Chronic Fatigue: 5 Hidden Causes & 4 Steps for Natural Energy

Are you tired of being tired? Chronic fatigue is one of the most common health challenges people face today, and itʼs much more than just feeling run down after a long day. For many, fatigue becomes a constant companion—stealing joy, draining motivation, and making everyday life a struggle.

Medical literature recognizes chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as a serious disorder that affects multiple systems in the body. Yet too often, fatigue is dismissed or misdiagnosed.

Many people end up reaching for coffee, soda, or energy drinks just to keep going. But masking the symptoms with caffeine or stimulants never addresses the real problem.

The truth is, your body is trying to tell you something. Fatigue is a signal—a red light flashing that something deeper is going on. Through both research and lived experience, Iʼve learned that the root causes of fatigue are often linked to what I call the “Toxic Five.ˮ By addressing these hidden causes and following a simple four-step plan, you can restore your energy and reclaim the abundant life God designed for you.

What Is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is different from normal tiredness. We all feel wiped out after a poor night’s sleep, but true chronic fatigue doesn’t go away with rest. According to the CDC and NIH, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) is marked by extreme exhaustion lasting more than six months, often accompanied by brain fog, muscle weakness, and unrefreshing sleep.

The signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue often show up long before it becomes disabling, but many people dismiss the early warning signs. Symptoms can include persistent exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, brain fog and other cognitive issues, muscle and joint pain, frequent headaches, unrefreshing sleep, and difficulty concentrating. Some people also experience dizziness, weakened immunity, or flare-ups after even mild physical or mental activity.

Unfortunately, there’s no single test that makes it fool-proof to diagnose chronic fatigue. And it can be one of those things that creeps up on you slowly. If you’re struggling with these symptoms, eliminate the toxic five and following the steps outlined in this guide, might bring you improvement, even without an official diagnosis.

Fatigue is more than a nuisance with minor signs and symptoms. It can be a symptom of deeper imbalances like autoimmune conditions, hidden infections, toxin overload, or even autonomic nervous system dysfunction. When we normalize constant exhaustion, we ignore the body’s cries for help. God created our bodies with incredible warning systems. Fatigue is one of them. Instead of ignoring it or medicating it away, we need to listen.

The 5 Hidden Causes of Chronic Fatigue

We like to assign a reason to chronic fatigue… long COVID, adrenal gland burn out, or what have you. But we know that for While every person’s journey with fatigue is unique, research and clinical experience show that certain underlying triggers appear again and again. In our interview with Dr. Evan Hirsch, he called these root causes the “Toxic Five.” They are a group of hidden stressors that silently accumulate in the body over time.

Left unchecked, they disrupt hormones, drain cellular energy, and overwhelm the immune system. Understanding these five root causes gives us a roadmap for treatment options and healing. That helps replace fear with clarity and action.

1. Heavy Metals

Most of us don’t think twice about what’s in our teeth or on our dinner plate. But mercury from silver fillings, aluminum from cookware, or lead from contaminated water can silently build up in our systems. These heavy metals disrupt mitochondrial function which are the very powerhouses that generate your body’s energy.

Research has shown that chronic mercury exposure contributes to fatigue, memory problems, and immune issues. Iʼve seen countless people improve once these toxins are identified and gently removed. Even simple steps like limiting high-mercury fish (like tuna) and using a home water filter can make a difference.

2. Chemical Toxins

We live in a chemical soup. From plastics in food containers to pesticides sprayed on produce, to artificial additives in packaged foods, chemicals surround us every day. These substances may seem harmless in small doses, but over time they accumulate, disrupting hormones and bogging down cellular energy production.

Studies show persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors contribute to long- term fatigue, weight gain, pituitary gland imbalance, cognitive issues, and chronic disease. If you’ve ever microwaved food in plastic or eaten non-organic produce, you’ve been exposed.

The good news? You can start lowering your toxic load today by choosing organic when possible, storing leftovers in glass, and avoiding processed junk foods.

3. Mold Exposure

One of the most overlooked causes of fatigue is mold exposure. Mycotoxins from moldy homes, schools, or offices can suppress the immune system and trigger inflammation throughout the body. Many people live with chronic fatigue for years without realizing the culprit is hidden behind their walls.

Peer-reviewed studies confirm that mold-related illness is tied to brain fog, respiratory issues, and long-term fatigue. If you suspect mold, look for musty smells, water damage, or condensation in your living spaces. Getting to the root of mold can be challenging, but awareness is the first step toward recovery.

4. Chronic Infections

Sometimes fatigue lingers long after an infection has passed. Viruses like Epstein-Barr (EBV), bacteria like Lyme disease, or even parasites can stay dormant in the body, quietly sapping energy. Medical literature shows a strong link between post-infectious fatigue and conditions like CFS/ME.

If you’ve struggled with ongoing exhaustion after an illness, you may be dealing with one of these hidden infections. Supporting the immune system through proper nutrition, rest, and natural therapies can help your body fight back.

