If You’re Tired, What Kind of Fuel are you Using?

This should be one of the first considerations, but it is almost always the last, at least in the world of conventional medicine.  Consider it for a moment, though. One of the biggest difference between an ordinary automobile and a high performance race car is the fuel they use.  A big difference between an average horse or pony, and the Kentucky Derby winners, is the food – fuel – they are fed. 

There are two ways we need to look at a nutritional evaluation of your energy: Macro nutrients and Micro nutrients.

Macro means large – these we need relatively large amounts of.  Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats.  Micro, or small, are things we need relatively small doses of – vitamins, minerals, etc.

Proteins and fats are under utilized in our standard America diets.  They have long been vilified by the conventional medical system and government agencies and the horribly incorrect “food pyramid” they had recommended for several decades, during which time obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer have skyrocketed.  The new food pyramid (as of 2026) matches almost exactly what the Naturopathic medical profession has been recommending for more than 100 years.

The Macronutrient Basics are:

-    eat food as close as possible to the forms in which it occurs in nature

-    emphasize healthy forms of proteins, carbs and fats

-    breakfast and lunch should be mostly proteins and fats, which are slower burning and provide longer lasting, stable energy. 

-    Your evening meal can be more balanced and include higher levels of healthy carbohydrates; this actually will help you sleep

-    This overall approach will also greatly help keep your blood sugar balanced, reducing those sharp spikes that trigger fat storage and the subsequent sharp drops which trigger fatigue and stimulate sugar cravings.

Micronutrient Basics:

There are about 77 essential nutrients, depending on whose textbook you choose to follow.  Some are more crucial than others, however, for helping regulate your short term and long term energy levels and helping you to reduce fatigue.

Iron

Essential for carrying oxygen to your cells. Low levels can leave you feeling weak, tired, and short of breath. Iron levels can be accurately testing in routine blood work, as well as the number, size and hemoglobin levels in your red blood cells.

B Vitamins

Critical for converting food into usable energy, especially Vit B12 and Folic acid. Without them, your body struggles to keep up—even if you’re eating enough.

Healthy Fatty Acids

Support hormone production, brain function, and sustained energy.

Iodine

A key nutrient for thyroid function—without it, your body can’t properly produce thyroid hormones.  It is also used for the absorption of ALL your hormones into the organs that need them

Vitamin C: Used more by the Adrenal Glands than any other organ, even the liver, our body’s major biochemical factory. Adrenal health and the ability to withstand stress relies on adequate levels

Vitamin B5. Also extremely important for the adrenal glands

Selenium. Heavily used in the production and conversion of thyroid hormones

Call to Action

If you’ve been struggling with ongoing fatigue, it may be time to look beyond the surface. While standard medical evaluations are important, they often focus on broad ranges and acute conditions—sometimes missing the more subtle imbalances that can still significantly impact how you feel day to day. A more comprehensive, naturopathic approach looks at the full picture, including hormones, nutrient status, stress patterns, and metabolic function. With the right testing and guidance, you can begin to uncover the true root causes of your fatigue and create a plan that’s tailored specifically to your body.

To learn more or schedule your visit, contact Dr. Cage Wellness Clinic at 406-361-8073 or visit www.drcagewellness.org.