Are Drugs a Solution?

We live in a society that’s very drug-oriented. When we have a symptom that we don’t like, marketing agencies and big Pharma tells us that the solution is to mask that symptom. Is temporary relief really a ‘solution’?

In my opinion, a solution is solving a problem so that it is no longer an issue. If you have a leaky roof and you put a bucket under the hole to catch the water, is that a solution? I don’t think so. Similarly, if you’re tired and you drink caffeine or take another type of stimulant that lasts for a certain period of time, is that a solution?

When I meet a patient with fatigue, I know that I’ve ‘solved’ their problem when they awaken well-rested and enjoy good energy throughout the day, without any need for stimulants or medications. They don’t feel sluggish, brain dead, or lethargic. The only time that fatigue does set in is when it’s time to go to bed, which is of course perfectly normal.

7 Steps to Solve Fatigue

Here are the 7 things you should address to truly ‘solve’ fatigue:

1. Look at your diet. Food is designed to be fuel and that fuel is supposed to feed your 10 trillion cells each and every time you eat. That may sound a bit overwhelming, but it’s true. If your cells don’t get fed well do you think they’re going to do a good job? If they’re hungry and malnourished do you think that you, the owner of those 10 trillion cells, are going to feel energetic? No way.

2. What creates the problem of food not turning into good fuel is two-fold: Your food quality is poor because you’re living on the nutrient deficient, fast food and pre-packaged, chemical-laden food that is so pervasive in our country. These foods have come to be known as Frankenfoods because they are not real food and they are definitely not nutritious. Something that you’re eating is not acting as fuel for your system, but rather, more like a toxin. This may sound odd but food sensitivities are very common and gluten intolerance leads the list. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley affect upwards of 7 to 15% of our population. Dairy intolerances are also quite common.

3. Stimulants such as caffeine and sugar are not your friend. Much like a drug, the effects of caffeine and sugar ‘wear off’ as time goes by. And like a drug, the individual who got that ‘great energy’ from the stimulant initially, continually hopes to regain that same feeling. Instead, what happens is that the stimulants wear down and weaken the very part of the body that’s responsible for energy production, the adrenal glands.

When working with patients, they are surprised to discover the energy resurgence they feel once they eliminate stimulants from their diet.

4. Find a clinician that will help you to get to the root cause of any health problems that you have that create pain or cause you to take medications. A body in pain or inflamed from loss of optimal function will be fatigued. Taking medications with dangerous side effects can definitely worsen the fatigue associated with ill health. If you need help finding such a doctor, let me know. That’s what I’m here for.

5. It may sound self-evident that the body needs to rest, but the number of people who are sleep deprived is staggering. When the body is at rest it recharges itself and does healing and repair. With less than 8 hours of sleep every night, those restorative actions do not occur and fatigue is a definite result. Plus, sleep deprivation leads to higher calorie consumption, adding weight gain to the fatigue problem. Whether you aren’t allowing enough time to sleep or you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, the root cause of this must be discovered and handled.

6. Moderate exercise is a must. You don’t have to run or lift heavy weights, but 40 minutes of cardio 4 to 6 times per week, which includes brisk walking, plus some stretching and strengthening is vital to keep muscle to fat ratios proper and keep strong energy levels.

7. Lastly, water consumption is also critical. Dehydration is a very real problem in our society. Hydrating with good, clean water to the tune of half your body weight in ounces of water per day, is vital to detoxification. A toxic body is a tired body.

We Can Help You!

All the above points are addressed by our clinical nutrition department here at Root Cause Medical Clinic. Fatigue is not only one of the most common symptoms we see in our patients, but truly solving it is one of our specialties – and our program doesn’t involve dangerous drugs or surgery. The facts are that when you’re tired and dragging yourself through the day it definitely causes your mood to worsen and lowers your productivity.

On the other hand, when your energy is strong and stable, life goes so much better. I want you to enjoy good, vibrant energy all day long so that you can accomplish what you want to in life.