What’s really behind a lack of energy?
Every day we hear things like:
“I feel like I’m getting old”
“I wish I feel like I did in my 20’s”
“I wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s rest”
So, is aging really the culprit behind exhaustion? Is there hope for ever feeling young again? In short, YES! But let me share how this often times is not achieved.
Men and women alike are typically good detectors of issues that may be hormone or nutrient related; however, the underlying cause of hormone and nutrient deficiency symptoms are often overlooked by doctors and banaided with prescription drugs. For women, this typically comes in the form of a special cocktail: birth control and antidepressants. The issues with this are 1) this isn’t treating the issues at its source, and 2) prescription drugs come with a host of side effects.
Hormones and Energy
Let’s talk hormones, in specific thyroid hormones. Your thyroid has a profound effect on the energy production in every cell of your body. This being that thyroid hormones control the transformation of energy derived from oxidations into a form that can be easily utilized by mitochondria (the power plant in each cell). Those who have low thyroid production, or hypothyroidism, are typically prone to mitochondrial damage, which slows energy at a cellular level. As we all age, it’s inevitable that hormone production will begin to slow, but the solution to this is to simply replace what is missing naturally.
The thyroid has two hormones (T3 and T4), with T3 being the active hormone. The most popular thyroid prescription on the market is Synthroid (or Levothyroxine), which is made up of only the inactive thyroid molecule, T4. This leaves your body responsible for converting T4 into T3, which some people may be able to do successfully, but not always. That’s why we choose to treat with desiccated thyroid, which is biologically identical to the thyroid hormones produced by our body naturally and contains both T3 and T4.
Vitamins and Energy
A vitamin or mineral deficiency can also hinder energy production in the cells, which is why is extremely important to test nutrient and micronutrients levels on a regular basis. This way you can ensure appropriate supplementation and absorption. A few nutrients responsible for optimal energy production include Vitamin B (1,2,3,6,9 and 12), Vitamin D and Iron.
Vitamin B
Have you heard of any of your friends getting B-12 injections to help with energy? These shots can offer an instantaneous feeling of energy and can assist with focus and clarity. B vitamins attribute to energy by assisting in the conversion of dietary energy into ATP (the form of energy that our body uses in the mitochondria). Our foods provide “energy” in the form of calories, yet it still requires conversion to be used by the cells. Aside from energy, B vitamins are also extremely essential to the health of brain cells and the production of neurotransmitters. Because of this, a deficiency in B’s can result in issues such as irritability, anxiety, depression and the inability to concentrate. You can get our vitamin B12 sublingual lozenges at our store here!
source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200304/vitamin-b-key-energy
Vitamin D
If you feel happier and energized after a little sunshine, then you’ve already experienced the benefits of Vitamin D. This nutrient is a hormone that’s typically produced in the skin using energy from sunlight. Outside of sunshine, It can be found in a few foods, such as fish, egg yolks, fish liver oils, and some fortified cereals. Yet, many Americans are unable to consume the quantities necessary for optimal health, so it is necessary to supplement.
Vitamin D is also a power mood-booster, cancer-fighter, and a key contributor to bone and muscle health. To learn more about the benefits of vitamin D, click here.
Recommended Herbs
Lastly, when you’re feeling exhausted or fatigued, various adaptogenic herbs can be of help. These healing plants assist in regulating the adrenal system, which can restore the body’s natural ability to cope with stress, fatigue, and even anxiety. A couple herbs that I recommend include Ashwagandha and Rhodiola.
Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are both used for a wide variety of conditions and are very well-known for their restorative benefits and support of adrenal and thyroid function. They are great to take during seasons of heightened stress or anxiety, so for all my moms out there, I recommend keeping some in close reach!
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic low energy, we would love to help you get to the root cause. You can request a consultation, or call us at (281) 313-7435 to schedule a telemedicine appointment. We would love to be a part of your remedy.
Take Care,
Dr. Shel
