on and a fear of failure is imminent. In fact, Elm is indicated when you are too altruistic and forget that you have physical and emotional limits. Hornbeam is used when the fatigue is a result of the work you are doing. It is always the thought of what lies ahead that results in the tiredness. A typical example is the "Monday morning" feeling; however, as soon as the work begins, the weariness disappears. In convalescence, Hornbeam is the same, with thoughts of being unable to carry on one's normal daily routine. Olive is used when you are run down by long and continued stress. The Olive exhaustion is complete, of both mind and body, the result of over-exertion from a prolonged illness or childbirth, for example. Small tasks or even thoughts about what needs to be done result in fatigue and warrant the use of Olive.
Foods Brewer's yeast is an excellent source of B vitamins that are essential in normal metabolism and energy production. Start with 1 tsp. daily and increase to 2 tablesppons daily over a two week period. Include more fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, soy products, grains, seeds, and nuts in your diet. Eat less red meat and more cold water fish. Avoid foods that actually deplete your energy levels. Typical examples are sugar, sweets, alcohol, highly refined or processed foods, caffeine, and wheat or flour products. Coffee is a stimulant that can give you a false sense of increased energy; however, once the addiction is broken, you may find that you have more energy without it. Determine if you have a Food Allergy or Intolerance by using the elimination diet.
Food Supplements Bee pollen often dramatically increases energy. NOTE: Bee pollen may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Discontinue use if any of the following manifest: wheezing, rash, discomfort, or if any other symptom occurs. Take a few granules daily at first, then slowly increase to 2 teaspoons daily. Spirulina is an excellent source of protein. Take 4 spirulina capsules daily with bee pollen, 3,000mg vitamin C, and an amino acid complex. This protocol has been used with success for cases of fatigue.
Herbs Avena sativa is a nerve tonic that is very high in nutrients. Use in cases where there is nervous exhaustion and low fevers. Beta vulgaris is a general stimulant and has resistance-enhancing effects. Large amounts of juice (1 litre) may be taken for months. NOTE: May cause nausea. Licorice has many effects including detoxification, antiviral properties, and adrenal supporting properties. Licorice tea is rather sweet-tasting. To prepare a decoction, gently boil 1/2 teaspoon powdered root to 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. If supplementing, take 4,000 to 5,000mg daily. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops up to 2 times daily. Panax ginseng is tonic to vital energy and the immune system, has adaptogenic properties (helps address stress), and is a circulatory stimulant. It treats fatigue, convalescence, debility, injury, stress, weakened immunity, and chronic diseases. For more information, see the dedicated section on Ginseng. Siberian ginseng, unrelated to Panax ginseng, has been used by Traditional Chinese Doctors for over 5,000 years as a tonic herb for overall health and as a stimulant and energy booster. Siberian ginseng may activate the immune system and normalize impaired immune functions. This effect is especially important when the fatigue is a result of prolonged viral illness. For more information, see the dedicated section on Ginseng. Suma is the South American version of ginseng. It is also used as a tonic to treat exhaustion resulting from debilitating viral infections. Suma is most commonly found in powdered form. Stir one tablespoon into a morning shake. To prepare an infusion, add 1 teaspoon suma powder to one cup boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes. Take three times daily. Shiitake and Reishi mushroom can boost immunity and increase energy levels. To prepare an infusion, bring to a boil 1 ounce/28g mushroom and 1 pint/473mL water. Boil for 20 to 30 minutes or until one third of the water is gone. Cool, strain, and divide into 3 doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops tincture 3 times daily. NOTE: Vitamin C increases the absorption of reishi's polysaccharides. Acacia, cayenne, gingko biloba extract, gotu kola, and guarana all help combat fatigue.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Ignatia: Person is emotionally sensitive, has difficulty making the world match their ideals, and hysterical. Fatigue results from grief, worry, shock, and disappointment. Kali phosphoricum: Mental and physical exhaustion, especially after periods of stress or mental over-exertion. Hypersensitivity to all stimuli associated with nervousness and mental dullness. There is mental fatigue with irritability, restlessness, anxiety and feeling unable to cope, despondency, and great nervous dread. Natrum muriaticum: Fatigue from grief. Person is sad and weepy without cause. Situation made worse with consolation. Person is anxious about their health. Nux vomica: Person is a workaholic, idealistic, and expects a lot of themselves. Ailments from prolonged physical or mental work. Anger and resentment also present. Schussler Tissue Salts: Kali phos (6X): Desire to have more energy, mental fatigue and dullness, exhaustion that results in hypersensitivity to anything: light, sound, odor, touch, taste, et cetera. There is want of nerve power; prostration; exertion; loss of mental vigor; depression; loss of memory.
Minerals Calcium provides energy and is important in protein structuring. Avoid calcium carbonate and opt for more absorbable forms such as calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium fumarate, et cetera. Take 1500mg daily before bed. Chromium GTF is especially helpful when the fatigue has a hypoglycemia component. Chromium can increase energy levels and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Take 200mg three times daily with meals. Magnesium can often help alleviate muscle aches and pains associated with fatigue and is also necessary in energy production. Take 750 to 800mg daily of magnesium in a form bound to citrate.
Miscellaneous Adrenal gland extract can help in cases when there is suspected decreased adrenal gland function. Take as directed on the label. Thymus extracts may provide a solution to chronic viral infections and low immune function that may result in fatigue. Take 750mg raw, freeze dried thymus gland one to two times daily. Therapies, Healing Aids, & More Get regular exercise and adequate rest. Exercise is an excellent natural energy booster and stress reliever. If you are overweight, adjust your diet and increase physical activity to reduce your weight to normal. Try to reduce your workload -- trying to balance career, family, home and social life can result in sleep deprivation. Stress can be a cause of fatigue. Try to eliminate the source or explore stress management or relaxation techniques. Examples include meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, visualization, et cetera.
Vitamins Coenzyme Q10 has a specific relationship with respect to the production of energy by all cells of the body. Take as directed on the label or increase consumption of good sources in the diet: mackerel, bran, sesame, legumes, and sardines. Foods lose Coenzyme Q10 through processing, storage and cooking. Fresh foods are ideal. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been associated with a lack of energy. A high quality multivitamin and mineral complex is thus essential when deficiency symptoms are present. Use as directed on the label. Vitamin B deficiency can result in fatigue. Take 100mg B-Complex three times daily with meals. Injections should also be considered if fatigue is severe. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner. Vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and choline are needed for normal brain function, hormone production, adrenal support, and conversion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy. Take 50mg thiamine, 50 to 100mg pantothenic acid three times daily with meals, and 100mg choline daily. Vitamin B12 helps fight fatigue and prevent anemia and, in addition to a multi B complex vitamin, may prove helpful, especially if you are a vegetarian. Take 2,000mcg daily or see your naturopath or other health practitioner for injections for better absorption. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids increases energy levels, is valuable in adrenal support, and is important in assisting the liver process toxins that can result in fatigue. Take 2,000mg to 8,000mg daily. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Anemia, Cancer, Candidiasis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Circulatory Problems, Depression, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Food Allergies, Hypoglycemia, Hypothyroidism, Malabsorption Syndrome
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