Chronic Fatigue & Low Energy Support in Johnson City, TN

Overview

Understanding Chronic Fatigue

Feeling tired after a busy week is normal. Feeling exhausted for weeks or months, even after rest, is not something you should simply accept. Persistent fatigue can make it hard to exercise, work and enjoy daily life, and some people notice they get sick more easily or take longer to recover.

Fatigue has many possible causes, including sleep problems, thyroid disorders, anemia, chronic illness, hormone changes, depression, medications and long-term stress. That is why a careful medical evaluation is the first step.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a recognized medical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. It is different from everyday tiredness and from the term "adrenal fatigue" described below.

Supportive and adjunctive care alongside conventional medical treatment.

Cortisol, Stress and "Adrenal Fatigue"

The adrenal glands are small glands above the kidneys. They make several important hormones, including cortisol, DHEA, and small amounts of sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. These hormones help regulate the stress response, energy, metabolism and overall health.

"Adrenal fatigue" is a term some people use to describe a group of symptoms that may appear during long periods of stress, illness or pressure. It is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by major medical organizations such as the Endocrine Society. Even so, the link between ongoing stress, hormones and energy is a real area of interest, and it is worth discussing with a physician.

The Role of Cortisol

Cortisol is often called the "stress hormone." It helps the body respond to stress by supporting energy production, regulating inflammation and maintaining balance during physical or emotional challenges. It also plays a role in metabolism and immune function.

Cortisol levels that are too high or too low can affect how the body handles ongoing stress or illness. Some people under long-term stress report:

• Feeling unusually tired even after rest
• Difficulty recovering from exercise
• Getting sick more often or recovering more slowly
• A general lack of energy or motivation

Common Signs People Report

People who describe stress-related fatigue often mention:

• Persistent tiredness without a clear cause
• Feeling frequently overwhelmed or stressed
• Slow recovery from illness or physical stress
• Trouble waking up or feeling sluggish in the morning

These experiences are shared by many different conditions, so on their own they cannot tell you what is causing your fatigue.

Ways to Support Your Energy

These general strategies may help support overall well-being. They are not a substitute for a medical evaluation.

1. Lifestyle

• Make time for stress management, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness or activities you enjoy
• Keep a regular sleep schedule and get enough rest
• Add gentle, paced activity that stays within your energy limits; if you have ME/CFS, plan any activity with your physician, since overexertion can worsen symptoms.

2. Diet and Nutrition

• Eat a balanced diet with whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals
• Limit highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates
• Eat regular meals to help keep your energy steady through the day

Learn more about how digestion affects overall health on our Gut Health & Functional Medicine page.

3. Nutritional Supplements

Some people consider supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins (including B6, niacin and pantothenic acid), magnesium or zinc. Evidence for supplements in fatigue is limited and mixed.

Who This May Be Appropriate For

This service may be appropriate for:

• Adults who have felt tired or run down for weeks or months, even after rest
• People who want a careful look at how stress, sleep, hormones and nutrition may relate to their energy
• Those looking for a physician-led evaluation of ongoing fatigue that works alongside their primary care
• Adults with a physician diagnosis of ME/CFS who want supportive, educational care that complements their current treatment
• People who prefer a personalized, whole-person approach to nutrition, sleep and stress guidance

A consultation with Dr. Akoury helps decide whether this service is a good fit for you. It is not a substitute for emergency care or for care from your specialists.

How AWAREmed Can Help

What to Expect at Your Visit

At AWAREmed, Dr. Akoury offers a physician-led, individualized assessment for people with ongoing fatigue. Your visit includes a full review of your medical history, symptoms, sleep, stress, nutrition and lifestyle. Dr. Akoury may recommend lab testing and will explain the findings in plain language.

Our Integrative Approach

Based on what she finds, she creates a personal, supportive plan that may include nutrition guidance, stress and sleep strategies, and, where appropriate, options such as hormone evaluation or IV nutrient therapy. Your care is coordinated with your primary and specialty physicians.

New to AWAREmed? See what to expect at your first visit.

Related reading: Living with chronic fatigue syndrome: a practical guide

Frequently Asked Questions