Northern Beaches Mums Group
Northern Beaches Mums Group

8 Overlooked Reasons Behind Your Fatigue

by Holistic Mums

More Than Just Mum Life: 8 Overlooked Reasons You’re Always Tired

For many mothers, chronic tiredness is commonly attributed to the demands of parenting. Kids are loveable, and hard work. 

Balancing household chores, caring for children, and trying to maintain personal time can understandably lead to exhaustion. Yet, there could be deeper, less obvious factors impacting your energy levels.

When you’re persistently tired despite all your attempts to restore your energy and get a good night’s sleep (easier said than done!) it might be worth exploring other potential causes behind your fatigue.

Mould: The Hidden Factor in Chronic Fatigue

Mould might be a silent yet potent cause of ongoing fatigue. It often grows in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens, releasing toxins that can adversely affect your health. 

Inhaling these toxins can lead to respiratory problems, cognitive issues like brain fog, and a constant sense of tiredness. 

The impact of mould is often underestimated, so it’s essential to address it promptly. Ensuring good air quality and controlling indoor humidity can help prevent mould growth. Simple tools like a humidity monitor can be invaluable in managing moisture levels and preventing mould-related health issues.

Heavy Metals: A Toxic Load on Your Body

Heavy metals such as arsenic, aluminium, lead, mercury, and cadmium can accumulate in your body over time, creating a toxic load that saps your energy. These metals can enter your system through contaminated food, water, or products like aluminium foil. Once inside, they disrupt your body’s natural processes, impacting everything from immune function to energy production. Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning include persistent fatigue, headaches, and trouble concentrating. 

In children, it can also affect development. A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) test conducted by a naturopath or integrative practitioner can reveal the presence of these metals and guide you towards effective detoxification.

Mineral Deficiency: The Hidden Nutrient Gap

Modern diets often lack essential nutrients, leading to mineral deficiencies. Vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron are crucial for energy production, muscle function, and mental clarity. 

Without adequate levels of these minerals, your body struggles to perform efficiently, resulting in fatigue. Chronic stress, prevalent among many women, can deplete these essential minerals, particularly magnesium, which is vital for managing stress. 

Ongoing stress can exhaust your mineral stores, aggravating fatigue and increasing vulnerability to other health issues.

Overstimulation: The Hidden Energy Drain

As a mother, the constant exposure to sensory overload and emotional demands can significantly deplete your energy. Being frequently surrounded by noise, visual clutter, and the continuous need to multitask can overwhelm your brain and nervous system. 

This ongoing state of alertness and responsibility can exhaust your energy reserves and interfere with your ability to rest properly. 

Additionally, the pressure of meeting family needs and managing a household can lead to both mental and physical exhaustion. 

Over time, this persistent overstimulation can contribute to chronic fatigue, leaving little space for proper recovery and self-care.

Sub-optimal Blood Levels: A Hidden Indicator

Your blood levels of specific nutrients and hormones can greatly influence how you feel. 

However, conventional blood tests often show results within a broad range that includes various health conditions. 

Your doctor might indicate that your levels are “normal,” even if they are on the lower end of the spectrum, which can still lead to fatigue. 

Optimum ranges, however, reflect the levels at which your body performs best. Consulting with a healthcare provider who understands these nuances can help you achieve optimal blood levels, even if your results fall within conventional norms.

Inadequate Protein Intake: The Essential Building Block

Protein is crucial for your body’s repair, hormone production, and immune system support. The first 60 grams of protein consumed daily are directed to your immune system. 

Insufficient protein intake can hinder these essential processes, leading to fatigue and weakened health. Busy schedules might cause some women to inadvertently consume less protein than necessary. Incorporating adequate protein sources like lean meats, eggs, beans, and legumes into your diet can help sustain your energy levels throughout the day.

Dehydration: The Common Yet Overlooked Issue

Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, affecting cognitive function, mood, and overall energy. Simply drinking water isn’t always enough for proper hydration; your body also needs electrolytes—minerals that balance fluids and support nerve and muscle functions. 

Without sufficient electrolytes, water may not be effectively absorbed, leaving you feeling dehydrated. Incorporating high-quality sea salt or Celtic salt into your diet can provide essential trace minerals that aid in proper hydration and energy maintenance.

Blue Light: Disrupting Your Sleep Patterns

In our digital era, blue light exposure from screens is almost unavoidable. Blue light, particularly in the evening, can interfere with your circadian rhythm, which regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Excessive blue light can suppress melatonin production, the hormone that helps you feel sleepy. This disruption can lead to long-term health issues, including chronic fatigue. Reducing screen time before bed, using blue light-blocking glasses, or adjusting device settings can help protect your sleep and overall well-being.

EMF Exposure: The Unseen Energy Drain

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electronic devices like smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and appliances may also contribute to fatigue. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that prolonged EMF exposure can impact sleep, immune function, and energy levels. To mitigate EMF exposure, consider limiting your use of electronic devices, particularly before bedtime. Turning off Wi-Fi routers at night and keeping your bedroom free from electronics can help reduce exposure and support better sleep and energy levels.

If you find yourself persistently tired despite making healthy lifestyle choices, consider that there might be more at play than just the demands of motherhood. By investigating and addressing factors such as mould exposure, heavy metal toxicity, mineral deficiencies, suboptimal blood levels, inadequate protein intake, dehydration, blue light exposure, and EMF exposure, you can begin to reclaim your energy and vitality.


About the author:

Holistic Mums is an online resource grounded in insightful knowledge and wisdom on how to move past the veil, heal, and grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. We also share insightful stories of overcoming adversity and finding purpose on our podcast, Everything is Going to Be Ok.