Nutritional Therapy and Root Causes of Fatigue: A Comprehensive Guide
Fatigue is a common complaint, made much more complex as it is a symptom that can arise from numerous underlying factors, from lifestyle habits to more serious health concerns. It is the number one symptom I see and work with in clinic and Nutritional Therapy is perfectly placed to address the root cause of your incessant tiredness.
When this fatigue is not caused by mere lack of sleep and has no obvious, identifiable cause, it’s necessary to do some digging and find out what the heck is making you feel so worn out. By identifying these causes—such as sleep disturbances, thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, food intolerances, autoimmune conditions, gut health issues, chronic viral loads, and nutrient deficiencies—you can take proactive steps toward improving your well-being. Let me talk you through some of these factors and some key blood markers to monitor when I am investigating fatigue (get out your NHS app if you have recent results and see where your results lie).
1. Lack of Sleep
One of the most straightforward culprits of fatigue is lack of sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can cloud your mental clarity, weaken your immune system, and drain your energy. Quality
sleep is essential for cellular repair, detoxification, and hormone balance. It can
make you feel, and look, older than you are.
Symptoms: Drowsiness, irritability, impaired concentration, mood swings.
What to Do: Prioritise sleep hygiene by establishing a regular bedtime, limiting caffeine, getting in to daylight 30 mins after waking, and creating a cozy sleep environment. If you suspect issues like insomnia or sleep apnoea, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Contact me for a copy of the Epworth Scale which scores you on how likely sleep apnoea may be.
2. Thyroid Dysfunction (Hypothyroidism)
Your thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy. It’s your engine. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can zap your energy levels.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, hair loss, dry skin, problems with fertility.
Blood Markers:
TSH: High levels suggest hypothyroidism.
Free T4 and Free T3: Indicators of thyroid function.
Thyroid Antibodies: Elevated levels may indicate autoimmune thyroid disease.
This is an area I have lots of experience in helping. See my thyroid article here or book in a free consultation
3. Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
Insulin resistance can lead to fatigue as your body struggles to convert glucose into energy efficiently.
Symptoms: Fatigue after meals, sugar cravings, weight gain.
Blood Markers:
Fasting Insulin – this is the first clue and can show a trend towards insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes a decade before it happens. See my article on Fasting insulin here.
Fasting Blood Glucose: Elevated levels may indicate diabetes.
HbA1c: Indicates long-term blood sugar levels. To manage this, focus on reducing refined carbs and sugars while emphasizing whole foods with healthy fats and lean proteins.
4. Food Intolerances and Coeliac Disease
Undiagnosed food intolerances, such as gluten sensitivity or the more serious autoimmune condition, Coeliac disease, can leave you feeling drained. Coeliac disease damages the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption. It can be asymptomatic or with symptoms not related to the gut.
Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, bloating, brain fog, weight gain or loss, constipation, diarrhoea, iron deficiency anaemia.
Blood Markers:
Total IgA and tTG-IgA: Used to screen for Coeliac disease.
IgG Food Sensitivity Panel: Identifies potential food intolerances. Eliminating trigger foods and focusing on a nutrient-dense diet is essential for recovery. There is only one company I use for this or I like to do an elimination and reintroduction.
5. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune conditions can create chronic inflammation and fatigue as your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
Symptoms: Persistent fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness.
Blood Markers:
ANA: A common marker for autoimmune diseases.
CRP and ESR: Elevated levels indicate inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help manage symptoms.
Various autoimmune specific markers (such as rheumatic factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis)
See my article on Rheumatoid Arthritis and how to eat for all autoimmune disease here.
6. Chronic Viral Loads
Chronic infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (the cause of glandular fever) or post-COVID fatigue, can lead to prolonged exhaustion. These conditions can disrupt your immune function and energy levels, contributing to feelings of fatigue long after the initial infection has resolved.
Blood Markers:
White blood cells, various private tests for chronic infection (contact me) or EBV IgM for current infection on NHS
This I know only too well, having been diagnosed with M.E. following an EBV infection when I was a child. This is the reason I am so passionate about fatigue as I have lived and breathed it and work hard daily to keep my energy where it is.
7. Gut Dysbiosis
An imbalanced gut microbiome can impair nutrient absorption and lead to fatigue due to chronic inflammation.
Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, brain fog, smelly gas, joint pain.
Markers: Comprehensive stool analysis (levels can help assess gut health. Nutritional therapy focuses on incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and anti-inflammatory foods. White blood cells can also indicate parasites (I look at monocytes, eosinophils and basophils)
See my article here on functional testing for more info on stool tests and why I think they are so fascinating!
8. Nutrient Deficiencies
Common nutrient deficiencies, including iron, folate, B12, and vitamin D, can significantly impact energy levels.
Blood Markers:
Ferritin & iron: Low levels suggest iron deficiency.
Serum B12 and folate levels: Indicators of B vitamin status.
Full Blood Count and liver enzymes can also indicate additional nutrient insufficiencies such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium
Addressing these deficiencies through diet or supplementation can boost your energy.
Conclusion
Fatigue can arise from many underlying health issues, often linked to nutrition, hormone imbalances, or undiagnosed conditions. By identifying the root cause through blood tests—such as those for thyroid function, blood sugar levels, and nutrient deficiencies—nutritional therapy can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Emphasizing whole foods, addressing food intolerances, managing stress, and optimizing sleep and gut health are all vital steps in managing chronic fatigue and reclaiming your energy.
Trusting someone with additional training to read blood tests, such as the training I have had at Functional DX Blood University to become and accredited practitioner, is really key in learning all you can from blood. Your blood doesn’t lie and it’s going to tell us a really good story about your health. If you're looking to see how your health is right now, look at my Wellness Check which is a one off 60 minute consultation with a comprehensive blood test included.
If you have access to your NHS blood test results, then see if you are on the higher end of normal and if you need to really pay attention to the advice below, or book a free call with me.
This is where I can step in, offer testing so that you can see exactly where you are with your blood sugar management and put together a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan that is achievable and fits in with your life, yet powerful enough to create change. Book your free 20-minute mini consultation here.
How I can help with Nutritional Therapy
Using the functional medicine approach, I work to understand your metabolic health and what is impacting your healthspan. You can expect from me:
A personalised nutrition plan rich in nourishing foods to assist your glucose management and metabolic health
Test recommendations and full interpretation either privately or through your GP
Personalised supplement protocol to support your blood sugar management and reliance on insulin
Regular consultations and coaching to support new choices
Note: as a Nutritional Therapist, I do not diagnose or prescribe, however I do use functional nutrition testing to help find the best way to support my client’s health. Book your free call here
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