CHRONIC FATIGUE
posted 5th April 2022
Understanding Chronic Fatigue - A Hidden Epidemic Of Low Energy
Having vibrant energy is something many of us take for granted until the day we realise it is no longer there. Perhaps it has been years since you truly felt that spark of vitality. If you find yourself waking up feeling lethargic or experience a significant energy dip halfway through the day, it could be a sign that something deeper is going on within your body. Chronic fatigue isn’t always caused by one single factor. In fact, it is often a combination of underlying issues that may have developed over time.
There are many factors to consider, and they can vary from a simple food intolerance (which is common), to some of the following:
- Adrenal exhaustion due to prolonged stress
- Dysfunctional mitochondria, affecting the body's energy production
- Mycotoxins from mould exposure
- Candida/dysbiosis/digestion/parasites/poor digestion
- Food Intolerances
- Heavy metal accumulation
- Pesticides and other environmental toxins
- Toxic overload/environmental stressors
- Poor nutrition and severe vitamin/mineral deficiencies
- Low blood sugar
- EMF’s and lingering virus infections such as Epstein Bar Virus.
In many cases, people who are most susceptible to chronic fatigue are high-achieving, driven personalities. These are the people who continue to push through, even when exhausted, often juggling careers, family, and intense fitness routines. Over time, this relentless pace can lead to burnout, impairing the immune system, adrenal glands, thyroid, gut health, and ultimately, the mitochondria, our body’s energy powerhouses.
Common symptoms of CFS/M.E. can include:
- Feeling extremely tired all the time even after rest or sleep
- Problems sleeping, such as waking up often during the night
- Memory and concentration problems
- Headaches
- Muscle or joint pain
- Long time to recover after physical exercise
- Dizziness/Nausea
- Sore throat/frequent colds
- Heart palpitations
- Depression
It can take years for some people to recover from chronic fatigue and some people say they never have recovered. Once the cause has been identified, there can be a plan of action to tackle these symptoms and once implemented, the beginning of recovery can take place. In most of the cases I have seen with people diagnosed with chronic fatigue/M.E. they will have had a virus beforehand, usually the ‘flu virus. This has not always been the case however.
In many cases, people who are most susceptible to chronic fatigue are high-achieving, driven personalities. These are the people who continue to push through, even when exhausted, often juggling careers, family, and intense fitness routines. Over time, this relentless pace can lead to burnout, impairing the immune system, adrenal glands, thyroid, gut health, and ultimately, the mitochondria, our body’s energy powerhouses. For some, recovery can take years. Others may feel they never fully return to their former energy levels. However, identifying and addressing the root causes can lead to significant improvement and in many cases, full recovery.
A Case Study: Recovery Through Simplicity
One case that stands out to me is that of a woman in her 20s who had been diagnosed with M.E. and was unable to continue working. During our consultation, we explored the possibility of candida overgrowth, as her diet was very high in sugar and carbohydrates. Her test result came back at 150, where the normal reference range is between 0–10. With this insight, she committed to dietary changes aimed at reducing sugar and supporting her gut health. Within a short time, she began feeling more energetic. On re-testing, her candida level had dropped to 15. Shortly after, she was offered a job abroad—an opportunity she felt confident accepting now that her vitality had returned.
A Path Toward Recovery
Each person’s journey with chronic fatigue is unique. While some cases are relatively straightforward, others may involve a complex interplay of factors. But with the right testing, a personalised approach, and a commitment to lifestyle changes, many people can begin to reclaim the energy they thought was lost.
© Ann Shaw Clinic Of Nutritional Medicine 2025