According to MedicineNet.com, the definition of fatigue is “a condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and a reduced efficiency of accomplishment, usually accompanied by a feeling of weariness and tiredness”.  There are many factors that can contribute to fatigue, some of which include inadequate sleep duration, sleep quality that is impaired and results in a feeling of persistent drowsiness, exaggerated blood sugar fluctuations from unhealthy dietary patterns, inadequate vitamin and mineral intake, and lack of aerobic exercise, to name only a few.

Most doctors, including myself,  will advise you to eat more healthy, exercise regularly, and advise you on ways to improve sleep quality.  If certain risk factors are present, you might also be referred for a sleep study to “rule out” sleep apnea.  The typical laboratory work-up performed for fatigue is almost always normal with any of the above causes of fatigue.  So, what else can be done?

In my practice, I attempt to assess your entire picture.  If fatigue has been a recurrent issue and previous thorough medical evaluation has been unproductive, there are several options for integrative or holistic testing.  The exact type of testing is determined by a comprehensive review of your past.

The form entitled “adult medical questionnaire” can be located from the homepage under “Office” > “What to bring” > “Forms” > “Adult Medical Questionnaire”.  I recommend printing this form and filling in the information prior to your first or next visit.  On reviewing this information, I can better recommend the appropriate available testing.

In my practice, I frequently encounter looks of shock and disbelief when I advise my patients that they should no longer eat wheat and gluten.  Common responses are “but I love bread!” or “my favorite food is pasta!”.  It seems among my patient population that the individuals who are most addicted to foods containing gluten experience the most benefit from giving it up.  If foods such as bread, pasta, pancakes, cakes and cookies are on your list of “foods that I couldn’t possibly give up”, it might be a good idea to visit my office for a consultation.

Gluten sensitivity can cause a variety of different medical problems/ symptoms, and the difficulty in making the diagnosis lies in the fact that, unlike a related condition called celiac disease, there is not a blood test that consistently determines the diagnosis.  There are certain genetic markers that determine the genetic risk for developing the condition, but some individuals that carry these genes will never develop gluten sensitivity.  I’m sure that you are then saying, how can you ask me to give up my favorite foods when you have no evidence that I am sensitive to gluten?  There is a type of test that can be done through my office that will determine whether or not your intestinal lining has been damaged, but many of my patients simply try a gluten-free diet for a few months to determine the effect on their symptoms.  The likelihood of having gluten sensitivity also increases when a person has more conditions associated with gluten sensitivity.

These medical conditions include neuropathy (numbness, tingling or pain in the feet, legs, arms, or hands), headaches, epilepsy, depression, diabetes (types I and II), thyroid disease, anemia, fatigue, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.  This list is not comprehensive but is intended to demonstrate that the likelihood of being sensitive to gluten in the American population seems substantial.

I invite you to visit Total Wellness if you have any of the conditions listed above and do not feel healthy.  Many of the natural supplements that I use can be taken with medications without negative effects.