By Svetlana Kogan, M.D.
As a functional medicine doctor, I’ve always been intrigued by how different forms of energy influence our well-being. One of the most common concerns people bring to their doctors is fatigue—a persistent lack of energy that can significantly impact daily life. While occasional tiredness is normal, chronic fatigue can be frustrating and debilitating. In this article, we’ll explore fatigue from a functional medicine perspective and uncover ways to restore energy naturally.
What Causes Fatigue?
Fatigue can stem from many sources, and finding the root cause is essential to feeling better. Some people experience temporary fatigue due to stress, poor sleep, or a hectic lifestyle. However, for others, fatigue is long-lasting and unexplained, even after extensive medical testing.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is one such condition that baffles both patients and doctors. To receive a diagnosis of CFS, fatigue must persist for at least six months and be accompanied by at least four of the following symptoms:
• Persistent sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes in the neck
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headaches
• Poor concentration or memory
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exertion
Before diagnosing CFS, doctors rule out other medical conditions that could be responsible, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, sleep apnea, depression, and many others. Unfortunately, many individuals with chronic fatigue have already undergone multiple tests and treatments without success.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Fatigue
Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms, functional medicine looks at the body as a whole. Instead of simply prescribing medication, functional doctors dig deeper to uncover potential triggers for fatigue. These can include:
• Genetic factors: Some people have a genetic predisposition to low energy levels or poor detoxification.
• Prenatal influences: A mother’s stress levels during pregnancy can impact a child’s energy balance later in life.
• Past infections or illnesses: Viral infections, mold exposure, or autoimmune conditions can contribute to chronic fatigue.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as B12, magnesium, or iron, can drain energy levels.
• Emotional stress: Anxiety, grief, or isolation can take a significant toll on the body’s energy reserves.
• Environmental toxins: Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, or allergens can lead to chronic inflammation and fatigue.
The Power of Lifestyle Changes
One of the cornerstones of functional medicine is the belief that lifestyle plays a crucial role in overall health. Small, consistent changes in daily habits can make a big difference in combating fatigue.
1. Sleep Optimization
Quality sleep is one of the most powerful tools for restoring energy. Many people with fatigue struggle with sleep disturbances, waking up feeling unrefreshed. Simple strategies like establishing a bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and using relaxation techniques can help improve sleep quality.
2. Nutrition for Energy
Food is fuel, and what we eat directly affects our energy levels. Functional medicine emphasizes a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet tailored to each individual’s needs. Key recommendations include:
• Eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
• Avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives.
• Staying hydrated with clean, filtered water to support cellular energy production.
3. Movement and Exercise
Although it may seem counterintuitive, movement is essential for increasing energy. Gentle exercises like yoga, stretching, or walking can improve circulation, oxygenate the body, and enhance overall vitality. However, for those with CFS, excessive exercise can cause more exhaustion. A functional medicine approach tailors activity levels to each person’s energy capacity.
4. Stress Management and Emotional Well-Being
Chronic stress depletes energy reserves and contributes to fatigue. Mindfulness practices, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Additionally, building strong social connections and addressing emotional health play an important role in restoring energy.
The Role of Supplements
While food should always be the primary source of nutrients, targeted supplementation can help support energy production in the body. Functional medicine doctors customize supplement recommendations based on individual needs rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all approach. I recommend that people do not fall for the beautiful advertisements of supplements on TV and radio because people metabolize things differently, their present medications can interact with the ingredients in the supplements, and many supplements are also contaminated with environmental pollutants, which may have rendered a patient fatigued in first place. A functional doctor will assess your capacity to process supplements, will review your existing medication list, look for interactions, and take your sex, age, weight, body bult, and lifestyle into consideration, before decide exactly what kind of supplement you need and the specific dose.
Healing the Whole Person
Fatigue is rarely a simple issue with a single cause. It often results from imbalances in multiple body systems. That’s why functional medicine takes a comprehensive approach, addressing diet, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and environmental factors.
By working closely with patients, functional doctors help them identify and remove obstacles to optimal health. More than just treating symptoms, the goal is to restore balance and empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.
If you or someone you love struggles with persistent fatigue, know that there is hope. By exploring a holistic approach and making meaningful lifestyle changes, it is possible to regain energy and live life to the fullest.
Svetlana Kogan, M.D.
The author of ‘Diet Slave No More!’, Svetlana Kogan, MD is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience. She has appeared as a health expert on prime-time TV and radio stations and has authored hundreds of holistic health articles for internet and print. She moved her Concierge Practice from Manhattan NYC to Naples in 2019. Her Functional Medicine Primary Care Practice is focused on prevention and holistic approach to illness, and longevity.
720 Fifth Ave S, Unit 209, Naples , FL 34102X
Phone: (239) 676-6883
www.customlongevity.com