Why blood analysis is important for fatigue

Fatigue, everyone experiences it sooner or later. Sometimes long-term, sometimes occasional. The possible causes are legion. It is therefore important, especially when you experience long-term fatigue, to have your blood tested in time. Find out exactly what such a test involves, what causes exist and what you can do yourself in this blog.

Before we delve deeper into the possible causes that may underlie fatigue, it is important to point out that there are different types of fatigue existence. After all, when you have a clear understanding of what kind of fatigue you have, you can look for a more targeted effective solution. We distinguish two types of fatigue.

The most recognizable form of fatigue. Usually stems from physical exertion. Something that obviously needs to be nuanced. What is perceived as effort for one person may actually energize another. With physical fatigue, you usually suffer from things like muscle aches and headaches, and often need a lot of sleep. Keep in mind that physical fatigue can take you some time to recover completely. Besides physical labor, this fatigue can also be related to other things such as lack of sleep, stress, a lack of certain nutrients, fatigue after an infection or hormonal abnormalities. After all, hormones can also have a huge impact on your energy levels and thus steer your fitness in all directions. For example, a sluggish thyroid gland can cause your metabolism not to run properly or when there is an imbalance in estrogen, testosterone, melatonin, serotonin and cortisol, fatigue can also occur. A blood test here can provide insight into the functioning of your various organs and detect possible deficiencies or excesses.

Bottled-up emotions, unprocessed traumas, prolonged exposure to stress, high study or work pressure,… Mental fatigue can have numerous basic reasons. You can often recognize it by a decreased appetite, negative mindset or feeling tired and lifeless. Try not to ignore such symptoms and deal with them. If you don’t, chances are you will end up in a vicious cycle.

As previously cited, the possible explanations for fatigue are numerous. We list in advance some potential causes that may be at the root of it.

• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies: a deficiency of vitamin D, B12 or iron
• Hormonal and molecular abnormalities.: a slow-working thyroid gland, iron accumulation, diabetes,…
• Environmental factors and mental causes.: irregular sleeping pattern, overactivity, feelings of stress or anxiety, depression, use of certain drugs,…
• Autoimmune diseases and infections.: celiac disease, MS, muscle diseases, HIV, Lyme disease, hepatitis, cancer,…

Thus, fatigue can have several physical causes. It is therefore possible to find a blood analysis analysis to screen for the most common causes of physical fatigue that can be objectified in blood . But what should you expect from such a blood test and on which will all be tested? An overview of the main parameters being mapped.

White and red blood cells and platelets are analyzed. White blood cells are additionally differentiated. Impaired blood formation is a direct cause of fatigue and is itself caused by many underlying conditions. Thus, it is a good way to detect treatable diseases.

Do you tire easily, run out of breath easily or suffer from restless legs? If so, an iron deficiency could be one of the causes. After all, iron ensures the supply and removal of oxygen by the red blood cells through the production of hemoglobin. A deficiency could therefore be a possible explanation for fatigue.

Various minerals or vitamins also play a crucial role in the well-functioning of your body. In a blood test for fatigue, in addition to the minerals calcium and magnesium, we also test for a vitamin D deficiency. A deficiency causes symptoms such as feeling tired, lifeless and lousy. In addition, we also check the values for vitamin B12. These vitamins ensure, among other things, the production of red blood cells and proper functioning of the nervous system.

This is where it is determined if there is a slow-working thyroid gland. If so, not enough thyroid hormone is produced in your body which can cause fatigue, as well as other issues such as weight gain, muscle pain and even dry skin. A slow-working thyroid is more common in women than men and occurs more frequently as you age.

That infections can be a major impetus for fatigue is only natural. Your body is fighting a battle, a battle to fight the infection. Therefore, in most cases, the fatigue will disappear when the infection is over. However, sometimes post-viral fatigue may still be present. This panel screens for Lyme disease, CMV and EBV infections.

This examination also includes an analysis of blood sugar (blood glucose), or the amount of glucose in the blood. Diabetes (mellitus) or diabetes is a disease in which you have too much glucose in your blood and occurs when your body has become less sensitive to insulin or because your body does not make enough insulin itself. One of the symptoms of diabetes is fatigue.

Certain allergies or intolerances can also cause fatigue. After all, your body has to fight a battle against the allergens, something that takes a lot of energy.

Kidney and liver function are also checked in this blood test as a possible cause of fatigue and as a marker for certain diseases.

A blood test can provide definitive information about possible causes of your fatigue. However, there are some golden rules that can help you combat fatigue. So, better prevention than cure.

• Ensure good sleep hygiene – How many hours of sleep you need per night depends from person to person and is closely related to sleep cycles. One sleep cycle lasts 90 minutes. If you wake up within such a cycle, you are not yet rested. So maintaining a good and recurrent sleep pattern is important. Try to escape before bedtime, avoid bright light sources and make sure the bedroom is quiet.
• Ensure a healthy diet – A healthy diet involves sufficient variety and proper dosage. Try to eat enough fruits and vegetables, replace meat with fish. This way you get enough vitamins and minerals, both essential to avoid fatigue.
• Avoid certain beverages – Alcohol and caffeinated beverages and energy drinks are best avoided before bedtime. They disrupt your active/non-active system and will not help your sleep.
• Get plenty of exercise – Half an hour a day of exercise and exertion is enough to give yourself a good night’s sleep and consequently counteract impending fatigue. Energy assured!

Do you experience frequent or prolonged fatigue? Possibly there is more to it. Make an appointment quickly and easily for a non-prescription blood draw and gain insight into possible causes.