How would you describe your energy out of 10? 10 being the highest.

Is it under a 9? Or do you wake up feeling unrefreshed?

There are several reasons for low energy. As a Naturopathic doctor, my job is to ask you the questions and do the correct testing to determine the root cause in your case.

Possible causes may include:

• A vitamin or mineral deficiency: If you are not regularly eating red meat and or having menstrual periods that are heavy you may have low stores of iron (ferritin) contributing to your fatigue. Other reasons may include a vitamin B12 or a vitamin D deficiency.
  
  
• Hormonal cause: Certain hormones regulate your metabolism of how fast or slow your body is able to break food down into energy.Low thyroid hormone, for example, could result in high Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, resulting in a slow metabolism. Cortisol is the stress hormone, released by the adrenal glands, that naturally decreases before sleeping and increases on waking.Optimal levels may contribute to regulated energy as well.
  
  
• Sleep: Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine these are viewed as two different diagnoses.  Lifestyle changes, supplements and or acupuncture are helpful as support to ensure better sleep and energy for the next day. Exercise is not only helpful to get a better sleep but is required to produce energy!
  
  
• Mental/Emotional: Rumination or repetitive thoughts or unsatisfactory situations may also be a contributing factor to energy utilization.

Treatment

Treatment modalities include lifestyle and nutritional changes, lab testing, supplements or botanical herbs if indicated, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and or acupuncture.

I look forward to working with you to understand the cause of your low energy and support you on your journey to health!