CONTRIBUTED CONTENT: Chronic fatigue: Why 'rest more' isn’t the whole answer
If you live with chronic fatigue, you may have discovered something frustrating: rest doesn’t always make you feel better. You slow down, cancel plans, and give your body more time to recover, yet you still feel weak, heavy, sore, or exhausted. If this is your experience, you are not failing, and your body is not broken. Your symptoms are telling you that your body needs more than rest — it needs support. Chronic fatigue can have many possible contributing factors, and identifying what may be interfering with healthy energy production is an important place to start.
The good news is that your body has an incredible capacity to heal and rebuild. By identifying what is interfering with healthy function and giving your body the right support, we can work toward restoring energy, strength, and vitality — not simply managing the symptoms of fatigue.
One important thing to look at is how efficiently your cells are producing energy. When cellular energy production is struggling, even everyday activities can feel overwhelming, and too much inactivity can leave you feeling weaker.
Most people remember mitochondria from school as “the powerhouse of the cell.” That phrase is accurate, but incomplete. Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Inside most of those cells are mitochondria, tiny organelles whose primary job is to convert fuel into usable energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the energy currency required for all bodily functions.
When mitochondria cannot produce enough ATP, the body may have a harder time meeting its energy demands. Damaged tissues may not heal as efficiently. The nervous system may become metabolically stressed, and daily activities may begin to exceed energy supply.
We address chronic fatigue with acupuncture and clinical nutrition tailored to each individual’s unique presentation. By identifying areas where the body needs support and providing that support, we work to improve energy, function, and resilience. Each person’s needs are different; there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to chronic fatigue.
We look at mitochondrial health along with many other things. The adrenal glands play a huge role in the body’s stress response and energy regulation. We also evaluate the broader endocrine system and support it as needed. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in how much energy people feel so we guide patients on how to nourish themselves effectively through food and targeted nutritional support. Environmental and emotional stressors can also affect energy and overall function, so we help people increase their resistance to these stressors and better support their energy.
Tired of feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest? Chronic fatigue may have a deeper root cause. Discover how personalized acupuncture, clinical nutrition, and whole-body support can help uncover what’s draining your energy — and help you feel stronger, more energized, and more like yourself again.
Want to explore this topic further? Listen to Ep 23, “Fatigue and Low Energy,” and Ep 55, “The Best Treatment Options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” on the VitalHealth4You podcast. Find VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast app or visit vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/.
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Greg Anderton holds a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a Licensed Acupuncturist. He is additionally trained in Clinical Nutrition and Herbal Medicine. He has over 20 years of experience in natural medicine. Anderton is a “Health Detective,” he looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place.
Greg is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Visit our website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Greg, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Greg can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.