5 OVERLOOKED CAUSES OF CHRONIC FATIGUE
If you go to a doctor and tell them you’ve been suffering from chronic fatigue, they’ll probably tell you one of three things: “You’re overstressed,” “You’re working too hard,” or “Everyone experiences abnormal fatigue from time to time.” And sure, everybody gets tired now and then. But persistent fatigue that you can’t shake is NOT normal. Here are five potential causes for debilitating fatigue that are often overlooked. SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH (SIBO): If the bacteria in your small intestine grows beyond healthy levels, it can lead to all kinds of problems, including chronic fatigue. Approaching SIBO from a functional medicine perspective involves identifying the cause for overgrowth, eliminating the imbalanced bacteria, and modifying your diet to restore digestive health. ADRENAL FATIGUE: Adrenals regulate our body’s response to stress of all types. When we’ve been overly stressed for extended periods of time, the glands often begin to function poorly, leading to extreme exhaustion. Ordinary doctors don’t recognize adrenal fatigue as a symptom, but functional medicine recognizes it as a common cause of chronic fatigue. THYROID DISORDERS: Since the thyroid plays an important role in regulating energy levels, when thyroid hormones are not adequately
produced, chronic fatigue can ensue. Hyperthyroidism (an underactive thyroid) leads to not only chronic fatigue, but brain fog, weight gain, and dry skin. TOXINS: If you’re always tired and spend a lot of time in old buildings or buildings with water damage, mycotoxins might be to blame. Or, following exposure to dangerous amounts of heavy metals — from mercury-laden fish, mercury fillings in teeth, or occupational hazards — you may be suffering from heavy metal toxicity. FOOD SENSITIVITIES: Unlike allergies, which have sudden and potentially fatal reactions, food sensitivities can lead to inflammation throughout the body. Gluten, dairy, soy, and corn are the most common food sensitivities, and each can lead to a leaky gut. Functional medicine reveals these sensitivities through blood tests or elimination diets.
MEME CORNER SQUASH AND SAUSAGE SOUP
Ingredients • 2 acorn squash, halved • 1½ pounds pork sausage • 1 yellow onion, diced • 1 garlic clove, minced • ½ cup canned coconut milk • ½ cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons fat of choice • Pepitas, to garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 415 F. 2. Cut acorn squashes in half and place on a baking sheet, open side down. 3. Bake for 20–25 minutes until soft to the touch. 4. When acorn squash has about 10 minutes left to cook, place large skillet over mediumheat, with 2 tablespoons of fat, minced garlic, and diced onions. 5. Once onions become translucent, add pork sausage to pan and use wooden spoon to break into pieces and cook until completely cooked through. 6. When acorn squash is roasted and soft, scoop squash out of skin with spoon and place into food processor. 7. Add coconut milk and broth to food processor. Puree until smooth. 8. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, and puree until smooth. 9. Place pureed soup in a bowl, top with sausage, and sprinkle with pepitas.
3
3 515.279.9900
Made with FlippingBook Online document