We’ve got some tips from experts
to help you tackle this problem
Are you feeling that classic statement “I’m tired of being tired”? We totally understand. We’ve been there ourselves and we hear it a lot from customers. We wish we could say there’s an easy answer, but there are many possible causes of fatigue. If you’re willing to do a little investigating, though, you probably can come up with reasonable solutions.
First step is to visit your doc and rule out some major medical conditions like anemia, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, heart disease, B-12 deficiency, sleep apnea and infections (Epstein-barr, Lyme’s, urinary tract, etc.). All of those can make you fatigued. Dr. Alan Christianson also mentions poor hydration, caffeine toxicity, depression, food intolerances, magnesium deficiency and vitamin D deficiency.
But what we most hear most from our customers are classic symptoms of burnout: feeling tired and wired, exhaustion, craving salty or sugary foods, digestive problems, insomnia, aches and pains and even hives. Dr. Aviva Romm, M.D., sites these as indicators of a stress response system pushed to its limits. In short, your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis needs some help.
This is where adaptogenic herbs (herbs that help you adapt to stress) are extremely helpful. They nourish and help regulate the adrenal glands and hypothalamus to gently urge your stress response toward more healthy function.
There are many adaptogens to choose from, but Dr. Romm divides her favorites into two categories: Calming/Soothing and Nourishing/Replenishing. In the Calming category she includes: Ashwagandha, the mind, mood & muscle soother; and Reishi Mushroom, the immune nourisher. In the Nourishing category she includes: Ashwagandha (it’s a multifaceted wonder!); Holy Basil, the vitalizer; Maca, the mother of hormone nourishers; Schizandra, the detoxifer; and Shatavari, the hormone harmonizer and queen of women’s adaptogens. If you want to learn more, like how to choose which adaptogen is best for you, click here.
Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D., also uses herbs for burnout citing Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Schizandra and Maca as having both traditional and scientific support for use. She also recommends key nutrients that play a critical role in optimal function of the adrenal gland. They are: pantothenic acid, B6, zinc, magnesium and vitamin C. Read more.
While “I’m tired” is a common refrain in our hectic society, it’s not normal. Don’t settle for it. Do some investigating into your health. Check what you need to with your doc and explore possible remedies until you find a solution.
