Fatigue and Autoimmune Disease: How to Get Your Energy Back
Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). So why does lupus make you tired? Or why do you suffer from fatigue and RA? It’s usually because the mitochondria are not working well. The mitochondria just can’t keep up with making enough energy to fuel your body, which is why chronic fatigue is so common in autoimmune patients.
Mitochondria are your body’s batteries. They’re found in each of your cells and their main responsibility is to make ATP, your body’s main energy source. If your mitochondria aren’t working their best, you run out of steam just like your cell phone when it runs out of battery.
A lot of the symptoms that people have in autoimmunity can be traced back to mitochondrial issues. In fact, according to research, defective mitochondria might even be the main cause of autoimmune disease. A build-up of defective mitochondria in mice led to a condition that resembled Sjogren’s syndrome. Normally, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) stays within the mitochondria. However, when cells are under stress, the mtDNA can be released into the cell. This can trigger an overactive immune response, like the one that occurs in autoimmune disease.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the factors that cause the mitochondria to break down and what you can do to recharge these cellular batteries. By doing so, you’ll feel a lot better and your autoimmune disease symptoms will improve.
Blood Sugar and the Mitochondria
We need well-tuned blood sugar metabolism so that glucose can get into the mitochondria and turn into energy, or ATP. On the flip side of blood sugar control, mitochondria are also required to make insulin. If the mitochondria in the cells of the pancreas—the place where insulin in produced—aren’t working like they should, diabetes can be the result. Support your blood sugar and your mitochondria with a healthy diet of whole foods, very low in packaged and processed foods, and avoid soda, sugar, and sweets completely.
Blood Flow and Circulation
We need good blood flow to get oxygen and nutrients to the cells so that the mitochondria can function. Lack of oxygen and poor circulation are big problems for a lot of autoimmune patients. When you’re really tired and you’re in pain, the last thing you want to do is move. So you become more sedentary, and then that’s going to decrease your circulation, blood flow, and oxygen levels. Lack of circulation and inactivity can be big contributing factors to mitochondrial problems in people with autoimmune disease.
You can actually make more mitochondria by exercising. For that reason, we recommend keeping your body moving even when you are in pain, trying to move just a little bit up to your tolerance level. I’ll even suggest to people who are in chronic pain, or who are really tired, to set simple activity goals. For example, go to the mailbox every day, or go up and down a flight of stairs, or walk around their living room. Whatever you can do that’s not going to wipe you out.
Not Getting Enough Vitamins and Minerals
Nutrients are critical for mitochondria to function. If you’re deficient in certain nutrients, the mitochondria can’t do their jobs. Even if you’re eating a really good diet, you may not be getting the nutrients you need.
If you’re having a lot of digestive issues, you’re probably not digesting your food well. That means you aren’t getting enough vital nutrients from your diet. If you have acid reflux or low enzyme levels, you might not be absorbing nutrients. Making sure you’re well-nourished and that your digestion works well can make a big difference for your mitochondria.
Poor Detox Pathways
We are all exposed to toxins every day. Unfortunately, toxins harm the mitochondria. We need to make sure detox pathways are working efficiently so that mitochondria are not damaged. Methylation is one of those pathways. It needs to work well to make the antioxidant glutathione, which helps with detox.
Methylation is a chemical reaction in the body. During this reaction, a molecule known as a methyl group pairs with DNA, proteins, or other molecules to affect how they act in the body. It becomes a Catch-22 situation: while methylation helps detoxify the body, toxins also can get in the way of good methylation, which prevents harmful substances from leaving your body.
Mold and Other Infections
If you have an infection or mold toxicity, these can wreak havoc on the mitochondria. Just think about how your energy tanks when you are sick. Infections in the gastrointestinal tract, sinuses, or mouth can take a toll on the body’s energy pathways. Viruses can wear down mitochondria. If you live in a water-damaged building, you might be exposed to mold without realizing it, which can take a toll on your cellular energy. Consequently, it’s worth working with a functional medicine provider, who can order tests to find out if an infection or mold toxicity is to blame.
Best Mitochondria Supplements
I like MitoCORE® by Ortho Molecular Products as a mitochondria ATP supplement. It’s like a multivitamin that’s formulated to support mitochondrial health. It includes mitochondria-support nutrients like N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, and acetyl L-carnitine as well as important micronutrients that may be deficient in people with mitochondrial issues.
Methylation-support supplements such as B vitamins are also important to make sure your body is detoxifying properly.
Lifestyle-Related Mitochondrial Rejuvenators
Taking care of digestive issues, treating mold and other infections, exercising to the best of your abilities, and stabilizing blood sugar are all ways to support your mitochondria. A functional medicine provider can help you find individualized solutions to these problems. To stabilize blood sugar, we also recommend a continuous glucose monitor.
Getting Rid of Autoimmune Disease Fatigue
Unhealthy mitochondria can be at the root of autoimmune disease. At the Caplan Health Institute, we can help you heal your mitochondria, replenish your energy levels, and help to reverse autoimmune disease. The first step? Schedule a free 15-minute discovery consultation, by phone or video. Once you come on board as a practice member, we’ll order the right tests to pinpoint which factors are contributing to your autoimmune disease fatigue and suggest the lifestyle approaches that will have the best results. We also can recommend the best mitochondria health supplements for you. Ultimately, you’ll walk away with improved energy and vitality.
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