An ND's Approach to Fatigue
An ND's Approach to Fatigue
By Dr. Rachel Heussner
Fatigue is one of the most common reasons patients walk into my office. We can think of fatigue, or even “chronic fatigue”, as more of a symptom than a condition, that may be attributed to various root causes.
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Stress
- Sleep Disturbances
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Poor Gut Health
- Underlying Health Conditions
One common cause is hormonal imbalances, where disruptions in hormone levels, such as cortisol, estrogen, or progesterone, can lead to feelings of fatigue. These imbalances can be caused by factors like stress, sleep disturbances, or underlying health conditions. Additionally, nutrient deficiencies play a significant role in fatigue. Inadequate intake or absorption of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, or magnesium can result in low energy levels and overall fatigue. Ensuring a balanced diet and considering supplementation, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can help address these deficiencies.
Another contributing factor to fatigue is poor gut health. The gut plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and the production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters that affect energy levels. Imbalances in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, or conditions like leaky gut syndrome, can impair nutrient absorption and lead to fatigue. Moreover, thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can significantly impact energy levels. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, and an underactive thyroid can result in fatigue and sluggishness. Autoimmune conditions, including conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, can also cause persistent fatigue as the immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and energy depletion. Lastly, anemia, characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity in the body and results in fatigue.
As a naturopathic doctor, treating fatigue usually means taking a “well-rounded” approach. As with most symptoms or conditions, there is usually not just one root cause, but multiple causes that have culminated over the years. That means restoring the foundations of health - prioritizing getting adequate sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, consuming a nutrient-rich diet, addressing nutrient deficiencies, properly hydrating, and having regular, healthy bowel movements. Of course, these are all alongside treating any individual root causes found on comprehensive medical evaluation of labs and personal history.
At Four Moons, we offer NAD+ and Energy IV’s to speed up the process and allow patients to feel better faster by delivering energizing nutrients straight to the circulatory system and supporting cells to increase metabolism and energy production.
If you would like more information or have any questions, schedule a free 15-minute discovery call.
About: Dr. Rachel Heussner is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. She completed her medical training at Bastyr University in San Diego, California. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Rachel is certified in advanced IV therapy, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) microneedling and injections. Her areas of focus include hormonal imbalances, women’s health, metabolic conditions, mental health, stress management, and gastrointestinal health.