Mailbag! Feeling Exhausted? This May Be Why.
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 19, 2022
I’m worried about my husband’s lack of energy. Do you have any tips?
–Georgia from Long Island, NY
Georgia,
Everyone feels run down and tired every now and then. But when you’re constantly exhausted, it’s time to look at why it could be happening.
The list of things that may result in fatigue and energy loss may seem long, but that’s because MANY things can be the root cause.
This list is meant to give you some ideas of what to look for… as well as when to be concerned enough to visit your doctor.
- Medications. Antidepressants, antihistamines, certain heart medications, and medicines for nausea and pain are particularly a common source of fatigue, but almost any drug (especially a new drug) can be a source of fatigue.
- Caffeine and alcohol. Overuse of both caffeine and alcohol can lead to feeling listless and tired.
- Medical treatments. Certain procedures and therapies can cause fatigue, like chemotherapy and radiation, and for some folks, surgery can also trigger low energy long after the recovery time.
- Infections. Sometimes fatigue is the first sign you’re sick, but if it’s just a stomach bug or cold, most people recover their energy fairly quickly. A few infections like shingles and COVID-19, however, can leave people tired and dragging for months.
- Chronic disease. Any long-term condition with pain will make someone feel tired. Conditions like heart, kidney, liver, and thyroid disease, as well as arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also cause severe fatigue.
- Sleep apnea. This breathing disorder causes folks to snore a lot and wake up gasping for air. Sleep apnea can only be diagnosed with a sleep study usually done at the hospital, but sometimes with special equipment in your own home.
- Mental and emotional Any change in life, including loss of friend or family member, financial or personal problems, and even retirement can all leave people feeling depressed and tired. Check in with your husband to see if he’s has a lot of worries on his mind lately.
Like I said, the list is long, and it can be hard to narrow down what’s going on (even for a doctor).
It might be time to have a heart-to-heart with your husband to see what’s going on. Then him into to see a doctor (even if you have to drag him!).
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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