Waking up feeling drained despite a full night’s sleep? If you’re battling daily exhaustion, brain fog, and aching muscles, chronic fatigue may be the underlying cause.
That deep, dragging exhaustion that no amount of sleep, caffeine, or downtime can fix is a hallmark of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). And for many, it’s not just tiredness—it’s an invisible, life-altering condition that impacts every part of your life.
Why Am I Always This Tired?
Many people with chronic fatigue feel misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Standard blood tests often come back “normal,” leaving you in limbo—with no answers and no clear plan.
When surface-level advice like “eat better” or “exercise more” doesn’t help, it’s easy to feel stuck.
That’s where functional medicine comes in—offering a deeper, more precise way to understand fatigue. Instead of suppressing symptoms, we investigate why your body is struggling, using targeted functional testing to uncover what your systems are trying to tell you.
The Hidden Causes of Fatigue Go Far Beyond Energy
Fatigue isn’t just about low energy—it’s a downstream effect of something bigger. To truly understand it, we need to look beneath the surface and explore what’s affecting your cells, hormones, gut, and immune system.
1. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Your mitochondria are the “batteries” of your cells. They create the energy (ATP) that fuels everything from thinking to walking. In chronic fatigue, these batteries often become sluggish or impaired.
Functional tests like Organic Acids Testing can show how well your mitochondria are working—and where things are breaking down.
Common triggers include:
- Viral or bacterial infections (e.g. Epstein-Barr virus)
- Environmental toxins or mould exposure
- Oxidative stress
- Heavy metal accumulation
2. HPA Axis Dysregulation (Adrenal Dysfunction)
Chronic stress—whether physical or emotional—can throw off the body’s stress-response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This often leads to low or erratic cortisol levels, leaving you wired-but-tired, or completely depleted.
Salivary cortisol testing helps identify adrenal imbalances and guides recovery.
3. Latent Infections and Immune Dysfunction
Low-grade chronic infections and immune dysregulation are common in people with CFS. Reactivated viruses such as EBV or HHV-6, or imbalances in gut bacteria, can place a constant strain on your energy systems.
4. Gut Dysfunction
Even without obvious digestive issues, problems like leaky gut, gut dysbiosis, or poor nutrient absorption can silently deplete your energy. Your gut also plays a major role in immunity, detoxification, and even mood regulation.
A Multi-Layered Treatment Plan—Far Beyond Diet
The functional medicine approach goes well beyond food advice. At Elemental Health and Nutrition, we use data-driven protocols to target the underlying imbalances, using a combination of nutrients, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies tailored to your unique biology.
Mitochondrial Restoration Protocol
Key Nutrients & Supplements:
- CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): Supports ATP production and mitochondrial function.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Assists in converting fat into usable energy.
- D-Ribose: Helps rebuild depleted energy stores.
- Magnesium Malate: Reduces muscle pain and supports cellular energy.
- Activated B-Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B12): Essential for mitochondrial pathways.
These are not general supplements—they’re precision tools designed to plug into your body’s internal power grid.
Hormonal & Adrenal Support
Adaptogenic Herbs & Nutrients:
- Rhodiola Rosea: Reduces fatigue and improves mental performance.
- Ashwagandha: Regulates cortisol and boosts stress resilience.
- Phosphatidylserine: Helps balance cortisol, especially in burnout.
- Licorice Root (DGL): Supports cortisol function in low-adrenal states.
- Vitamin C + B5: Rapidly depleted under chronic stress—critical for adrenal health.
Lifestyle Support:
- Consistent sleep/wake routines
- Stress-buffering practices (breathwork, yoga, grounding)
- Reducing stimulation before bedtime
Viral Load & Immune Modulation
Targeted Support:
- L-Lysine + Monolaurin: Helps suppress viral reactivation.
- Olive Leaf & Cat’s Claw: Herbal antimicrobials for chronic infections.
- Zinc + Vitamin D3: Critical for immune system regulation.
- Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, Cordyceps): Modulate immunity and support energy.
Functional testing helps determine what’s active and what’s dormant—so the protocol is tailored to your immune picture.
Gut Repair & Inflammation Control
Gut-Healing Nutrients:
- L-Glutamine: Repairs the intestinal lining and improves absorption.
- Zinc Carnosine: Soothes gut inflammation.
- Saccharomyces Boulardii: Restores microbial balance and reduces gut-driven fatigue.
- Digestive Enzymes + Betaine HCl: Enhances nutrient uptake, especially in low-stomach-acid conditions.
Inflammation Support:
- Curcumin (Turmeric Extract): Reduces systemic inflammation and joint/muscle pain.
- Omega-3s (EPA/DHA): Supports mitochondrial health and nervous system function.
Nervous System Regulation
CFS often involves a dysregulated nervous system stuck in overdrive.
Calming Nutrients:
- Magnesium Glycinate or Threonate: Calms the mind and supports memory.
- L-Theanine: Promotes a relaxed, focused brain state.
- GABA or Taurine: Supports neurotransmitter balance and soothes nervous system excitability.
Nervous System Retraining:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (humming, cold water exposure, deep breathing)
- Breath-led movement (gentle yoga, tai chi)
How Elemental Health and Nutrition Puts This into Practice
At Elemental Health and Nutrition, this layered, root-cause-focused approach is what we do best.
Rather than masking symptoms, we investigate what’s misfiring in your body and create a tailored plan that aligns with your biology, lifestyle, and capacity.
Here’s what that includes:
✔️ In-depth intake to understand your health history
✔️ Functional testing from trusted pathology labs
✔️ Personalised supplement and herbal protocols
✔️ Step-by-step nutrition and lifestyle guidance
✔️ Collaboration with your GP or other healthcare professionals when needed
Our goal? A personalised path to real, sustainable energy—without the overwhelm.
Final Word: There Is a Way Forward
Chronic fatigue is complex—but not impossible to unravel. If you’re tired of being tired and want something deeper than generic advice, functional medicine offers clarity and direction.
Through functional testing, nutritional medicine, and personalised protocols, many people are reclaiming their energy, clarity, and quality of life—one step at a time.
You don’t have to accept exhaustion as your new normal.
There is a reason behind your symptoms—and with the right support, there’s a way through.