Post-viral fatigue is where you aren’t able to shake off the effects of having an illness such as a cold or the flu. It seems that with the current virus that is circulating some individuals are struggling to recover from the effects and has been given the label of long Covid. One day they feel better, try to function normally but then the symptoms return leaving them with no choice but to spend the next few days back in bed. If you are struggling to return to your normal level of health and energy levels in the weeks following the onset of the symptoms of coronavirus the most likely cause is that your immune system has been compromised and is now depleted. There are links between long term stress, fatigue and immunity, understanding these connections can be the starting point to rebuilding your immunity.
In such cases it is important to take a holistic approach. In my busy homeopathic practice, I have helped many people with low immunity and fatigue.
The connection of Stress, Fatigue, and Immunity
We live in a world of constantly being stimulated by texts, emails, phones calls from work, family and friends.
Every time you need to do something quickly or urgently your brain sends signals to your adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands immediately produce ‘stress’ hormones (adrenalin and cortisol) that make you want to rush around and get things done.
Our bodies were designed to do this occasionally but not 24/7.
We originated from being hunter-gatherers and in so many ways we have evolved and benefit from modern technology but when it comes to stress our bodies still respond in the same way.
When we were out hunting for food, if threatened we might have needed to act quickly to protect ourselves by either fighting or running away (the fight or flight response).
Today there seem to be so many demands on our time and deadlines to be met. Working long hours seems to be the norm.
The impact on our health is often:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Poor
Thus, if we are stressed over a long period of time, we become run down so that when we do catch a cold or flu it can take longer to recover.
Yes – there is a connection of Stress, Fatigue and Low Immunity
The pressure of work can take up a lot of energy and emotional stress is draining.
Then there are the issues at home, arguments, relationship breakups, friendship betrayal, family stress, divorce, abuse, bereavement and loss which can really affect your well-being.
Separating emotional and physical health is impossible.
When we are busy or stressed it can be hard to take care of ourselves.
Your favourite cup of coffee might replace a lunch. There is not enough time to eat the right food or get enough sleep.
A car needs fuel and oil to run efficiently. A bit like a car we need the right food and rest to function effectively.
The body starts to struggle when the fuel gauge is on empty and starts using any remaining resources to simply keep going.
When the resources are low the body can’t carry out essential ‘repairs’.
Guess what, that’s normally when we start to feel unwell and get sick.
We all catch a cold occasionally and usually feel better within a few days.
But if the cold drags on leaving you with a cough that lasts for weeks, your immunity if is low.
Likewise, one virus or infection can follow another and that’s when your body is telling you that your immune system is struggling.
Getting an infection, such as a UTI that requires treatment with antibiotics, can have a negative effect on your natural gut microbiome.
This can contribute to digestive issues or even thrush which is another sign of low immunity.
If you continually feel fatigued, your hormones might not be happy possibly contributing to weight gain, over time you might have noticed that you have experienced hair loss.
Simple ways to help reduce short-term fatigue
Here are 4 simple steps that make a difference quickly:
- Pay attention to your sleep routine.
- Try to simplify your life. What can you say no to.
- Eat more fresh food to support your gut microbiome.
- Spend time outside in nature.
My Approach
My approach to low immunity includes homeopathy and botanical remedies.
Good nutrition is vital and encourage the consumption of seasonal fresh food. Supplements and vitamins can be useful.
Deficiencies in nutrients such vitamin D3, B vitamins or iron can be underlying causes of fatigue. Therefore, I will always look at diet and nutrition.
Stress can deplete the body of magnesium. Indicators of magnesium deficiency can be painful periods, insomnia, muscle tension and migraines.
Medical drugs and antibiotics, prescribed by your GP, can have impact on your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, and this does include the pill
Post-viral fatigue can contribute to chronic fatigue particularly when stress is a contributing factor over a long period of time.
When treating chronic fatigue it is important to look for underlying causes, especially emotional stress, including grief and trauma.
We are all different and to rebuild immunity and resilience to stress you need to look at a person holistically.
Remember – our bodies are amazing!
We have incredible powers of resilience
The body knows how to heal itself
We are born with a strong or weak constitution
But we can strengthen or weaken what we were born with
If you are affected by any of the issues that I have touched on and would like to find out more please get in touch by completing the contact form or giving me a call on 07709 227779. I know how important it is to find the right person to work with. That’s why I offer a free 30-minute call to help you find out. I look forward to hearing from you.
Natural Solutions for a Healthier You. Finding Balance, Feeling Better, Living More.