Why Am I So Tired All the Time?
- Kathryn King
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
4 Root Causes of Fatigue (And What to Do About It)
If you're constantly exhausted, dragging yourself through the day despite getting "enough" sleep, you're not alone—and you're definitely not lazy. Fatigue is one of the most common complaints I hear in my practice, and it's often a signal from the body that something deeper is out of balance.
In this post, I’m walking you through the four main root causes of fatigue I covered in my recent webinar—and sharing natural solutions to help you feel more like yourself again.

1. Blood Sugar Imbalance
Ever feel tired and irritable when you haven’t eaten in a while? Or crash mid-afternoon, reaching for coffee or sugar just to keep going?
That’s your blood sugar talking.
When our meals are too high in refined carbohydrates or we skip meals entirely, our blood sugar rises and falls rapidly, leading to energy crashes, brain fog, and mood swings. This is also a huge stressor on your adrenal glands, further draining your energy reserves.
What helps:
Build meals around protein, healthy fats, and fiber
Reduce refined sugar and processed carbs
Eat at regular intervals (no skipping meals!)
Support blood sugar with nutrients like magnesium, chromium, and cinnamon
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
Fatigue is one of the first signs your body isn’t getting what it needs to function optimally. And it’s not just about what you eat—it's about what you absorb.
Deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, B12, folate, magnesium, and vitamin D can all contribute to persistent fatigue. These nutrients are essential for oxygen transport, energy production, nervous system function, and mood.
What helps:
Get tested to identify your specific deficiencies
Consider targeted supplements or IV therapy for quicker repletion
Focus on gut health to improve nutrient absorption (more on that below!)
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Your energy is deeply tied to your hormonal rhythm. When hormones like thyroid, cortisol, or your sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) are out of sync, fatigue is often the result.
Common signs include:
Feeling tired and wired
Low energy and weight gain - especially on the belly
PMS, sleep issues, anxiety, or brain fog
What helps:
Test, don’t guess—functional hormone testing is available
Support adrenal function with sleep, gentle movement, and adaptogens
Balance hormones naturally with herbs, lifestyle changes, or bioidentical hormone therapy when needed
4. Toxin Overload and Poor Detoxification
We’re exposed to more chemicals, pesticides, and pollutants than ever before. If your liver and elimination systems (like bowels and lymph) aren’t clearing them efficiently, fatigue can follow—along with symptoms like headaches, bloating, acne, and brain fog.
What helps:
Drink plenty of water and keep bowels moving daily
Incorporate detox tools like dry brushing, lemon water, and sweating (e.g., sauna or exercise)
Use gentle liver-supportive herbs like milk thistle, NAC, or dandelion
So, What Does All This Have to Do with Gut Health?
Here’s the truth: Your gut is the foundation of your health—and all four causes of fatigue link back to it.
Blood sugar? A healthy microbiome and balanced diet helps regulate insulin sensitivity.
Nutrient deficiencies? You can’t absorb what your gut isn’t digesting well.
Hormones? Part of your gut (the large intestine) eliminates excess hormones like estrogen.
Detox? Your gut and liver work together to process and eliminate toxins.
When your gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or leaky, it sets off a cascade of symptoms—fatigue being one of the most common.
Want to Get to the Root of Your Fatigue?
If you're ready to take the next step, my online course Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Life is open for enrollment anytime. It's a self-paced journey through:
✔️ Gut healing foundations
✔️ Blood sugar balance
✔️ Detox strategies
✔️ Nutrient-dense recipe suggestions
✔️ The mind-body connection
You'll learn how to address the underlying causes of your fatigue—not just mask it.
👉 Ready to feel like yourself again?
Click here to join the course and start healing from the inside out.
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