The Hidden Causes of Fatigue and How to Fix Them
S2 Ep 7 Good Honest Talk
Do you feel constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Maybe your mind feels foggy, your motivation is low, or your body just doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.
In this solo episode, I break down the real reasons behind energy depletion. We go deeper than quick fixes to look at the systems that create and sustain energy in your body. If you’re experiencing fatigue, brain fog, burnout, or recovering from a virus or chronic illness, this episode will give you clarity and practical tools to support your recovery.
Listen to the episode
Why You’re Always Tired – The Science of Energy and How to Restore It (Spotify)
What’s Covered in This Episode
1. Mitochondrial function and energy production
Your mitochondria are the engines of every cell in your body. But when stress, inflammation, or nutrient depletion sets in, these engines slow down. We explore how to support mitochondrial health and restore energy production at the cellular level.
For a visual reference, here is a simplified image of the Krebs cycle, the central pathway mitochondria use to convert nutrients into energy:
2. Thyroid dysfunction and metabolic slowdown
Undiagnosed or suboptimal thyroid issues are a common reason for persistent fatigue, especially in women. We cover how to spot thyroid dysfunction and which tests to request beyond TSH, including Free T3 and Free T4.
3. Blood sugar and insulin resistance
Unstable blood sugar is one of the fastest ways to burn through your energy. I explain how to stabilise your blood sugar through balanced meals and mindful eating—without restrictive diets.
4. The impact of chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation
Stress affects your adrenal health, your hormones, and your ability to rest and digest. I talk about the biology of burnout and how nervous system overload contributes to energy depletion.
5. Post-viral fatigue, fibromyalgia and long COVID
Many people find themselves never fully recovering after viral illness. I discuss the role of mitochondrial shutdown, neuroinflammation, and immune dysregulation in long-term fatigue conditions.
6. Detoxification and energy metabolism
Toxins—whether environmental, dietary, or internal—can clog energy pathways and burden your liver. I explore gentle ways to support detoxification without extreme cleanses.
Suggested reading: IFM – Detoxification Pathways
MITO Diet
Nutrition
Prioritise protein, fibre and healthy fats in every meal to balance blood sugar
Increase antioxidant intake with colourful vegetables, especially cruciferous ones like broccoli and kale
Stay hydrated and reduce alcohol, processed food, and chemical exposures
Testing & Supplementation
Ask for a full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, anti-TPO antibodies)
Support mitochondria with CoQ10, magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids
Consider adaptogens like rhodiola or ashwagandha under guidance
Breathwork
I guide you through a short, grounding breathwork practice in the final part of the episode to help regulate your nervous system and reset your energy flow.
Interested in breathwork? Try some guided breathwork/meditations here
Why This Matters
Energy isn’t just about sleep or food. It’s about how well your body converts fuel into usable power. If that process is disrupted—by stress, illness, inflammation, or poor nutrition—your energy will drop, no matter how many hours you rest.
In this episode, you’ll gain a better understanding of your own energy patterns and walk away with actionable steps to support your recovery.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify
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