You may not realize it, but fatigue and gastrointestinal (GI) issues can be related. Digestive conditions may cause inflammation, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies, all of which lead to fatigue and low energy.
Fatigue is a common symptom and a normal response to physical activity, stress, and boredom. While it usually does not indicate a serious disease, it can sometimes be a sign of a mental or physical condition. When adequate sleep, good nutrition, or a low-stress environment do not resolve your fatigue, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider or visiting us at Charleston GI.
Inflammation
Inflammatory chemicals released from gut inflammation can enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting brain function and muscle performance, which may lead to feelings of exhaustion and fatigue.
Gut microbiome
Gut microbiome changes may lead to chronic inflammation, which can exacerbate feelings of fatigue.
Poor sleep
Insomnia or poor sleep—whether caused by digestive issues or other factors—can lead to fatigue.
Nutrient deficiencies
Digestive issues often cause poor nutrient absorption, which can have a negative effect on energy levels.
CONDITIONS
Some common GI conditions often linked to fatigue include:
Food intolerances and difficulty digesting certain foods. This may cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Energy and Sleep Problems
Chronic fatigue and tiredness are often linked to imbalances in the gut. These symptoms are commonly associated with IBS.
Gut imbalances and conditions can also cause serotonin production issues, which may cause poor sleep.
Food-Related Symptoms
Extreme food cravings—especially sugar—have been linked to an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria and inflammation.
Weight and Nutrient Issues
Since imbalances in the gut affect nutrient absorption, you may experience unintentional weight gain or loss and trouble regulating blood sugar.
Skin and Physical Symptoms
Acne, eczema, and psoriasis may stem from gut problems.
Frequent headaches and migraines—especially with nausea or vomiting—have been linked to gastrointestinal issues.
Autoimmune and Systemic Problems
Autoimmune conditions may be triggered by "bad" gut bacteria. These conditions can potentially affect your thyroid, joints, and other systems.
Emotional and Mental Health
Anxiety and depression have been linked to gut inflammation.
RISK FACTORS
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to fatigue. These risk factors may include:
Excessive alcohol consumption
Illegal drug use
Frequent jet lag
Medications, such as ones used to treat allergies or coughs
Not enough sleep
Poor diet
Sleep disorders
Stress
Too little physical activity (sedentary lifestyle)
Too much physical activity (burnout)
SYMPTOMS
Loss of appetite
Blurry vision
Chronic tiredness, sleepiness, or lack of energy
Dizziness
Hallucinations
Headache
Impaired decision-making and judgment
Impaired hand-to-eye coordination
Low motivation
Moodiness and irritability
Muscle weakness
Poor concentration
Reduced immune system function
Short-term memory problems
Slowed reflexes and responses
Sore or aching muscles
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If your fatigue lasts longer than a week or two, we recommend seeing your doctor. They will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your sleep, daily activities, appetite, and exercise to better understand what may be the cause(s) of your fatigue. You may need to have bloodwork done to help determine what may be causing your exhaustion. Depending on their findings, you may be prescribed medications to help address the issues uncovered.
If your fatigue is related to poor GI gut, then a board-certified gastroenterologist will be your best option for proper diagnosis and treatment.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
While there is no test for fatigue, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and order lab tests. This approach helps give your physician a holistic view of your health, allowing them to better narrow down or diagnose the cause of your fatigue.
Physical exam
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for any signs of illness.
Lab tests
Blood tests to check for anemia, low thyroid levels, diabetes, and other conditions.
Urine tests to check for electrolyte imbalances.
A sleep study to uncover sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or insomnia.
Other tests
Thyroid function tests
Iron tests
Vitamin D tests
Adrenal hormone tests to check your cortisol levels
TREATMENT
Medications (non-narcotic) to help reduce pain.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and avoiding overexertion.
Improving gut bacteria to help improve nutrient and energy levels.
PREVENTION
Incorporate probiotics into your diet by eating yogurt, kefir, kombucha, or fermented foods like kimchi. These foods help grow healthy gut bacteria and restore the balance in your digestive system, helping to alleviate GI issues.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support your digestion.
Eat slowly and chew your food well to help your body digest properly and absorb nutrients.
Exercise regularly to improve gut health, keep your bowel movements regular, and improve your overall well-being.
Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Restorative sleep balances your hormones and reduces stress, helping to support digestive health.
Avoid foods that cause discomfort, like cramping or nausea. Try an elimination diet or keep a food journal to help identify problem foods and remove them from your diet.
Limit processed foods and sugar. Focus on eating whole, plant-based foods, lean proteins, and high-fiber meals.
Plan your grocery shopping to stick to fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy options found on the store's outer aisles.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking can be harmful to your digestive system and lead to serious health problems.
Reduce stress, as chronic stress can affect your gut and overall health.
If you have concerns about your gut health, talk to your doctor during your annual check-up or any time you have symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gut-brain disorder characterized by abdominal pain and systemic symptoms like fatigue. Studies show IBS patients are at higher risk for experiencing extreme exhaustion, going beyond typical tiredness. It may even manifest as profound weakness and energy depletion that impacts their ability to function on a daily basis.
How common is IBS-related fatigue?
IBS is relatively common, affecting up to 15% of the population. Of patients with IBS, up to 70% experience extreme fatigue. According to medical studies, IBS patients are significantly more likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome compared to patients without IBS.
What bowel conditions cause fatigue?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's, and Colitis all cause fatigue.
Can stomach inflammation cause extreme fatigue?
Yes. Gastritis—chronic inflammation of the stomach lining—can trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are known to cause fatigue. The discomfort and pain caused by gastritis can also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue.
What deficiencies cause extreme fatigue?
Several vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause fatigue, with the most common being B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium. More than half of the global population suffers from vitamin D deficiency, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.
Can an infection cause fatigue?
Yes. Many infections can cause fatigue, including:
Mononucleosis (mono)
HIV
COVID-19
Influenza
Pneumonia
Lyme disease
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex medical condition characterized by debilitating fatigue that lasts for at least six months. Symptoms can intensify with physical or mental exertion and do not improve with rest.
While the exact cause remains unknown, researchers propose multiple potential triggers. A comprehensive medical evaluation to exclude other conditions with similar symptoms is necessary for diagnosis, as there is no definitive diagnostic test. Treatment is primarily focused on managing the symptoms.
What is the difference between chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are different medical conditions.
Those with chronic fatigue feel tired all the time with no clear reason. People with CFS—also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)—experience more severe symptoms. One key difference is a sensation called post-exertional malaise (PEM), where symptoms worsen after physical activity. With CFS, these symptoms might not show up right away. They can appear 24 hours or more after physical activity. If you’ve felt tired for more than six months and feel worse after activity, it could be ME/CFS. We recommend seeing your doctor for testing and diagnosis.
What are the signs of chronic fatigue syndrome?
Since there’s no test to diagnose it, doctors rely on symptoms to decide whether a patient is dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome.
One of two of the following symptoms is required for diagnosis:
Problems with thinking and memory.
Worsening symptoms while standing or sitting upright, such as blurry vision, dizziness, and light-headedness.
Other common symptoms of CFS include:
Muscle pain
Headaches
Joint pain
Sore throat
Tender lymph nodes
These symptoms can also be present in other diseases or conditions, so first your doctor will need to rule out other causes before making a definitive diagnosis.
Can heart and lung issues cause fatigue?
Yes. Fatigue is a common symptom of cardiovascular and lung conditions such as:
Heart disease
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Emphysema
Congestive heart failure
Can mental health conditions cause fatigue?
Yes. Fatigue due to certain mental health conditions—including common diagnoses like depression, anxiety, and PTSD— may make it difficult to perform daily activities.
Can deficiencies cause fatigue?
Yes. Anemia and other vitamin deficiencies—such as vitamin D or vitamin B12—are common causes of fatigue.
Can hormones cause fatigue?
Yes, hormonal imbalances and issues with your endocrine system such as hypothyroidism can cause fatigue in the body.
SCHEDULE YOUR GI APPOINTMENT TODAY, NO REFERRAL NEEDED
If you’re experiencing fatigue and believe gastrointestinal issues may be the cause, we’re here to help. To learn more about treatment for GI tract issues in Charleston, SC, get in touch today! Charleston Gastroenterology is committed to a higher standard of care with a range of medical treatments to help you feel your best.
If you are experiencing painful GI symptoms, relief is possible. Schedule your appointment today! No referral is needed.
