Inside Out Consult
03/23/2024
- JP Nagar 6th Phase Bangalore
- 090197 04252
Picture this: it’s mid-afternoon and your eyelids are heavy. You need another coffee just to make it through the day, even though you slept eight hours. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – fatigue is a common symptom. Fatigue “reduces energy, the ability to do things and the ability to focus” . That raises a question: What is fatigue? It’s essentially your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. Instead of dismissing it, functional medicine helps you explore the why behind your symptoms and heal from the inside out.
Feeling tired after a long week is normal. Chronic fatigue, however, is something else entirely. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) – is defined by extreme exhaustion
lasting at least six months and not improving with rest This isn’t just routine sleepiness: people withCFS often experience mental “brain fog” or confusion and physical symptoms like muscle aches, headaches or sore throats Such fatigue symptoms go far beyond being a little sluggish; they can feel truly disabling.
Because there’s no single diagnostic test for CFS, it’s often missed or misdiagnosed. Mayo Clinic notes that doctors must rule out other causes, and that conventional treatment for CFS “focuses on easing symptoms” . In other words, patients often leave with labels (like anemia or depression) and medications but no lasting relief. That’s why looking at the bigger picture is so important: fatigue is a clue, not a full answer, and we need to find what’s really behind it.
Functional medicine operates on the principle that every symptom has an underlying cause. To start, we ask “what causes fatigue” in each person instead of only treating tiredness. In fact, Mayo Clinic notes that “fatigue can often be traced to one or more lifestyle issues, such as poor sleep habits or lack of exercise” . Those daily factors matter, but we also explore specific medical causes. Here are common fatigue causes and reasons for fatigue to consider:
or malabsorb nutrients, leading to fatigue (and even brain fog).
Each person is unique. A functional medicine practitioner uses your personal history and symptoms to decide which of these root causes (or others) to investigate with targeted tests.
What is adrenal fatigue? It’s a phrase often used to describe chronic stress wearing out your adrenal glands. This concept is controversial. Many mainstream doctors say adrenal fatigue isn’t real. For example, Cedars- Sinai bluntly reports that “adrenal fatigue is not an actual disease” . In other words, they suggest those symptoms are caused by something else (like depression or insomnia) rather than tired adrenals.
Functional medicine takes those symptoms seriously, though. Common adrenal fatigue symptoms include feeling tired every day, difficulty getting going in the morning, an afternoon energy slump, trouble handling stress, and craving salty or sweet foods . (Cedars-Sinai even lists those exact symptoms as ones “often blamed on adrenal fatigue” .) Rather than dismissing them, we test the stress system. A 4-point saliva cortisol test, for example, can show if your stress hormones peak or dip at unusual times. If they do, we use gentle support: stabilizing blood sugar with balanced meals, improving sleep habits, and adding nutrients or adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola are shown to help the body handle stress and fight fatigue . Over weeks, this approach aims to rebalance your HPA axis so you feel more alert in the morning and relaxed at night.
If fatigue is extreme and longstanding, we consider chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), which is far more serious than routine tiredness. CFS is marked by extreme fatigue and weakness lasting at least six months that isn’t relieved by rest mono (EBV) or another infection 10 11 .Often it follows an illness: many patients say their CFS began after
CFS brings a spectrum of problems beyond mere tiredness. Patients frequently report cognitive impairment (“brain fog”) with memory and concentration issues . They also experience flu-like symptoms: muscle and joint aches, headaches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes . Light or noise sensitivity is common, too. Crucially, even minor exertion can trigger a “crash” lasting days (called post-exertional malaise) .
With CFS, conventional chronic fatigue syndrome treatment usually just manages symptoms (sleep aids, pain relievers, antidepressants) , which often leaves people stuck. Functional medicine, by contrast, treats the whole system. We also investigate the individual causes of chronic fatigue in each person – was it triggered
by a virus, an autoimmune flare, or a metabolic issue? – and target those. For instance, we might give mitochondrial cofactors (CoQ10, L-carnitine) if labs show energy production problems, or anti-inflammatory herbs (turmeric, omega-3s) if inflammation is high. We support rest and very gradual activity (“pacing”) to prevent crashes. The goal is to stabilize immune and energy function so patients can slowly start rebuilding their strength.
What is functional medicine? At its core, it’s a patient-centered approach that finds and treats the root causes of illness, not just the symptoms. Cleveland Clinic describes it as a holistic model that asks “Why are you ill?” . Practitioners take an in-depth look at your history, lifestyle and environment to identify the underlying drivers of your fatigue . They might point out how poor diet, chronic stress, hidden food reactions or toxin exposures could be draining your energy. Then they craft a plan addressing modifiable factors (diet, sleep, exercise and even emotional health) rather than only masking symptoms .
No two fatigue cases are identical. Functional medicine relies on targeted testing tailored to you. Depending on your clues, this might include:
– Saliva cortisol testing: Multiple samples through the day to map your stress-hormone pattern.
– Comprehensive nutrient panels: Blood tests for vitamin D, B12, iron/ferritin, magnesium, thyroid hormones, etc.
