Fatigue

Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness and lack of energy. It is a symptom rather than a specific disease or disorder. People who are fatigued feel tired in both body and mind. Estimates vary, but it is thought that up to 60% of patients visiting their primary health care practitioner complain of fatigue. Fatigue is twice as common in women as it is in men.

Fatigue can be categorised as either:

  • Simple fatigue: involves temporary decline in energy levels for duration of less than 6 months, which is not severe enough to significantly impact on the patient’s normal daily activities.
  • Chronic fatigue: involves fatigue that is sufficiently intense and persistent to significantly affect normal daily activities for a period of six months or more.

What are the signs and symptoms of Fatigue?

  • Chronic tiredness or sleepiness
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Sore or aching muscles
  • Muscle weakness
  • Slowed reflexes and responses
  • Impaired decision making and judgement
  • Moodiness and irritability
  • Impaired coordination
  • Appetite loss
  • Reduced immune system function
  • Blurry vision
  • Short term memory problems
  • Poor concentration
  • Hallucinations
  • Low motivation

What can cause Fatigue?

Major causative factors that can contribute to the incidence of fatigue include the following:

Nutritional causes:

  • Nutritionally deficient diet
  • Anaemia (iron, folic acid and/or B12)
  • B-complex deficiencies
  • Nutrient malabsorption

Hormonal causes:

  • Fatigued adrenal glands
  • Addisons Disease
  • Clinical or sub-clinical hypothyroidism
  • Hypoglycaemia, blood sugar dysregulation and/ or diabetes

Metabolic causes:

  • Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome
  • Chronic pain
  • Inflammatory bowel disorders such as Coeliacs disease, Chron’s Disease and irritable bowel
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Cardiovascular disease

Immunological causes:

  • Recent respiratory or gastrointestinal infection- particularly viral infections such as glandular fever (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Cancer
  • HIV / AIDS
  • Autoimmune disorders such as SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
  • Bowel toxicity and dysbiosis
  • Food allergies

Psychological causes:

  • Stress
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Environmental causes:

  • Environmental contaminants or pollutants
  • Toxic disorders such as lead or mercury poisoning
  • Medications such as sleeping pills, blood pressure medications and anti-depressants
  • Liver toxicity

How can the Naturopaths at the Melbourne Anti-Ageing Clinic (MAAC) help reduce my fatigue?

After a thorough case history and investigation including Live Blood Analysis, BIA ( cellular health assessment ) and any other diagnostic tests, your naturopath will support you through a program to regain your vitality.

Your individualised program may include:

  • correction of any nutritional deficiencies
  • assessment of any relevant allergens or toxins
  • dietary changes
  • a comprehensive detox
  • digestive repair
  • liver regeneration program
  • blood sugar regulation
  • addressing any anxiety or depression
  • alleviating chronic pain or inflammation
  • supporting cellular energy production
  • rebuilding the immune system
  • addressing hormonal imbalances
  • improving digestive function
  • improving sleep quality and quantity

Come in and see how our Naturopaths in Melbourne can help to alleviate your fatigue are restore your energy levels.

Our clinic is located at 96 Bridport St. in Albert Park, Melbourne.
You can make an appointment online, email us or phone us on (03) 96862566.