“Tired All the Time? Here’s How Naturopathic Medicine Gets to the Root of Your Fatigue”
If you’re running on empty no matter how much you rest, there’s a reason.
And no—it’s not just because you’re busy, stressed, or getting older. ❌
At Itasca Naturopathic Clinic, we believe your body is always communicating. When energy drops, it’s our cue to look deeper—not to cover it up with caffeine or quick fixes.
Here are some of the functional labs I use to uncover what’s really going on behind fatigue:
☀️ Nutrient Testing
B12, iron, folate, magnesium, and vitamin D are all essential for energy production. Deficiencies here can leave you dragging, even with adequate sleep and nutrition.
☀️ Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
Standard bloodwork often checks only TSH, but I go further—because optimal thyroid function drives metabolism, focus, and mental clarity.
☀️ Cortisol Rhythm Testing
Cortisol should rise in the morning and fall at night. Disrupted patterns can reveal chronic stress, burnout, or HPA axis dysfunction.
☀️ Blood Sugar & Insulin Markers
Even mild imbalances can trigger brain fog, mood dips, and afternoon crashes.
☀️ Gut Health Assessment
Your microbiome influences everything from nutrient absorption to inflammation—and yes, your energy levels too.
Not everyone needs every test. I’ll prioritize what makes sense for your symptoms, history, and lifestyle—then connect the dots to create a personalized plan for recovery.
That’s how we do things around here. 🌿
My 4-Part Fatigue Recovery Framework
Everyone’s different, but burnout often shows up as physical exhaustion, brain fog, or emotional flatness.
While “burnout” isn’t an official diagnosis, it’s a very real physiological state—and it’s reversible.
Here’s how we start:
1️⃣ Nervous System Regulation
Chronic stress keeps your body stuck in fight-or-flight mode. We use breathwork, grounding, and lifestyle tools to help reset your system.
2️⃣ Nourishment
Your cells can’t make energy without key nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and amino acids. Food is foundational medicine.
3️⃣ Recovery
You can’t out-supplement or out-hustle exhaustion. True recovery requires rest and restoration.
4️⃣ Biochemistry Balance
We address adrenal hormones, blood sugar, inflammation, and mitochondrial health to rebuild energy from the inside out.
The Cortisol Connection
Feeling wired at night but wiped in the morning? That’s your cortisol rhythm talking.
Cortisol should be:
☀️ High in the morning (so you feel awake)
🌙 Low at night (so you can rest)
When that rhythm flips, it affects everything from energy to mood to metabolism.
I can test your cortisol pattern, support your stress response with targeted nutrition, and weave in habits that restore your body’s natural rhythm.
Energy Starts at the Cellular Level
Your mitochondria—tiny “powerhouses” inside each cell—convert food and oxygen into energy.
When they’re undernourished or inflamed, you feel it as fatigue, poor recovery, or brain fog.
Top nutrients for mitochondrial support:
• CoQ10 – found in organ meats, fatty fish, spinach
• B Vitamins – found in eggs, leafy greens, legumes
• L-Carnitine – found in red meat, poultry, dairy
• Antioxidants – found in colorful fruits, tea, and spices
These nutrients, paired with movement, hydration, and balanced blood sugar, help recharge energy at the cellular level.
Simple Lifestyle Habits That Help
🚶♀️ Take a 10-minute walk after meals
🧘 Practice gentle yoga or stretching between calls
🎧 Move or dance to your favorite song
Micro-movements boost circulation, stabilize blood sugar, and lift your mood—without needing an hour at the gym.
And don’t forget your morning sunlight!
☀️ Ten minutes of natural light (even on cloudy days) helps regulate your body clock and reset your cortisol rhythm.
Bottom Line
If you’re tired of feeling tired, you don’t have to push through or “just deal with it.”
There’s always a reason your energy feels off—and with naturopathic medicine and wellness coaching, we can find it.
Ready to uncover your root cause and reclaim your vitality?
Rachel Oppitz, ND
