Treat Inflammation To Beat Fatigue
According to Dr. Ananthakrishnan, if youre feeling tired its important that inflammation in your body is being effectively treated. During a flare, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining to the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to inflammationand this is why you can feel exhausted. According to the Crohns & Colitis Foundation, chemical signals produced during inflammation can directly act on the brain to cause tiredness and a lack of energy. So treating inflammation flares with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or other therapies is a top priority. Talk to your doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Measurement Tools In Fatigue Research
The lack of consensus over a suitable definition of fatigue has led to difficulties in adopting measurement tools for diagnosis and quantification. Hjollund et al. found over 252 different patient self-report scales in a systematic review of published literature between 1975 and 2004. The plethora of scales itself implies the lack of objective constructs or consensus in measuring fatigue. Nevertheless, several scales have been applied to multiple populations with various chronic medical conditions.
What You Can Do To Manage Ibs And Fatigue At Home
There are also some things that you can do at home to manage IBS and fatigue.
- Try a Low FODMAP Diet: Following a low-FODMAP diet is incredibly helpful for reducing IBS symptoms. Basically, its an elimination diet that involves removing high FODMAP foods from the diet and then reintroducing them slowly to determine which ones are contributing to your symptoms.
High FODMAP foods are foods that contain certain short-chain fatty acids that are difficult to digest, leading to diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating. These include things like wheat, dairy, beans, and certain fruits and vegetables.
Our team can walk you through the entire process of getting started with a Low-FODMAP diet.
- Reduce Stress and Support Vagus Nerve Function: Dysfunctions in the vagus nerve are often caused by stress, fatigue, anxiety, and overwhelm. Of course, you cant always avoid the things that cause you stress, but you can try to find healthy ways to manage it.
Deep breathing, cold showers, meditation, and yoga are effective ways to manage stress and stimulate the vagus nerve. Exercise is also important for stimulating digestion and reducing stress, which also supports vagus nerve function.
Taking time for rest and self-care and the activities you enjoy can also make a huge difference. Your eating habits can also play a role in activating the vagus nerve. Try to eat slowly and mindfully and chew your food carefully without rushing.
Recommended Reading: Copper Anti Fatigue Foot Sleeves
Treating Crohns Disease Fatigue
Crohns disease treatments focus on lowering inflammation and disease activity. Since inflammation contributes to fatigue, effectively managing symptoms may help to reduce or eliminate fatigue for some people with Crohns.
Some other ways you can manage fatigue include:
As you work to manage fatigue, its important to be patient. Its possible that you may need to try multiple strategies or different combinations of strategies to help lower fatigue.
Check If You Have Anaemia Or Nutrient Deficiencies
If your disease is under control, the next step may be to check your bloods for anaemia or low levels of nutrients. However, not all nutrients can be tested easily. Your doctor may check your iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, magnesium and calcium levels.
Try to ask your healthcare team what they are testing for. It may be helpful to keep a note of your results so you can compare them in the future. Even if all your bloods are ok, it may help to feel involved in your care and to know the numbers. You can use our appointments journal to help with this.
If you have iron deficiency anaemia then you may be given a top up either with tablets or through a drip, which often helps fatigue. However, people who do not have anaemia but do have low iron stores usually do not get benefit in fatigue levels after having iron replacement. Vitamin B12 and folate are also used to treat some types of anaemia. In more severe cases, a blood transfusion may be needed to treat your anaemia.
Topping up your vitamin D may help your fatigue, but there is not much evidence for this There is some evidence suggesting that high dose thiamine may help reduce fatigue in people with Crohns and Colitis. But more research is needed before this can become a routine treatment.
Don’t Miss: What Can Cause Extreme Fatigue In The Elderly
Treating Ibs And Fatigue With Functional Medicine
Conventional doctors will typically treat IBS and fatigue with drugs to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and anti-diarrheal medications.
While we may include some of these medications in a functional medicine treatment plan to address each patients specific condition, we will also seek to address the underlying cause of these conditions to minimize or even reverse the symptoms and provide long-term relief.
Our treatment plan may include supplementing with hydrochloric acid, a digestive enzyme used to break down protein. We may also recommend antimicrobial herbs or specialized antibiotics to correct imbalances in the gut. Strategies for repopulating your microbiome with healthy bacteria via supplementation with probiotics and butyrate and/or the use of probiotic foods as tolerated may also be recommended.
Other treatment options may include:
Exercise Combats Uc Fatigue Too
We get it: Feeling tired makes the sofa all the more appealing. But dont take this lying down: Try a brisk walk around the block instead. Why? Incorporating even moderate regular physical activity into your daily routine can reduce fatigue, Dr. Ananthakrishnan says. Research backs him up: A 2020 review article in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, found that recreational exercise decreases the risk of flares and fatigue in people with IBDs. A different 2020 study reports that a 12-week personalized exercise program not only improved fatigue levels in folks with IBD, but also improved overall quality of life.
