Why You Are So TIRED (It's This Deficiency)
Dr. Eric Berg DCPublished on April 27, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Fatigue is a complex symptom with various underlying causes, including insomnia, blood sugar fluctuations, and nutrient deficiencies. Identifying and addressing these root causes can significantly improve energy levels and overall well-being.
Key Points
- Fatigue is often a symptom, not a root cause.
- Address insomnia with nature walks and stretching before bed.
- Stabilize blood sugar by reducing carb intake and avoiding snacks.
- Support thyroid function with selenium, iodine, and zinc.
- Limit high-histamine foods to manage histamine fatigue.
- Manage stress and maintain vitamin D levels to combat latent virus fatigue.
- Increase potassium and sodium intake to prevent fatigue.
- Ensure adequate iron and B12 to combat low oxygen fatigue.
- Supplement with magnesium glycinate to enhance energy and sleep.
- Increase vitamin B1 intake to improve energy extraction from carbs.
- Get regular sunlight exposure to prevent fatigue.
- Address mold exposure to reduce fatigue related to allergies.
- Incorporate NAC and other supplements to manage long COVID fatigue.
- Increase protein intake to support mitochondrial function and energy.
- Manage adrenal fatigue with salt and ashwagandha.
Understanding Fatigue: Root Causes and Remedies
Fatigue is a common complaint that affects many people, yet it is often misunderstood. While feeling tired is a symptom, it’s crucial to recognize that it rarely represents the root cause of the issue. In this article, we’ll delve into different types of fatigue, their underlying causes, and effective solutions to help you regain your energy.
1. Insomnia Fatigue
Insomnia is a leading cause of fatigue. Various factors contribute to poor sleep, including frequent urination, sleep apnea, cramps, and restless leg syndrome. Lack of sleep can severely impair cognitive function and lead to unhealthy eating habits.
- Solution: Engage in long nature walks daily and practice stretching before bed. Additionally, keep your sleeping environment dim and avoid snacking before bedtime.
2. Blood Sugar Fatigue
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to feelings of tiredness. Insulin resistance, often seen in diabetics, prevents glucose from fueling the cells, resulting in fatigue.
- Solution: Adopt a low-carb diet and reduce snacking to stabilize blood sugar levels and enhance energy.
3. Slow Thyroid Fatigue
Hypothyroidism can lead to fatigue due to insufficient production of thyroid hormones necessary for energy generation.
- Solution: Ensure adequate intake of selenium, iodine, and zinc to support thyroid function.
4. Histamine Fatigue
Histamines can trigger fatigue, particularly in those who consume histamine-rich foods, causing irritability and sleep disturbances.
- Solution: Identify and limit high-histamine foods such as aged cheeses and fermented products.
5. Latent Virus Fatigue
Some viruses can enter a dormant state, reactivating under stress and draining the immune system, leading to fatigue.
- Solution: Manage stress and maintain high levels of vitamin D to support immune function.
6. Salt and Potassium Deficiency Fatigue
Deficiencies in sodium and potassium can hinder the body's energy production and lead to tiredness.
- Solution: Increase intake of potassium-rich foods and consider electrolyte supplements, especially when on a low-carb diet.
7. Low Oxygen Fatigue
Anemia, whether due to iron or B12 deficiency, can prevent red blood cells from carrying enough oxygen, leading to fatigue.
- Solution: Focus on iron-rich foods and consider copper supplements to regulate iron levels.
8. Low Magnesium Fatigue
Magnesium deficiency is often overlooked but can significantly impact energy levels.
- Solution: Supplement with magnesium glycinate to improve sleep and muscle function.
9. Low B1 Fatigue
A deficiency in vitamin B1 can hinder energy extraction from carbohydrates, leading to fatigue.
- Solution: Include allithiamine in your diet to enhance energy production.
10. No Sun Fatigue
Lack of sunlight exposure can lead to vitamin D deficiency, causing fatigue and inflammation.
- Solution: Spend more time outdoors and consider vitamin D supplementation.
11. Mold and Allergy Fatigue
Exposure to mold can trigger immune responses that sap energy.
- Solution: Address any mold issues in your environment and manage allergies effectively.
12. Long COVID Fatigue
Many individuals recovering from COVID-19 experience prolonged fatigue due to immune system overactivity.
- Solution: Incorporate NAC, vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc, and coenzyme Q10 into your regimen.
13. Low Protein Fatigue
Insufficient protein intake can hinder mitochondrial function, leading to fatigue.
- Solution: Increase consumption of high-quality animal proteins, such as red meat, to support energy needs.
14. Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue can disrupt energy levels and circadian rhythms, often leading to cravings for salt.
- Solution: Incorporate more sea salt into your diet and consider ashwagandha for adrenal support.
Conclusion
Understanding the underlying causes of fatigue is essential for effective management and recovery. By addressing these root issues, you can significantly improve your energy levels and overall well-being. For more insights on enhancing your sleep quality, check out our dedicated resources. Remember, prioritizing good sleep is one of the most effective ways to restore your energy!
