Two of the most common causes of being tired and having no energy is insufficient nutrition in the diet, or consuming foods that cause inflammation. If you’re not getting enough essential nutrients from your diet, your body won’t have the building blocks it needs to produce energy.

If your diet contains foods that are causing an inflammatory response then this can also deplete energy. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to fight against infections, injuries, or harmful substances. However, when inflammation becomes chronic due to ongoing exposure to inflammatory triggers, it can harm the body’s tissues and organs and deplete energy levels. 

Chronic inflammation triggers the release of cytokines, molecules that signal the immune system to attack foreign invaders. These cytokines cause the body to produce more energy to fight off the inflammation, leading to fatigue and tiredness. Additionally, chronic inflammation can impair the production and function of mitochondria, the energy-producing units of cells, further reducing energy levels. 

Thus, consuming foods that cause inflammation can cause a persistent state of inflammation, leading to a constant depletion of energy and feelings of fatigue.

2. Poor sleep

If you’re not getting enough restful sleep each night, you may feel groggy, irritable, and unwell. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to many physical and mental health issues, so it’s important to prioritize good sleep hygiene.

3. Nutritional deficiencies

If you’re not getting enough essential nutrients in your diet, you may experience a range of lack of energy symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and headaches. Even though you feel like you are eating a healthy diet, of your gut microbiome is compromised and you have a common condition called leaky gut, your body may not be taking in all of the nutrients effectively. Working with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can help you identify any nutrient deficiencies and change your diet to address them.

3. Chronic inflammation

If your body is constantly in a state of inflammation, it can lead to a range of lack of energy symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and digestive issues. Various factors, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress can cause chronic inflammation. 

4. Undiagnosed medical conditions

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like fatigue, digestive issues, or pain, you may have an underlying medical condition that has not yet been diagnosed. Conditions like autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, and chronic infections can all cause symptoms that make you feel unwell. It could be a sign of an underlying medical condition if you’re feeling unwell all the time. Talking to your doctor if you’re experiencing persistent fatigue or other symptoms is important.

 as arLack of energy symptom #

Do you know what common warning signs of fatigue are?

Fatigue can manifest in different ways for different people, but there are some common warning signs that may indicate that you are experiencing fatigue.

Here are some of the most common warning signs of fatigue: Feeling tired all the time: If you find that you’re constantly feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep, this could be a sign of fatigue. Difficulty concentrating: Fatigue can make it harder to focus and concentrate, decreasing productivity and increased frustration.

Lack of energy symptom #1: Reduced energy levels

If you’re feeling sluggish and lacking in energy, this could be a sign that you’re experiencing fatigue.

Lack of energy symptom #2: Sleep disturbances

If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, this could be a sign that your body is experiencing fatigue.

Lack of energy symptom #3: Increased irritability

Fatigue can make you more irritable and short-tempered, negatively impacting your relationships and overall well-being.

Lack of energy symptom #4: Physical symptoms including aches and dizziness

Fatigue can cause physical symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems.

Lack of energy symptom #5: Reduced immune function

Prolonged fatigue can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. 

Lack of energy symptom #6: Decreased productivity

When you have low energy levels, you may find it harder to focus and get things done. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased frustration.

Lack of energy symptom #7: Difficulty performing daily tasks

Simple tasks like cleaning the house or running errands can feel like daunting task when you don’t have enough energy.  

Lack of energy symptom #8: Increased reliance on caffeine and sugar

When you’re tired, reaching for a cup of coffee or a sugary snack is tempting to give you a quick energy boost. While this may provide temporary relief, it can also lead to a cycle of dependence on these substances.

Lack of energy symptom #9: Mood changes

Fatigue can lead to mood swings, increased irritability, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Lack of energy symptom #10: Decreased quality of life

A lack of energy can make it difficult to enjoy the things you love, whether it’s spending time with friends and family or pursuing hobbies and interests.

Lack of energy symptom #11: Increased accidents

When you’re feeling tired, you’re more likely to make mistakes and be involved in accidents, whether it’s on the road or at work.

It’s essential to take steps to address fatigue, whether it’s through lifestyle changes or seeking medical treatment, in order to improve your energy levels and overall well-being.

How Do You Fix Lack of Energy?