Also Check: Green Anti Fatigue Kitchen Mat
Support Your Gut Biome
The gut microbiome is a complex and important ecosystem, and disruptions to this delicate balance can contribute to more symptoms and inflammation.
IBD is associated with gut dysbiosis or an imbalance in the guts ratio of good to bad bacteria. This imbalance can lead to the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to fatigue and other symptoms.
While there are still many unknowns about the connection of the microbiome to IBD, we know way more than ever about the impact of quality nutrition care for IBD in:
- Helping reduce risk of flare
- Helping improve energy
- Helping correct nutrient deficiencies linked with inflammation
- Helping correct nutrient deficiencies that cause fatigue
While there is no cure for IBD, dietary changes can help to improve symptoms significantly and reduce your risk of flaring. Slowly increasing plants into the diet can help support the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. In addition, avoiding trigger foods may also help reduce symptoms.
Does Ibs Cause Fatigue
According to a systematic study published by The World Journal of Gastroenterology, fatigue is a common symptom of IBS. We also see the connection between IBS and fatigue in our patients every day. One reason is that IBS is often accompanied by nutrient deficiencies that can leave you feeling wrung out and just generally unwell.
For example, the bad bacteria in your gut love vitamin B12, which is an essential nutrient for energy and metabolism. When the microbiome is out of balance, as it often is with IBS, the bad bacteria in your gut are consuming your vitamin B12 before your body has a chance to use it, leaving you feeling chronically tired.
Another example is vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin connected to energy and immunity. Bile is an enzyme produced by your liver and stored in your gallbladder and used to absorb fats. Unfortunately, bad bacteria also like to eat bile, which leaves you unable to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D, E, and A.
And lets not forget that stress is a major contributing factor in IBS. Chronic stress can also leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, so theres a connection there as well.
Don’t Miss: Nosebleeds Dizziness Headaches Extreme Fatigue
Discuss Medications With Your Provider
Antidepressants and narcotics are often prescribed for IBD patients but they can also cause lethargy and drowsiness.
If you are taking these medications and experiencing fatigue, talk to your provider about alternative options. In some cases, a change in medication can make a big difference. By working with your provider, you can find a treatment plan that works for you.
Contributors To Fatigue In Crohns Disease
There are several factors that can potentially contribute to fatigue in a person with Crohns disease. Many of these stem from the complications of Crohns or other effects it has on your body, according to the .
These include:
- Inflammation.Inflammation is associated with increases in proteins called cytokines. The effects of cytokines can cause fatigue, which can also help explain why fatigue can worsen during a Crohns flare.
- Anemia. Some people with Crohns have anemia, which means a low red blood cell count. One of the main symptoms of anemia is fatigue. Anemia can happen due to bleeding in the digestive tract or deficiencies in specific nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, or folate.
- Nutrient deficiencies. The effects of Crohns disease on the intestines can mean that nutrients arent well absorbed in general. This is called malabsorption. Not getting enough nutrients in your diet can cause fatigue.
- Sleep disturbances. People with Crohns disease can experience disrupted sleep, particularly during a flare when symptoms worsen. Frequently poor sleep results in fatigue.
- Emotional stress. Coping with a chronic condition like Crohns disease can be stressful and even lead to depression. Increased stress levels or being in a depressed state can cause fatigue.
- Medication side effects. Crohns disease is typically treated with medication. Certain medications have fatigue as a side effect.
- having anxiety or depression
People who are experiencing fatigue can have:
For example:
You May Like: B Complex For Adrenal Fatigue
Make Quality Sleep A Priority
There are many reasons that you may not be getting the rest you need, and your ulcerative colitis may be one of them. In fact, those with UC appear to experience worse quality of sleep in general, even when theyre in remission, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. However, when it comes to reducing inflammation, good, consistent sleep is your goal. Even a single night of getting just four hours of shuteye has been shown to increase inflammation. When youre short on ZZZs, try these smart UC sleep tips to send you into slumberland.
Other Signs And Symptoms Of Ibs
Other common signs and frequent symptoms of IBS are:
- Lower abdominal pain and cramping due to excessive gut muscle contractions to produce a bowel movement.
- Weight loss and nutrient deficiencies are common in patients suffering from extreme diarrhea.
- Excessive gas, bloating, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by an overload of bad bacteria in the gut.
- Diarrhea and constipation are caused by abnormal gut contractions due to disrupted communication between the gut and brain.
- Sensitivity to FODMAP foods, a type of carbohydrate that causes gut inflammation and irritation. High FODMAP foods include nuts, legumes, avocados, onions, and garlic.
- Joint pain due to excessive inflammation throughout the body.
- Psychological distress caused by the physical symptoms of IBS. Incidentally, feeling stressed also worsens the symptoms.
- Brain fog, confusion, poor judgment, and difficulty concentrating are most likely related to stress, fatigue, and other physical symptoms.
You May Like: Why Do I Feel Fatigue After Eating
The Connection Between Your Microbiome And Ibs
In functional medicine, we recognize that patients with IBS have an imbalance in the microbiome. But what is the microbiome and how does it become imbalanced?
