12 hidden reasons why you feel tired all the time

Most of us automatically feel guilty if we’re feeling tired. It’s as if it is our fault that we are dragging through the day. There are some real health concerns, however, that may cause you to feel chronically tired and fatigued. If you’re tired all the time, it is important to find out why.

Below are 12 hidden reasons why you feel tired all the time. *Remember, this list does not include everything. If you are experiencing chronic tiredness, it is important to be evaluated.

1. You have adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands don’t function properly. There are multiple stages to this condition and they can either be overactive or hardly working at all. This condition mostly occurs when there is long term stress in a person’s life. It doesn’t have to be major stress. It can just be chronic low-grade stress over a long period of time. The most common symptom of adrenal dysfunction is fatigue that sleep does not help. Over time, people with adrenal fatigue also have low stress resilience which builds upon their already fragile state.

have candida or other fungal overgrowth.

Candida overgrowth may occur when you:

• You eat a lot of sugar and carbohydrates
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Take birth control pills
• Live with prolonged stress
• Take antibiotics

Among other things, the symptoms of candida or other fungal overgrowth include fatigue and depression. If you think you might have an overgrowth, see your doctor to be tested for this problem.

have leaky gut.

Leaky gut is a condition wherein a person has increased gut permeability. There should be tight junctions within the gut wall, however with leaky gut, these don’t work properly and substances leak out into the bloodstream where they should not be.  Leaky gut can be caused by food intolerances, toxin exposure and antibioticuse. Fatigue is a definite symptom, but it can also include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and cramps. Likewise, erratic moods, sleep issues and skin issues can also result from leaky gut.

4. You have a chronic infection or a parasite.

Many people live with infections or a parasite and have no idea. They just know they feel really tired all the time and no one can figure out why. Having an infection or a parasite can definitely lead to fatigue. It may be noticed as a need for more time to recover from a workout or general tiredness. It may also manifest as extreme chronic fatigue. You don’t have to travel to a foreign country to pick up an infectious microorganism. If you’re tired all the time, see a functional practitioner that can evaluate you for a chronic infection.

5. You are being exposed to toxic chemicals.

Toxin exposure is a significant contributor to fatigue. For example: Formaldehyde exposure causes fatigue, depression, and poor concentration. Trichloroethylene which is found in floor polish, copy machines, carpet cleaner, etc. can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and drowsiness. Tolulene is the most common indoor air pollutant and it can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and drowsiness. If you are tired all the time, it may be time to give your home and your lifestyle an overhaul to evaluate whether you are being exposed to too many toxic chemicals.

6. You are stressed.

Stress has many negative effects on physical health ranging from heart problems, to metabolism issues and hormonal imbalances. Too much stress over time leads to exhaustion, fatigue and depression. If you have stressors in your life and you are feeling tired all the time, it is time to simplify and rework how you are living.

7. You are having side effects from your medication.

Check your medication side effects if you are feeling tired. Many medications like anti-depressants, blood pressure medications, statins and antihistamines are just a few on lengthy list of exhaustion culprits.

8. You are being exposed to toxic mold.

Many people live in moldy homes, but they don’t realize it. Mold can be pervasive, but elusive. If you are tired all the time but can’t figure out the reason why, evaluate your living conditions for mold. You also might need to look further at whether there is hidden mold in your work environment.

9. You are not methylating properly.

Methylation is a process that is constantly happening in your body. Methylation is needed to keep your body in good working condition. If your body is not methylating properly, you may be fatigued, tired and run down. This can be easily tested by a functional medical practitioner.

10. You have heavy metals in your body.

Heavy metal toxicity is rarely diagnosed, but is a very serious condition. The symptomscan range from fatigue to nausea to vomiting to headaches and diarrhea. See a doctor if you have these symptoms. Many people are exposed to the heavy metal mercury by their dental amalgams.

11. You have mitochondrial dysfunction.

Our mitochondria are the powerhouse of our cells. They generate energy for the cells and are found in every cell of the human body except red blood cells. They convert the energy of food molecules into the ATP that powers most cell functions. If your mitochondria are not functioning properly, you will feel fatigued regularly. A great resource is Terry Wahl’s.

12. You have sleep apnea.

If you don’t feel rested after sleeping and especially if you snore, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea leads to extreme fatigue. If you are tired all the time, you may want to ask your doctor for a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea.