We've all experienced feeling tired, a general sense of being worn out, caused by the demands on our time, stress, or even our body signaling that it needs rest. This particular feeling can usually be remedied by a good night's sleep or reprioritizing how we are spending our time so that we are able to lighten our burdens, reduce stress, and feel more energized. 
​
​Chronic fatigue, however, is more than this. Often a long-lasting condition, chronic fatigue goes beyond just feeling tired and often makes mental and physical exertion impossible and prevents the individual from doing the things they previously enjoyed. Just the thought of tasks that once were manageable now seem overwhelming, depleting energy and negatively impacting daily life. The Mayo Clinic describes chronic fatigue as "a complicated disorder. ​It causes extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months. Symptoms worsen with physical or mental activity but don't fully improve with rest." This complex and debilitating disorder has no cure, and the medical community has not come to a general agreement as to the cause of this condition. There are, however, several factors including genetics, infections or abnormalities in the immune system, hormonal imbalance, trauma, concussion or brain injury, or the body's inability to convert fats and sugars into fuel. 

For someone suffering from chronic fatigue, the last thing they feel like doing is exercise, but one of the ways to combat this condition is with gradual movements like walking, stretching, or yoga. These low-impact exercises minimize strain on the joints while also stimulating blood flow. Since muscle and joint pain are symptoms of chronic fatigue, it's important to take a gradual approach when incorporating exercise into your routine so as not to exacerbate the discomfort. Exercise has many mental and physical benefits and may even help increase the energy levels of someone with chronic fatigue. Other methods recommended for improving energy consist of sauna therapy, cold plunges, UV light from the sun, red or infrared light therapy, and fasting. Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet that is low in carbs, particularly refined sugars, can also have a positive effect on boosting energy levels. Cutting out processed foods and consuming protein and healthy fats like olives, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, and fatty fish can significantly reduce feelings of fatigue. Of course, staying hydrated is always important, but even more so when dealing with chronic fatigue. 

In fact, our program, The Enhance Protocol, includes personalized diet coaching and access to our knowledgeable team during online office hours where you can get answers to questions, guidance, and support that is tailored to your unique bloodwork, genetic, and individual needs. When you get your bloodwork done through The Enhance Protocol, you'll receive a detailed guidebook, a 'Roadmap', based on your specific nutrient levels, including our expert recommendations regarding supplements and dosage to help you achieve peak cognitive performance and feeling better overall. In fact, a study published in the AAOHN Journal showed the importance of "personalized care to achieve optimal outcomes." Even if you're not currently a member of The Enhance Protocol, we are more than happy to answer questions regarding supplements. Email us at info@amindforallseasons.com 

When discussing a condition with the main symptom being exhaustion, it's common sense that a recommendation for battling the disorder would be sleep. Not only quantity of sleep, but quality, is vital for combating chronic fatigue. Eliminating caffeine and screens before bedtime and establishing a sleep schedule are great tools to help ensure a more restful night and allow you to sleep better. Utilizing stress management methods can add to this ability to get a higher quality of sleep and positively impacts mental well-being. Consider meditation or deep-breathing techniques for help relaxing, clearing the mind, and reducing stress. 

Living with the debilitating condition of chronic fatigue impacts every aspect of life, but with ongoing research and a hope for more effective treatments, a future without chronic fatigue is achievable. By applying these management strategies, those suffering can move forward in their efforts to regain energy, enjoy life, and feel like themselves again.