– Gut and microbiome analysis: Stool or breath tests to check for imbalances (dysbiosis, parasites, food reactions).
– Infection markers: Antibodies or PCR tests for past infections (EBV, Lyme, etc.), if your history suggests it.
– Metabolic/mitochondrial assays: Specialized labs (organic acids, amino acids) to see how well your cells make energy.
These tests are chosen based on your individual history and symptoms. The goal is to uncover any hidden imbalances fueling your fatigue.
Based on your test results and needs, we build a customized plan. This often includes:
– Diet and Nutrient Support: A whole-foods, anti-inflammatory diet is the foundation. Think lots of vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, while cutting refined sugar and processed foods. At the same time, targeted supplements fill any gaps. For example, if lab work shows low B12 or iron, we’ll add those to rebuild your blood and energy; if vitamin D is low, we supplement that, and so on.
– Adaptogens and Herbal Support: Botanicals that help your body adapt to stress can be powerful.
Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola support healthy cortisol levels and are known to help fight fatigue . Other specific nutrients or herbs (like licorice for the HPA axis, or CoQ10 for mitochondria) may be used as needed. The idea is to support weakened systems naturally.
– Mind-Body and Stress Techniques: Chronic fatigue is stressful in itself. We often include relaxation tools –
meditation, deep breathing, yoga or therapy – to calm your nervous system. Even simple practices like 5 minutes of mindful breathing each day or a short evening walk can improve your stress resilience over time.
Each part of the plan is adjusted as you improve. The key is personalization: giving your body exactly what it needs to heal, rather than guessing or suppressing.
Functional medicine takes an integrated approach: it treats you as a whole person, involving multiple lifestyle domains. Important components include:
– Sleep Optimization: A strict sleep routine (consistent bed and wake times) and good sleep hygiene (dark, cool room, no screens before bed) are crucial. Sometimes we add simple aids like magnesium, melatonin or calming tea to help. Better sleep alone can dramatically reduce fatigue.
– Emotional and Mental Health: Unresolved stress, anxiety or trauma can sap energy. Addressing these
through counseling, mindfulness, or support groups is part of the plan. Techniques like journaling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or biofeedback help release emotional burdens and in turn boost physical energy.
– Detox Support: Because environmental toxins can worsen fatigue, we help you reduce exposures. This
might mean filtering your water, choosing clean skincare, or avoiding plastics. We also support detoxification through diet (e.g. cruciferous veggies like broccoli, beets, leafy greens) and supplements (like milk thistle, glutathione) to help the liver and kidneys clear toxins.
– Gentle Movement: Exercise is prescribed carefully. Instead of intense workouts (which can backfire), we
start with light, enjoyable activity like walking, swimming or restorative yoga. This improves circulation, mood and mitochondrial health without overtaxing you. As your energy improves, the exercise plan is gradually intensified to build stamina safely.
By weaving together food, lifestyle, emotional health and environment, functional medicine treats fatigue as a multi-system issue. The result is not just more energy, but better sleep, mood and overall vitality.
Functional medicine is gaining momentum in India, combining modern diagnostics with the country’s traditional healing wisdom. In Bangalore and beyond, new clinics are offering this root-cause approach to fatigue. One Bangalore practitioner even notes that this method “seems to be the trend…in advanced countries and now even in India” .
Local pioneers are organizing functional medicine nationwide. For example, the co-founders of a Bengaluru functional medicine clinic started the Indian Association of Functional Medicine and have trained over 100 practitioners in this approach . This growing community means that a truly integrated, whole-system healthcare model is becoming available to more people across India. A quick online search for “functional medicine Bangalore” or “functional medicine India” shows how many clinics and practitioners are already using this root-cause approach.
Chronic fatigue doesn’t have to be a life sentence. By listening to your body and addressing root causes, you can reclaim your energy and health. Remember: most fatigue is reversible once the underlying issues
are addressed. A functional medicine roadmap – personalized testing, targeted nutrition and lifestyle support – can guide you back to vitality.
If you’re tired of being tired, consider working with a functional medicine practitioner to uncover your energy blueprint. Your body can heal, and better days are possible when you tackle fatigue from the inside out.
Sources: Information adapted from Mayo Clinic , CDC 12 3 , Cedars-Sinai , UCLA ,
Cleveland Clinic , and other evidence-based health resources. 10 16
Fatigue In-depth – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/in-depth/sym-20050894?p=1
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo
Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490
Symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | ME/CFS | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/signs-symptoms/index.html
Debunking Medical Myths: Adrenal Fatigue | Cedars-Sinai
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/debunking-adrenal-fatigue.html
What are adaptogens and should you be taking them? | UCLA Health
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them
Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms: 6 signs that you’re heading towards liver cirrhosis | – Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/6-signs-that-youre-heading-towards-liver-cirrhosis/ articleshow/113453969.cms
What is Functional Medicine? | Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/functional-medicine/about
Addressing hormonal imbalance goes a long way in managing chronic diseases: Dr Vivek Kadambi, ET HealthWorld
https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/addressing-hormonal-imbalance-goes-a-long-way-in-managing- chronic-diseases-dr-vivek-kadambi/69193287
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