Fatigue by Anni Dahms

By Anni Dahms,

Founder of  the retail chain ANNI’s VITAL SHOP.
Nurse- & Health specialist,  Biopath and Nutritional Adviser.

You can read Annis Newsletter in the following languages:

   

In a press release, Google highlights that searches related to fatigue in 2023 have increased by 15 percent among the British, reaching the highest level ever. Previously, topics like anxiety and depression were predominant during the pandemic, but these have now been surpassed by fatigue, as described in the press release.

 

What is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is a condition characterized by pronounced tiredness and exhaustion lasting for more than 6 months. The key features of chronic fatigue are fatigue and exhaustion that do not disappear with rest or sleep.

Many people attribute aging as the cause of fatigue, and to some extent, this may be correct. It is true that as we age, our metabolism decreases, and our ability to detoxify diminishes. Therefore, it is important to spend more time and care on your body and be conscious of treating it kindly and well, knowing that our body has to last a lifetime. In return, it rewards you in the most beautiful ways.

Causes of Fatigue

If you are among those who have lived on fast food and consumed food filled with pesticides, chemicals, additives, preservatives, pollution, unnecessary medication, etc., it is only logical that your body will eventually protest by expressing that enough is enough and sounding the alarm bells through fatigue.

The liver and kidneys may have had enough and struggle to perform their vital functions. Additionally, a massively stressful job, where balancing personal life with family, children, and work is challenging, can contribute to an overall lack of harmony.

Therefore, paying attention to your digestive system along with liver and kidney health is crucial if your fatigue is persistent, and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, becoming utterly exhausted by the afternoon. Fatigue can be both mental and physical and may be accompanied by pain in joints, connective tissues, and muscles.

There can be many reasons for fatigue, as it is often a symptom of various diseases, including those following a severe infection.

In the case of prolonged fatigue, it is advisable to consult your doctor, with a particular focus on intestinal flora, digestion, kidney, and liver function. Ensure a comprehensive range of blood tests, including hemoglobin levels, CRP, blood sugar, and, in my opinion, an examination for Lyme disease.

It is, in my opinion, extremely important to have a doctor you trust who takes your symptoms seriously. Often, the cause turns out to be a metabolic disorder, iron deficiency, candida fungus, poisoning with heavy metals, electromagnetic sensitivity (e.g., from mobile phone towers, mobile phones, radio, and television transmitters, etc.).

Chronic fatigue is more common in women than men and is least prevalent in children and young people.

The Path to a Better Lifestyle and Dietary Habits

Regardless of whether you identify a cause for chronic fatigue, it is of utmost importance that you assess your lifestyle. Perhaps it needs a complete reevaluation. Ensure that you have the opportunity to take it easy. Clearly distinguish between what is necessary and what you do to be nice. Listen to yourself. Learn to say no, even if it might lead to some conflicts. I often find that people with chronic fatigue I encounter are members of the ’nice school’ and have difficulty facing conflict or saying no. Believe in yourself and know that you are the best judge of where it hurts.

If you are on medication, be attentive to whether one of the side effects of the medication can be fatigue or if you may have an allergy to the product. This may be particularly evident if the medication is hepatotoxic. Discuss it with your doctor to potentially try another product.

It is estimated that about 50-85% of those suffering from chronic fatigue have a food intolerance. Approximately 1-3% of doctor visits are attributed to complaints about fatigue.

Ensure that your diet is as healthy as possible, filled with vitamins, minerals, proteins, fibers, and without white sugar or other sugar substitutes. So, eliminate all sugary products such as cakes, cookies, snacks, and the dangerous croissants. If there are certain foods you feel dependent on, scrutinize them to see if they may be wrong for you. For example, various forms of cola, drinks with guarana, etc.

Also, be cautious with caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee, chocolate, etc. Many turn to these drinks because they provide immediate energy, but in the long run, they can contribute to tiring your adrenal glands and upsetting a delicate blood sugar system. The same goes for alcohol. If possible, choose organic products.

Many people feel significantly better with a gluten-free diet, but dairy products, eggs, and white sugar can also cause problems. Keeping a food diary where you daily record what you eat and drink may be a good idea. Perhaps also include a small section for unexpected stressful experiences and how the process was. Quickly, you can learn if there are certain foods that make you feel unwell. I speak with many people who say that their well-being has improved significantly after changing their diet, making it a top priority in their lives.

Supplements

Life is far too short to let it be ruined by fatigue. If you or your doctor find no clear cause for your fatigue, you can significantly strengthen yourself with good supplements.

Ensure a high-quality multivitamin/mineral product filled with good antioxidants. It may be beneficial to secure extra antioxidant protection such as selenium, zinc, additional C vitamins, E vitamins, beta-carotene, B6, and Q10.

Pay special attention to extra Q10 supplements if you are taking any cholesterol-lowering medication that inhibits your own production of Q10. Lack of Q10, also known as the powerhouse of cells, can lead to significant fatigue, as I have experienced personally. Dosage between 100 – 300 mg daily can work wonders. A study showed that 80% of people who felt chronically tired lacked Q10.

Another aid for the powerhouse of cells is the amino acid Acetyl-L-Carnitine. A combination of Q10 and Acetyl-L-Carnitine is definitely among my daily favorites to keep energy production going.

Also, ensure extra vitamin D supplements. It’s good to supplement with strong B vitamins.

Additionally, provide a supplement of essential fatty acids (Omega 3/6/7/9).

It’s always good to take supplements of healthy probiotics. It is important for your immune system and for a strong mucous membrane and the formation of various vitamins that your gut flora is good.

It can also be supportive to take various digestive enzymes.

Many people with chronic fatigue also suffer from tired adrenal glands. In this case, a bit of daily licorice can be beneficial. Remember that the licorice should be sugar-free. You can use a bit of pure English licorice in your smoothies, or you can eat some lozenges with pure 100% licorice. I am personally very fond of the latter. They sit on my nightstand and are enjoyed every night along with reading a relaxing book before I sleep.

Other supplements that can be a great help include ginseng, Rhodiola, Siberian ginseng, Schisandra, and Ginkgo Biloba.

If you suspect that your fatigue symptoms are due to poisoning, it can be a great help to take extra Chlorella supplements over a period. Chlorella has detoxifying properties and also contains all vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in natural form. It is important that you choose a good quality product.

Tips

Some winter bathers claim that their symptoms of chronic fatigue have significantly diminished after they started winter bathing.

Exercise can feel almost insurmountable for some people with chronic fatigue, as it seems like exercise worsens the condition. However, it is crucial to stay active. Therefore, engage in exercise with short rest intervals. Set your own limits and do not let other fitness-minded friends provoke you.

Nordic walking has proven to be an exercise form that can often be managed well, but it is important to perform Nordic walking correctly, so get an instructor to show you the best way to do it.

Good complementary treatments can include craniosacral therapy and physiotherapy with a physiotherapist familiar with the condition.

Relaxing massage and other soothing treatments such as breathing exercises, yoga, or similar approaches can also be beneficial.