Dr Berg Reasons Why You're Tired
Today, I'm going to talk about the real reason why you are tired. I have a lot of experience with this because I personally have been tired for years, probably decades, before I figured this out.
Understanding Fatigue: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fatigue: Causes and Solutions
When tackling the issue of fatigue, it's essential to distinguish between two primary types: fatigue associated with regular sleep and fatigue linked to abnormal sleep patterns or insomnia. Understanding the underlying causes of your fatigue can help you address it more effectively.
Causes of Insomnia-Related Fatigue
For those experiencing difficulty sleeping, several factors may be at play:
- Chronic Stress: A significant contributor, potentially indicating adrenal burnout or consistent exposure to high-stress situations.
- Physical Discomfort: Back pain or joint pain can hinder your ability to get a restful night's sleep.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin A, calcium, and vitamin B can stem from poor dietary habits or insufficient bile production.
- Environmental Factors: Unsuitable bedding can further exacerbate sleep problems.
Causes of Fatigue Despite Adequate Sleep
Chronic fatigue can persist even after a full night's rest due to several health issues:
- Thyroid Problems: Disrupted sleep quality due to imbalanced estrogen levels.
- Liver Function: Vital for maintaining energy levels and sleep quality through hormone conversion.
- Viruses: May become more active with fluctuating stress levels, contributing to disturbed sleep.
- Head Injuries: Can lead to difficulties achieving deep, restorative sleep.
- Being a Light Sleeper: Prevents deep sleep needed for proper rest and recovery.
Understanding these potential causes of fatigue, whether related to sleep quantity or quality, is crucial in seeking appropriate treatment and making lifestyle adjustments. Managing stress, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment can significantly impact sleep quality and, by extension, fatigue levels.
Dr. Eric Berg, a chiropractor specializing in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting and author of The Healthy Keto Plan, emphasizes the importance of addressing these underlying issues. While he no longer practices, Dr. Berg continues to educate on health matters through social media, focusing on how dietary and lifestyle changes can support overall well-being.
In summary, both sleep-related and health-related factors can contribute to fatigue. Identifying the specific cause of your fatigue is the first step towards finding an effective solution. By considering the potential sources of fatigue outlined here, individuals can take targeted actions to improve their energy levels and overall health. Whether adjusting your diet, improving your sleep environment, or seeking medical advice for underlying health conditions, there are steps you can take to combat fatigue and enhance your quality of life.
Understanding Mitochondria
Part of the body that generates energy is the mitochondria. Those are little energy factories, which is also a fascinating topic in itself because these mitochondria have their own DNA.
The theory behind how mitochondria evolved is basically this bacteria cell that invaded our body and didn't get digested. It formed a symbiotic relationship with our own cells. We give it a home, we feed it, and it produces energy. There's a lot of similarities between mitochondria and bacteria, and also another similarity between bacteria and the chloroplast, the stuff that has the chlorophyll in plants that harvests the sun's energy.
The Common Cause of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
A common reason why the mitochondria might not produce the energy, even with the right fuel, has everything to do with a key nutrient called thymine or B1. B1 is the essential vitamin that helps convert fuel into energy, powering all the different systems in the body.
Demonstration of B1's Function
I have a demo to help you understand what B1 does. Imagine a car motor, which needs fuel, oxygen, and a spark plug to work. In this demonstration, I use a roadside flare to represent the spark plug. When I blow cornstarch (not gasoline for safety reasons) onto the flame, it gets brighter, representing how B1 helps in energy production.
Without B1, you can see the fuel being blown on the flame, but nothing happens. In fact, it goes out, representing how the body runs without B1.
Effects of B1 Deficiency
There are various symptoms and effects of B1 deficiency:
- Heart issues like arrhythmias, increased pulse rate, and cardiac failure.
- Brain fog, mood problems, neurological agitation.
- Issues with the autonomic nervous system, affecting sleep and digestion.
- Increased stress response and intolerance to temperature changes.
- Physical symptoms like edema, POTS, shortness of breath, and hypersensitivity.
Sources of B1
To combat B1 deficiency, it's important to consume foods high in B1:
- Animal meats, especially pork.
- Salmon and other fish.
- Sunflower seeds, acorn squash, and eggs.
- Nutritional yeast (non-fortified with synthetic B1).