Summer is a season of sunshine, adventure, and long-awaited freedom. But if you’re dragging through the day, saying no to plans, or needing caffeine just to function—something’s not right.
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we believe fatigue isn’t a condition to “push through” or chalk up to being busy. It’s your body’s way of signaling a deeper imbalance—and that message is worth listening to.
If you’re feeling tired all the time, despite sleeping reasonably well or trying to eat healthy, this blog is for you. Let’s dive into the real reasons behind chronic fatigue and how to naturally reclaim your energy this summer—and beyond.
Why You’re Tired—Even When You’re “Doing Everything Right”
So many of our patients arrive saying, “I’ve done the labs. My doctor said everything is fine. But I still feel exhausted.”
This disconnect is common—and frustrating. The truth is, traditional medicine often misses the root cause of fatigue. Standard lab ranges are broad, symptoms are often dismissed, and the only recommendations tend to be more sleep or antidepressants.
In functional medicine, we approach fatigue differently. We ask, “Why is your body tired?” And more importantly: “What’s blocking your energy production?”
Common Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue
Here are six of the most common underlying causes of persistent fatigue that we assess in our practice:
1. Adrenal Dysfunction (a.k.a. HPA Axis Dysregulation)
If you’re waking up tired, crashing in the afternoon, or feeling “tired but wired” at night, your stress response system (HPA axis) may be out of sync. Chronic stress—emotional, physical, or chemical—can burn out your cortisol rhythm, leaving you depleted.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
You can’t make energy without raw materials. Common deficiencies that tank energy include:
- B12
- Iron (especially in menstruating women)
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- CoQ10
Low levels often don’t show up on basic labs. Functional testing can catch subtler imbalances before they become extreme.
3. Thyroid Imbalances
Suboptimal thyroid function is a major contributor to fatigue—especially in women. Even if your TSH is “normal,” you could still be struggling with:
- Low free T3
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s)
- Poor T4-to-T3 conversion
We run complete thyroid panels to get the full picture.
4. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Your cells produce energy (ATP) in the mitochondria. But environmental toxins, infections, and inflammation can impair that process. If your mitochondria are sluggish, you will feel sluggish too—no matter how much you sleep.
5. Blood Sugar Imbalance
Frequent dips and spikes in blood sugar can leave you feeling anxious, shaky, tired, or irritable. If you skip meals, rely on caffeine and carbs, or experience intense cravings, your fatigue may be tied to glucose instability.
6. Gut Health Issues
An imbalanced gut can interfere with nutrient absorption, immune function, and even hormone production. Fatigue is often one of the first signs of:
- Leaky gut
- Candida overgrowth
- Food sensitivities
- Chronic inflammation
Functional Testing: Going Beyond “Normal”
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we don’t guess—we test. That’s what sets functional medicine apart.
When it comes to fatigue, we often recommend:
- Comprehensive blood work (including nutrients, thyroid, inflammation markers)
- Adrenal saliva or DUTCH hormone testing
- GI-MAP stool testing for gut health
- Organic acids testing for mitochondrial and toxin overload insight
With the right data, we can create a truly personalized path to healing—not a one-size-fits-all suggestion to “get more sleep.”
The Summer Connection: Why Fatigue Can Worsen in Warmer Months
You might expect summer to be the season of highest energy. But for many people, it’s the opposite.
Here’s why:
- Heat drains energy: If you’re already depleted, the extra strain from hot weather can leave you wiped.
- Disrupted routines: Vacations, late nights, and social events throw off sleep, nutrition, and hydration.
- Increased toxins: More sunscreen, bug spray, processed BBQ food, and alcohol can raise your toxic load, further stressing the liver and mitochondria.
If your system was already struggling, summer may push it over the edge.
How to Reclaim Your Energy Naturally
Ready to feel like you again? Here’s where to start:
1. Balance Your Blood Sugar
Focus on meals with:
- Clean protein (chicken, eggs, fish)
- Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil)
- Fiber-rich veggies
Avoid skipping meals or relying on caffeine + carbs. Stable blood sugar = more stable energy.
2. Support Your Adrenals
Your adrenals love:
- A consistent sleep schedule
- Early daylight exposure
- Gentle movement (like walking or yoga)
- Adaptogenic herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola—ask us which are right for you)
And most importantly, stress reduction isn’t optional—it’s medicine.
3. Rebuild with Nutrients
Based on testing, we often supplement key nutrients like:
- Methylated B12 and folate
- Magnesium glycinate
- Iron (if deficient)
- Vitamin D3 + K2
Food is the foundation—but strategic supplements can speed healing.
4. Hydrate Smarter
Fatigue can also be simple dehydration—especially in Colorado summers. Add electrolytes (without added sugar) to support cellular energy, especially if you’re outside often.
5. Get Quality Sleep
Quantity is good—quality is better. Make your room cool, dark, and tech-free. Prioritize getting to bed before 10:30 PM and avoid blue light 1–2 hours before bed.
6. Test, Don’t Guess
If you’ve tried everything and still feel tired, it’s time for a deeper look. Our functional testing reveals imbalances that typical doctors often overlook.
You deserve answers—and we’re here to help you find them.
Real Patient, Real Results: “I Got My Life Back”
One of our patients, a 38-year-old teacher and mom of two, came to us exhausted. Her labs from her primary care were “normal,” but she was barely functioning.
Through functional testing, we uncovered:
- Low free T3 thyroid hormone
- Adrenal fatigue with a reversed cortisol curve
- B12 and magnesium deficiencies
- Gut dysbiosis from past antibiotic use
After 3 months of targeted support, her energy returned. She was able to resume workouts, plan family trips, and feel present again—instead of just surviving.
You Weren’t Made to Run on Empty
You’re not lazy. You’re not crazy. And you don’t have to settle for just “getting through the day.”
At Functional Healing with Dr. Tara, we help you reconnect with your body, get real answers, and create a plan that works with your life—not against it.
This summer, give yourself the gift of energy, clarity, and vitality. Let’s get to the root of your fatigue—so you can finally feel like yourself again. Make an appointment today!