The human microbiome is a community of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that live primarily in the gut. Many of these microorganisms are beneficial and have important jobs to do. But some can actually be quite harmful if theyre not kept under control.
Imbalances in the microbiome can be caused by poor intestinal motility, repeated use of antibiotics, poor diet, stress, and other factors. This imbalance can lead to conditions like small intestinal bacteria overgrowth and leaky gut. These imbalances are also responsible for triggering classic IBS symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, gas, abdominal pain, and constipation.
What Causes Fatigue In Ibd Patients
- Inflammation: The bodys response to inflammation may cause fatigue. Chemical signals produced during inflammation directly act on the brain to cause tiredness and lack of energy.
- Anemia: IBD patients with anemia do not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues which can make you feel tired and weak.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Low iron as well as Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can also be linked to weakness and fatigue.4 Learn more about Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation.
- Medication side-effects: Fatigue can be a direct medication-related adverse effect . Steroids are also associated with an increase in energy and/or insomnia. Antidepressants and narcotics, commonly prescribed, can be associated with lethargy
- Arthritis: Pain and inflammation of the joints leads to fatigue
- Poor sleep: Sleep may be interrupted by symptoms and anxiety.
- References
-
1. Jelsness-Jorgensen LP, et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2011 17:1564-1572
2. Grimstad T, et al. J Crohns Colitis. 2015 9:725-730
3. Borren NZ, et al. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 16:247-259
4. Gasche C, et al. Gut. 2004 53:1190-1197.
- Pain and Fatigue
Don’t Miss: What Causes Fatigue And Headaches
Reasons You May Be Experiencing Crohns
Quality sleep is important for keeping Crohns disease under control. A study published in February 2020 in Scientific Reports found people with active Crohns disease reported getting less sleep than people without the disease or those whose disease was in remission. Another study, published in December 2019 in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, observed that sleep disturbances can lead to worse outcomes for Crohns patients and that poor sleep quality is associated with disease activity.
You may also have fatigue from a variety of sleep- and non-sleep-related issues, including:
Increased Gut Permeability And Bacterial Translocation In Me/cfs Patients
Another reason for increased intestinal permeability might come from the increased by-products of the amino acid fermentation to produce SCFA , as discussed below.
Bacterial translocation could also be important concerning PEM. Shukla and co-workers examined this connection in a small study by observing phenotype characteristics, post-exertion malaise and microbiome changes 15 minutes, 48 and 72 hours after a maximal exercise test. Besides the expected large changes in pain, fatigue and confusion, interestingly also the relative abundance of the intestinal microbiota changed differentially than in the control group. Following exercise, the genus Clostridium was increased in the blood fifteen minutes later and abundances of Bacilli were significantly higher 48 hours later, which might be due to increased post-exertional bacterial translocation. The authors also pointed out that researchers should rather focus on the post-exertional changes in intestinal composition, than on the dysbiosis itself .
You May Like: Ways To Help Adrenal Fatigue
Proteomics And Inflammatory Cytokine Analysis
A total of 131 serum samples were analyzed for 184 proteins. Levels of cytokines associated with inflammation, such as interleukin -6, were undetectable or low in patients with fatigue compared with control subjects.
IL-12B, IL-7, NBL1 and IL-12 were significantly associated with fatigue on multivariable analysis but not multiple hypothesis testing. Thus, persistent fatigue in quiescent disease is not likely to be due primarily to systemic inflammation.
Key Points About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by profound tiredness.
- Symptoms often worsen with physical or mental activity.
- In addition to severe fatigue, symptoms include light sensitivity, headache, muscle and joint pain, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and depression.
- Treatments may include medicines, exercise, supplements, and counseling.
Also Check: Best Herbs For Adrenal Fatigue
Ways To Fight Fatigue From Ulcerative Colitis
by Health Writer
If youre living with ulcerative colitis and also battle chronic fatigue, know this: Youre definitely not alone. This inflammatory bowel disorder affects 600,000 to 900,000 people in the U.S. It can leave you feeling like you lack energy, strength, concentration, alertness, and even motivationor some combination of all of those things. However, there are simple things you can introduce into your routine to help get ahead of fatigue. Here, some top experts share tips for how to fight backstarting with an understanding of why fatigue is so common with this condition.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is characterized by unexplained, persistent fatigue that doesnt go away with rest. People with CFS arent just tired all the time, they generally feel unwell after even mild physical activity. They often experience muscle and joint pain, along with headaches, sore throat, and tenderness in the lymph nodes. Insomnia and poor memory are also common symptoms of CFS.
Many diseases and conditions, such as fibromyalgia, colon cancer, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBD can have similar symptoms to CFS. While theres no specific medical test or procedure to confirm a diagnosis of CFS, our team uses your symptoms and specialized diagnostic testing to confirm the underlying cause and recommend treatment options.
You May Like: How Long Does Fatigue Last After A Concussion