5. Nervous System Dysfunction

Finally, the nervous system itself can become a source of fatigue. Chronic stress, trauma, or imbalance in the autonomic nervous system keeps the body stuck in “fight or flight.ˮ Over time, this drains energy reserves and makes it difficult for the body to heal.

Research confirms that people with chronic fatigue often show abnormalities in neuroendocrine and nervous system regulation. But here’s the hope: practices like deep breathing, prayer, gratitude, and nervous system retraining can help restore balance.

4 Steps for Restoring Natural Energy

Knowing the hidden causes of chronic fatigue is only half the battle. The next step is learning how to address them in a safe and practical way. Healing doesnʼt happen by chance; it comes through intentional daily choices that support your bodyʼs God-given ability to recover. Thatʼs why Dr. Evan Hirsch developed a simple four-step process to help people move from exhaustion to lasting energy.

Step 1: Identify Root Causes

The first step is awareness. Through clinical physical examination, diagnostic tests, lifestyle review, and lab work when necessary, we can uncover both deficiencies and toxicities.

Some people may struggle with one major cause, while others are dealing with several at once. Individualized care is essential.

“The first step is to figure out the causes that they have. So for everybody, and then we’re basically gonna match it up with a treatment that actually works. So when we’re looking at these causes, we’re looking at the deficiencies and the toxicities.ˮ

~ Dr. Evan Hirsch in our Natural Living Family Podcast

This step is about discovery, not treatment. By mapping out your unique picture, including the Toxic Five, you can see clearly where your energy is being drained. Think of this as laying out the roadmap for your recovery journey to transform your quality of life.

Step 2: Replace Deficiencies

Before diving into detox, itʼs crucial to build resilience. That means making sure your body has what it needs to function at its best and rebuild metabolic function.

Sleep

Your body repairs, restores, and regenerates while you sleep, which is why seven to nine hours of quality rest each night is so important. A restful environment—dark, cool, and quiet—helps you enter deep, restorative stages of sleep. Protecting your bedtime routine, limiting screens before bed, using essential oils to assist in true rest, and keeping consistent sleep hours are simple yet powerful ways to recharge your energy.

Diet: Food & Water

The fuel you give your body directly impacts how much energy you have. Drinking two to three liters of pure, filtered water daily supports detox pathways, improves cellular energy, and keeps your systems running smoothly. Pair hydration with a whole-food diet rich in lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats to give your body the nutrients it needs.

Micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants play an essential role too, filling in the gaps where diet alone may fall short. That’s why we often focus on foods rich in bioactive ingredients.

Hormonal Balance

Your thyroid, adrenal glands, and sex hormones all regulate energy and metabolism. When these systems are depleted or imbalanced, fatigue can quickly take over. Identifying and addressing these deficiencies with the help of a healthcare professional can make a dramatic difference in how you feel. Restoring hormonal balance is often the missing piece in overcoming chronic fatigue and reclaiming your vitality.

By restoring what’s missing, you lay the foundation for healing.

Step 3: Open Detox Pathways

Once your body has the essentials it needs, the next step is to open the channels that allow toxins to leave. Think of your body like a rain barrel that can get stagnant, making you feel worse. By supporting the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and gut, you create pathways for toxins to drain gently and steadily, without overwhelming your system.

Liver Support

Your liver is your main detox organ, filtering toxins and processing waste every single day. You can support it naturally with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, along with herbs such as milk thistle. These foods encourage the liverʼs detox enzymes to function more efficiently, making it easier for your body to handle the toxic load.

Kidney and Gut Support

The kidneys and digestive tract also play critical roles in eliminating waste. Staying hydrated with pure, filtered water helps your kidneys flush toxins, while eating a fiber-rich diet keeps digestion moving and prevents toxins from being reabsorbed. Simple habits like drinking enough water and eating high-fiber vegetables daily can make a significant difference in how energized you feel.

Lymphatic Flow

The lymphatic system acts like your body’s drainage network, carrying waste and toxins away from tissues. Unlike the heart, it doesn’t have a pump so it relies on movement to flow. Gentle exercise, rebounding on a mini-trampoline, sweating through sauna therapy, and even whole-body vibration can all help stimulate lymphatic circulation. These practices not only support detox but also improve circulation and immunity.

Step 4: Remove the Toxic Five

With deficiencies replaced and detox pathways open, you’re ready to begin the deeper work removing your toxicities.

This step is where you actively address the Toxic Five:

• Heavy Metals – mercury, lead, aluminum, and other metals that damage mitochondria and drain energy.
• Chemical Toxins – pesticides, plastics, and pollutants that disrupt hormones and cellular function.
• Mold – hidden mycotoxins from water-damaged buildings that suppress immunity and cause inflammation.
• Chronic Infections – viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that linger and deplete energy reserves.
• Nervous System Dysfunction – stress, trauma, and autonomic imbalance that keep the body stuck in “fight or flight.ˮ

This may involve working with a practitioner on targeted therapies such as heavy metal chelation, mercury filling removal, mold remediation, or infection protocols. Remember this isnʼt a sprint, healing takes time.

The goal is sustainable progress, not perfection. By addressing these toxins at a pace your body can handle, you set yourself up for long-term energy and vitality.

Mindset Practices That Support Healing

Healing isn’t just physical. It’s also mental and spiritual. Studies show that gratitude, visualization, affirmations, and empowering questions can improve mood, resilience, and even physical outcomes in people with chronic fatigue.

Gratitude: A New Lens for the World

“Where gratitude lives, fear and anxiety cannot live.ˮ ~ Dr. Evan Hirsch

Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools God has given us for shifting our mindset and healing our hearts. Research shows that writing down just three things you’re thankful for each day can lower stress, improve mood, and even ease symptoms of fatigue. Gratitude changes the lens through which we see the world and reminds us of God’s goodness even when our circumstances are hard.

When you focus on gratitude, fear and anxiety lose their grip. Instead of worrying about whatʼs wrong, you begin to notice whatʼs right—your family, a warm meal, the beauty of creation, or simply the breath in your lungs. Gratitude grounds you in the present and reminds you that God is with you.

Start small: keep a journal by your bed and write down your blessings each night. In our post about self-love, we talk about keeping a gratitude journal. Over time, this simple practice will retrain your brain to look for Godʼs gifts in every moment.

Visualization: Imagine Your Ideal Day

The Bible tells us, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.ˮ (Proverbs 23:7). Visualization takes this principle and applies it in a practical way. Your brain doesn’t always distinguish between real experiences and vividly imagined ones, which means you can “practiceˮ health and joy in your mind and see real benefits in your body.

We know that words have power. Our mindset has power too. Studies have shown athletes who visualize training, perform just as well as those who physically train. Imagine what this can do for your healing journey. Spend a few minutes each morning picturing your ideal day.

Imagine waking up refreshed, moving through your morning with peace, and having the energy to engage fully with your loved ones.

Envision yourself healthy, vibrant, and full of life. As you visualize, invite the Holy Spirit into that space. See yourself walking in the abundant life God has promised, and let that vision inspire your daily choices.

Affirmations: Speak Life Over Yourself

Words are powerful. They can either build up or tear down. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.ˮ

Healing affirmations like these favorites, harness this truth by helping us speak life over ourselves, even when our feelings or circumstances don’t align.

For those struggling with fatigue, affirmations can help restore confidence, calm the nervous system, and reinforce God’s truth about who you are.

Start with simple statements like, “I am loved. I am safe. I am enough.ˮ Repeat them daily, out loud if possible. These affirmations remind your body and spirit that you are secure in God’s care.

Over time, affirmations replace negative self-talk with words of peace and hope. If you struggle to find the right words, borrow from Scripture with verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens meˮ (Philippians 4:13) are the ultimate affirmations.

Empowering Questions

Instead of asking, “Why am I so tired?ˮ ask, “What can I do today to take one step toward healing?ˮ The questions you ask yourself shape the answers your mind provides. If you ask, “Why am I so tired?ˮ your brain will list all the reasons you feel hopeless or broken.

But if you shift the question to, “What can I do today to take one step toward healing?ˮ your brain begins to look for solutions and opportunities. This small change in language can radically transform your outlook. If you’re wondering where to start asking yourself empowering questions each day just start small.

Try: “How can I love myself even more today?ˮ or “Whatʼs one choice I can make that will bring me closer to health?ˮ These questions redirect your focus toward progress instead of problems. They remind you that healing is a journey of daily steps, not giant leaps.

By aligning your thoughts with Godʼs truth and focusing on what you can do, you invite hope, creativity, and resilience into your healing process. The Bible reminds us: “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.ˮ (Proverbs 23:7). Your mindset is not a side note. Itʼs central to your healing journey.

Many people facing chronic illness find themselves asking, “Why me?ˮ But what if you reframed the question? Instead, ask, “What can I learn from this illness?ˮ

Scripture offers countless reminders that God is present in our struggles. Here are two favorites:

• “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.ˮ (Proverbs 17:22)
• “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.ˮ (Matthew 11:28)

Illness can become a spiritual journey. A time to grow closer to God, to let go of unhealthy patterns, and to embrace His design for wholeness. Studies confirm that faith and spirituality improve quality of life and resilience in chronic illness. When we root our healing in Him, we tap into strength far greater than our own.

Chronic fatigue doesnʼt have to define your life. By identifying hidden causes, replacing deficiencies, opening detox pathways, and addressing toxins gently, you can begin to restore your natural energy. Add in mindset practices and faith, and youʼll find the strength to take each step with hope.

Remember: You donʼt have to do everything perfectly. Healing happens one small, faithful step at a time. God has given your body the remarkable ability to heal under the right conditions. Start today with simple steps such as drinking pure water, giving thanks, taking a walk in nature for tree medicine, or spending time in prayer. Each choice brings you closer to the abundant life He has promised.

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