Lack of energy or fatigue is a symptom I see a lot of in my clinic. When I meet someone in an Endometriosis SOS Call to discuss their Endometriosis journey, symptoms and what they would like to achieve (by the way, you can book your own, free, Endometriosis SOS Call here), they tend to ask 2 questions – and often in one breath:
- Why do I lack energy?
- How do I get more energy?
So let’s explore this a bit more.
Why do I lack energy?
I think there are 4 key reasons why you can feel you lack energy. Two of those reasons are directly related to food and nutrition, and two are more indirectly related.
Nutrition deficiencies
Because you are very likely to have leaky gut, you are not able to absorb all the nutrients you need from your diet. And with an immune system that is not functioning optimally, your need for nutrients is higher as well. That means that you’re very likely to be nutrient deficient. Deficiencies in the B vitamins, iron and vitamin D are all linked to fatigue.
Food intolerances
Fatigue is also caused by food intolerances. Gluten and dairy intolerances are key culprits. When undigested gluten and dairy proteins enter your bloodstream they can cross the blood-brain barrier and once in your brain act as opiates.
You will also have some food intolerances that are unique to you, often to foods that you think are healthy, such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
Food intolerances also worsen your leaky gut, and as such contribute further to nutrient deficiencies.
You have a chronic disease
Having a chronic disease with symptoms that can completely rule your life is enormously stressful. And stress adds to fatigue and may also interfere with getting a good night sleep.
Sleep
Not enough sleep, interrupted sleep or sleep that is of low quality is obviously going to make you feel tired.
How do I get more energy?
It’s one thing to know why you are so tired, but what can you do to get more energy?
The number one strategy I recommend is to identify what foods you are intolerant to and remove those from your diet. It will reduce fatigue, allow your gut to start to heal, and that will help you to absorb more nutrients from your diet. Start with removing gluten and diary from your diet and notice how it affects your energy levels. If you need help with this, have a look at my course ‘Remove Gluten and Dairy from Your Diet’.
A second strategy is to get into the sun to increase your vitamin D levels. It is fairly difficult to get enough vitamin D from food, and supplements may not be well absorbed. You can read more about vitamin D in this article.
And the third strategy, if you don’t get enough sleep or not enough quality sleep, is to establish a sleep routine and stick to it diligently. Try to do some very gentle exercise each day, but not too late at night. Some light yoga or stretching or taking a stroll will help you to wind down. Also don’t eat too late at night. Digestion can be a very active process, and make it difficult to fall asleep. If you find you wake up at night because you need to go to the toilet, stop drinking fluids by 7pm.