There are many ways to boost your energy levels and combat fatigue. Here are some strategies you can try:

1. Get enough sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Focus on whole foods and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.

For some epople with preexisting health issues such as autoimmune diseases and gut issues, a protein called lectins in plants, grains and even some meats can cause extreme energy depletion.

This affects a surprisingly large number of people, even people who aren’t aware of any issues with their gut. We’ll cover this in greater detail in a moment, so read on.

3. Stay hydrated

Dehydration can cause fatigue, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Manage stress: Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and help you sleep better at night.

When Should I Worry About Fatigue and Other Lack of Energy Symptoms?

It’s important to pay attention to these lack of energy symptoms which are warning signs and take steps to address fatigue before it becomes a more serious issue. This may include making lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, reducing stress, and improving your diet and exercise habits.

If experiencing persistent fatigue despite making these changes, talking to a healthcare professional may rule out any underlying medical conditions .

What Should I Test for Fatigue? Can Blood Tests Show Fatigue?

If you’re experiencing fatigue, your doctor may order blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions. Some of the tests that may be ordered include a complete blood count (CBC), thyroid function tests, and tests for vitamin deficiencies.

While standard blood tests can help identify underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to fatigue, they can’t diagnose fatigue itself.  

How Do I Know If I’ve Got Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is characterized by persistent fatigue that lasts for several months or more and is not relieved by rest. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by a combination of factors including viral infections, immune dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. To be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, you must have experienced persistent fatigue for at least six months and have other symptoms such as muscle aches, headaches, and cognitive difficulties.

Do I Need to See a Doctor for Fatigue  and Other Lack of Energy Symptoms?

 If you’re experiencing persistent lack of energy symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help identify underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your fatigue and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better.

How Can I Boost My Energy Naturally?

There are many natural ways to boost your energy levels, including:

Eating a healthy diet

Focus on whole foods and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. But what many of us consider to be a healthy diet could in fact be doing us harm. For those with prexisting issues such as autoimmunie diseases and gut issues, a little protien that is commonly found in many foods, could be causing and maintaing a state of ill health. This protein is names lectin, and I’ll go into further detail later on in this article.

Staying hydrated

Dehydration can cause fatigue, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Exercising regularly

Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and help you sleep better at night. 

Managing stress

Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress.

Getting enough sleep

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine.

What’s the Best Vitamin for Energy?

There are a variety of supplements on the market that claim to boost energy levels, such as ginseng, ashwagandha, and CoQ10.

However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure they are safe and effective for you. While there is no one “best” vitamin for energy, B vitamins are important for energy production and can be found in foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, and lean proteins.

The Common ways to Boost Energy Levels that I avoid

There are some other ways to boost energy levels and address lack of energy symptoms that people rely on, which I avoid like the plague:

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can help improve alertness and energy levels. However, too much can cause jitteriness, anxiety, and interfere with sleep. It’s also highly acidic and for a damaged of inflammed gut, this can be disasterous, leaving to gut pain and brain fog.

Energy drinks

Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar, which can provide a quick burst of energy. However, they are not a sustainable solution and can cause negative health effects with regular consumption. It’s important to note that while these methods may provide temporary relief for ack of energy symptoms, they are not a long-term solution for fatigue.

Making lifestyle changes and addressing any underlying medical conditions is the best way to improve energy levels and overall health.

Prescription medication 

I have not mentioned prescription medication, but it is the elephant in the room:

In some cases, prescription medication may be advised as necessary to treat underlying medical conditions that are causing fatigue and other lack of energy symptoms. However by taking something as “simple” as Paracetamol or NSAIDs for a headache, can cause significant damage to the gut.

Personally, I try to avoid these and prefer the natural approach, however each of us are wise to make our own informed choices.

In summary

Lack of energy symptoms are a common complaint that can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue or other symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. By identifying underlying medical conditions and making lifestyle changes, you can boost your energy levels and start feeling better.

How I boosted my energy after struggling for years with chronic fatigue

Get The Gentle and Clam Gut eBook.

If you continue to have trouble with energy, you may find that nurturing your gut microbiome and avoiding lectin-heavy foods provides gentle support and a chance to rebuilt a health gut microbiome.

Learn how I supported my gut for improved health and wellbeing: