Dr. Heather Hutchings
Everyday that I am in the clinic, I see at least one patient with symptoms of fatigue. Fatigue is that horrible feeling of being rundown constantly, with absolutely no get-up-and-go. There is no food(including chocolate) that can make it go away. You can sleep all night and all day and still not feel better. Most people just acquiesce and accept fatigue as part our American lifestyle. But they just may be agonizing in vain.
Not always, but some of the time there is a logical explanation for why the body is malfunctioning. If you talk to your doctor(if you don’t have one, then get one!) about what is going on, they can usually get to the root of the problem and come up with possible solutions. Then, it is up to you to do what needs to be done .
Evaluation by a physician
Here is how the evaluation usually goes:
After talking to you and taking a history, your doctor can decide what type of fatigue you have. Normal fatigue is caused by work, overexertion and mental stress. If you don’t rebound and symptoms of fatigue last for a month, than the symptoms are considered prolonged fatigue. Fatigue that lasts 6 months is considered chronic fatigue.
Normally, for a fatigue workup, blood work is needed along with a physical exam. The labs that are ordered will check blood count, kidney function, liver function, thyroid function, blood sugar levels, and vitamin levels.
Here is a list of the medical causes of fatigue:
▪ Vitamin Deficiencies such as B12, Folate, and Vitamin
▪ Autoimmune Diseases such as multiple sclerosis
What if I do the workup and there is no medical cause found?
If you have a medical workup and no cause is found for your fatigue, then its time to make some lifestyle changes. These are the top five lifestyle areas to focus on:
1. Sleep- We all vary, but most of us need 8 hours a night.
2. Drugs- If you are drinking caffeine all day, and have trouble falling asleep, then have your last caffeinated beverage with lunch. Although drinking alcohol in the evening is relaxing, it has negative effects on sleep.
3. Diet- Without proper nutrition, your body can’t function properly. The Standard American Diet (SAD) can lead to vitamin deficiencies that cause medical fatigue. If you don’t eat a plentiful variety of fruits and vegetables, you should take a multivitamin.
4. Exercise- American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 days a week. This should be combined with 8-10 strength-training exercises twice a week.
5. Relaxation- You have to find what works for you…and there are so many options to choose from. Whether you try yoga, stretching, Tai-chi, or simply taking a walk and talking to someone you love, find something that relaxes you and put in on your daily schedule!
. . .
Its too complicated, I’m too far gone, and I cant do this on my own, you say?
Not so. Start with baby steps. Enlist a friend or family member to help.
If you don’t know where to start with exercise, then call a wellness center like SC Wellness & Fitness and talk to Owner, Chad Cannon about starting an exercise plan. If nutrition is an issue then talk to the SC Wellness & Fitness Health Coach, Shelley Hudson about how to specifically follow a diet that will give you the energy you need. If you are worried that your fatigue is caused by medical issues like sleep, depression, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies, then come to see me.
Health is a journey and we are all in this together.
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