Slow metabolism (indicated by symptoms of fatigue, poor appetite, feeling cold, sluggist digestion, hair loss, inablity to lose weight, prone to rapid weight gain over just a weekend or after a cheat meal weight stays up for three to four days, failing to wake up hungry, low muscle mass, weakness)
Adrenal fatigue or stress
How does it work?
In general, most of us recognize our stress levels exceed what is widely considered to be healthy. And yet, although we understand the importance of healthy behaviours like managing stress levels, eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, challenges practicing these healthy behaviours are far too common.
More often than not we are overwhelmed, too busy or simply lack of motivation, energy and time as the chief reasons for not being more physically active. This leaves us searching for a quick fix, which is why energy drinks are so most popular. Caffeine is the major ingredient in most energy drinks—a 24-oz energy drink may contain as much as 500 mg of caffeine (similar to that in four or five cups of coffee), it can leave you feeling jittery only later to be followed by a crash. There are other beneficial ways that can help to naturally boost your energy.
Being tired is never normal. There is always a cause for fatigue, the secret is to find it.
Our approach to assessing and addressing fatigue includes:
Step 1 – Identify the Possible Underlying Cause(s) Of Fatigue:
There are many causes of fatigue beyond simply having a poor night’s sleep. These include:
Nutrient deficiencies
Anemia
Chronic infections
Chronic Inflammation
Hypothyroidism
Sleep Apnea
Diabetes
Autoimmune Conditions
Chronic Stress – Adrenal Fatigue
Overtraining (which may arise from using the wrong type of exercise, working out too long in one session or too frequently to allow for proper recuperation)
Steps 2 –Complete Your Energy Assessment:
Essential Blood Tests: we have a complete panel of blood tests in partnership with Dynacare for a complete metabolic and fatigue assessment. Some examples include:
Cortisol and DHEAs – assess adrenal and stress status
Nutrients related to energy including:
the storage form of iron, ferritin; vitamin B12, RBC magnesium, zinc, vitamin D3,
CBC – complete blood count, rules out anemia a common cause of fatigue.
Thyroid markers – TSH, free F3 and Free T4
Fasting blood sugar and fasting blood insulin – when an imbalance of these is present it can cause fatigue related to “carb-coma”, blood sugar fluctuations lead to fogginess, cravings, and lethargy after meals.
If the consult is done in-clinic versus video conferencing, a physical exam, orthostatic BP testing and medical grade bio-impedance testing (which assesses muscle mass and fat mass), will be completed. The more muscle you have the better your potential for more energy – as it is metabolic tissue. If you are muscle deficient, strength training and protein consumption are essential for increasing muscle and boosting energy. **please note that during Covid 19 lockdowns all appointments would be virtual and the in clinic exam if permitted now with our COVID 19 safety protocols.**
Step 3 – Possible Energy solutions:
A supplement prescription that may assist your energy that will include recommendations to address your chief concerns and imbalances identified in your laboratory tests and/or physical examination
We will determine a personalized dietary prescription for you based on The Hormone Diet approach
You will receive workout recommendations based on your body composition, adrenal health and health concerns
Recommendations for follow-up testing if necessary
What’s included?
Three appointments with a naturopathic doctor (Intial assessment 60 mins; First follow-up 30 mins (to discuss test results and update your treatment protocol) and Third/final appointment 30 to 45 mins, typically after 6 to 8 weeks).
Your requisition for blood and urine testing to assess the causes of fatigue and metabolic imbalance will be provided following your first appointment. We recommend downloading their app to find the location closest to you and to access their web-checkin service.
If you have extended health benefits, then part of this program may be reimbursed. We recommend checking with your provider to see what your coverage is prior to the first appointment.
For patients that are unable to visit the clinic for an in-person appointment and would prefer to do appointments virtually, and live in Ontario, please visit our Clear Medicine Virtual page for more information about services that are offered. **Please note recent bloodwork results may be required.**