A friend asked me the other day if there is a way to help fatigue??

She said she felt that it was a hopeless idea, as she can’t change the environment she lives in – 3 kids, and a busy life, but let me tell you – there is so much we can do to support our energy levels, (without moving out, and living alone.. sleeping all day…. and all night…) So I asked her to come for a consult, and I am happy to report that she is less grumpy, and has more energy to play with her kids! Fatigue is such a common thing – and we feel like we just have to put up with it, but there are so many ways to improve our energy levels (even if we have broken sleep).

Firstly – we looked at what nutrients are required for energy, that may have been low, and contribute to fatigue. There are lots that play into this – B Vitamins, Iron, Vitamin D, Magnesium, CoQ10.. Some of these can be tested via a blood test so always ask, and always bring the results to your appointment. Her iron was borderline – the doctor said ‘its fine’, I said – its two points away from being deficient – lets boost that up to a more optimal level. Her vitamin D was well below 100 – doctor said ‘that’s fine’, I said – studies show its better when its around 120 so lets boost that up. Doctors use the range provided from the laboratory, however these are generally lower than optimum – so always double check if you are told everything is ‘fine’ but you feel unwell.

Secondly – we looked at herbs. There are amazing herbs called adaptogens. They help the body adapt to stressors, and help the adrenal glands (which get depleted when we are go go go all the time). So I prescribed a tablet to be taken in the morning and at lunch with some herbs in it for energy, and stress. Some adaptogens also boost immune function which is great as she had been getting run down a lot. She reports that she is feeling better energy wise, and hasn’t caught this cold her kids have.

Thirdly – we looked at neurotransmitter levels. People who are low in histamine often find they need more sleep than others and struggle to get out of bed (ummmm that sounds like me sometimes). This was true in this case so we looked at ways to improve that. There are foods that assist, and supplements if needed.

Fourth – we looked at the daily routine, and how we could tweak it. She was exercising in the hope it would boost energy – but it was leaving her exhausted, and wired at night, and therefore not able to wind down for a good nights sleep. So we adjusted this to a more gentle form of evening exercise – yoga, pilates, or a walk, and saved the HIIT for weekends. We then worked on bedtime routine – ensuring a good pattern to allow the circadian rhythm to do its thing – as this works hand in hand with cortisol which keeps us alert and should peak at opposite times.

All of these little tweaks can make a huge difference. So if you have been caring for kids, and feel exhausted – or just working a lot, and can’t seem to stay awake, book a consult! You could feel better in a matter of days!

I have been in this position, and I still am sometimes, but i know exactly what to reach for to get myself back on track. You owe it to yourself to do all you can to be the best version of you. I know that when I am tired it affects how I show up as a mum. I prefer to sit and watch Quinn play, rather than join in, I prefer to have a home day, rather than take her to the park, and I slump into bed at night to watch TV rather than spend time with my husband, or do business stuff. If this sounds like you – and you’re ready for a change, get a blood test, book a consult – either in person or online, and lets get you back on track so you can chase the kids around over the school holidays.