Are you tired of waking up tired?
Fatigue is an all too common problem for many people. For some, it means some hours here and there when they feel a little tired, for others it is overwhelming, keeping them in bed for weeks at a time, unable to do much more than sleep. Being such a general symptom, fatigue has many possible causes:
- Infection: viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. Often more than one of these organisms can become involved, as a first infection weakens the host. These organisms may be difficult to detect by current conventional means.
- Nutrition: many nutritional deficiencies can lead ultimately to fatigue, such as a deficiency of B12, through a variety of mechanisms. Several blood and urine tests exist which can help pinpoint any nutritional deficiences.
- Toxins: toxins can cause enough damage to the human system that they cause fatigue. Among them I include mercury (silver) dental fillings, pesticides, herbicides, pollution etc. Many pharmaceuticals have toxic aspects as well, that may lead to fatigue. There are many ways to test for toxins, including mercury poisoning from silver fillings.
- Hormonal disturbances: imbalances in thyroid activity, blood sugar dysregulation, premenstrual syndrome, menopause and adrenal dysfunction are all common causes of fatigue.
- Sleep disturbances, from any cause, can lead to fatigue.
- Depression is associated with fatigue.
- Cardiovascular disease can result in fatigue.
- Lack of exercise: a lack of fitness can affect your energy and stamina.
Many of these factors are inter-related. For example, high levels of insulin can raise blood cholesterol and triglycerides which, coupled with lack of exercise, could lead eventually to heart problems. Adrenal insufficiency can lead to depression, fatigue, sleep disorders and immune dysfunction, which in turn can lead to infection.
One of the basic Naturopathic principles is - find the cause. When we know the reason or reasons for your individual symptoms, we are able to develop a very specific program for you. First, you will be asked details about your history, physical condition and current level of health, and Dr. van Loon will need to perform a complete physical exam. At this point Dr. van Loon is able to begin to work with you to rebuild your system, while determining what further investigations are necessary to pinpoint the factor(s) causing your fatigue. As the causes are determined, your treatment will be tailored to reflect your particular situation.
Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.