The Dozen Most Commonly Overlooked Causes of Fatigue - Part Two

7-Subclinical B-vitamin deficiency anemia – If your bone marrow lacks sufficient B6, folate and B12, to make adequate new red blood cells, your circulating RBCs get bigger to compensate. This is the best way to identify deficiencies of these essential B vitamins, the effect of which also constantly strains your heart and deprives cells throughout your body of sufficient oxygen.

8-Vascular inflammation – Have you had an ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test? This measures blood viscosity, which is increased by inflammation from many types of illness and stress.

9-Vitamin D deficiency – Your immune system can never function at its peak without sufficient vitamin D. Many other systems, organs and tissues throughout your body become impaired if you lack healthy levels (50 to 90 ng/ml).

10-Hydrochloric acid deficiency – A very common cause of low protein, B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, as well as intestinal infections. Normal production in the stomach is compromised by nutrient deficiencies and stress.

11-Coenzyme Q10 deficiency – Essential for every cell in your body, especially the kidneys, heart, and all your muscles, CoQ10 is made by your liver, but natural production peaks around age 25 then steadily declines.

12-Side effects of medications – All statins (cholesterol lowering drugs like Lipitor/Atorvastatin and Zocor/Simvastatin) directly block the production of CoQ10 in the liver. Very few people really need to take statins––if they’re willing to eat better food and take safe, effective cholesterol-lowering supplements. Antihistamines, Muscle relaxants, Antidepressants (Trazadone, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Cymbalta, Effexor, Elavil), Beta blockers (Metoprolol, Propranolol) Opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, Tramadol) and Benzodiazepines (used to treat anxiety and seizure disorders––Lorazepam/Ativan, Diazepam/Valium, Alprazolam/Xanax, Clonazepam/Klonopin all frequently cause fatigue and drowsiness. Many people need these medications; but safe, effective, natural alternatives are often available.

This show aired Friday, October 18 on KDAR 98.3 FM.