In our busy lives, we can all get tired from time to time. But did you know that there are several types of fatigue? Each with their own causes, but always the same symptoms. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the different types of fatigue, their causes and possible solutions.
What are the symptoms of fatigue?
Symptoms associated with fatigue are:
- Exhausted feeling
- Lack of energy
- High sensitivity to stimuli
- Insomnia
- Lack of creativity
- Reduced focus
- Red cheeks and ears during evening hours
- Depressive feelings
Different types of fatigue
Although the symptoms of fatigue are often the same, their causes and solutions may differ. In this blog, we will discuss the following types of fatigue:
- Stress
- Burnout
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Fibromyalgia
- Adrenal exhaustion
- Hypoglycemia
1. Stress-related fatigue
Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, but persistent stress can lead to severe fatigue. The body remains in a state of readiness, eventually causing exhaustion. There are so many stimuli we have to deal with from morning to night that daily life sometimes feels like a race against time. Many people get up with the first signs of fatigue and start their day with stress.
Completing the stress cycle is important, to prevent stress from becoming chronic (resulting in physical and mental fatigue). In this blog you will read more about the 5 phases of stress and how to complete them.
In addition, reducing stress triggers is essential. Monitor your schedule, leave out sugary and processed foods as much as possible and calm your system with herbs such as lavender, rosemary and chamomile.
2. Burnout
Burnout results from long-term overwork and is associated with severe physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. You can think of burnout as the result of chronic stress, yet it forms a distinct group within the various types of fatigue.
Everyone with burnout experiences stress, but not everyone with stress develops burnout. This has partly to do with the degree of stress, but also with mentality and personality. We often see that people with burnout are incredibly driven, perfectionist, have a great sense of responsibility, lots of perseverance and an unprecedented work ethic. They ignore their body's signals and only stop when they are completely exhausted.
The above traits are positive qualities as long as they remain manageable. However, the latter is often not the case due to persistent brain programming. Therefore, a shift in mindset and reprogramming the brain is often the solution for recovering from burnout.
3. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
People with CFS experience extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest. The exact mechanism behind CFS is not yet fully understood, but when fatigue persists for at least 6 months to such an extent that daily activities are no longer feasible, you can speak of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Characteristic symptoms of CFS are:
- Muscle pain in the neck and shoulder girdle
- Prolonged increase in temperature
- Vague headache
- Forgetfulness
- Joint Pain
- Reduced concentration
- Difficulty sleeping
- Red throat without bacterial infection
Chronic fatigue syndrome can be divided into 4 degrees, from mild to very severe. The cause of CFS is as yet unknown and this condition does not fit into mainstream medicine because it cannot be associated with a pathological or psychological disorder.
Do you suspect you suffer from CFS? If so, contact a physician. The therapists at Charlotte Labee Supplements can guide you during a consultation with lifestyle advice, nutrition, mindset, supplements and more.
4. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is classified in disease theory as a musculoskeletal and connective tissue disease and belongs to rheumatic diseases. Therefore, this disease is not a stand-alone fatigue disorder but because it is associated with extreme fatigue and pain, it is discussed in this blog. In fact, fatigue is the most common symptom of this disease, next to extreme muscle pain. In addition, stiffness, loss of strength, bowel problems, sleep problems and headaches are also characteristic of fibromyalgia.
In consultation with a physician, various forms of exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling can positively contribute to fibromyalgia. In addition, magnesium supplements can help relax muscles. During a Comprehensive Orthomolecular Consultation, our therapists look at the whole picture to best support you with this syndrome.
5. Adrenal exhaustion
Adrenal exhaustion is also considered an extreme form of fatigue and is thought to arise from long-term stress, leading to impaired adrenal function.
Stress calls on the adrenal glands; they secrete the "fight or flight" hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine. Persistent stress, as well as prolonged anger or negative emotions, activates the action of adrenal glands, which can eventually deplete them.
Incidentally, the adrenal glands also produce sex hormones. Reduced libido is therefore one of the symptoms of adrenal exhaustion, as are digestive problems, frequent urination, chills, cravings for salt and sugar and irregular blood sugar levels.
Avoiding stress as much as possible in daily life can help recover from adrenal exhaustion, as can sufficiently alternating between exercise and relaxation. But again, the way you respond to stress depends largely on your personality and mindset. Understanding and reprogramming your brain programming is therefore very valuable.
In addition, it is essential to feed your body with enough good nutrients and energy. You can think of bananas, salmon, almonds, chia seeds, spinach and artichoke. Supplements that support energy balance are magnesium, iron, vitamin C and various B vitamins.
6. Hypoglycemia
Whereas it seems that fatigue is always stress-related to a greater or lesser extent, in the case of hypoglycemia this is not always the case. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause fatigue, dizziness and irritability without stress being the trigger. However, stress can be a trigger, and stress is known to affect blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia does not involve continuous fatigue, only when there are many alternations between high blood sugar levels (hyper) and low blood sugar levels (hypo). Stabilizing this is therefore crucial. Hypoglycemia can be the result of a long-term improper diet, but it can also be genetic.
Tips to stabilize your blood sugar can be found in this blog. Do you suffer from hypoglycemia? Do not simply apply these tips without consulting your doctor. During a consultation we can also gain insight into the triggers for a hypo and work on stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Do you have questions about fatigue or other symptoms? Please take especially contact our therapist team. We are happy to help you!