Hi Friend,
Yesterday, we talked about the "Umbrella"—how your different diagnoses are actually just branches of the same tree.
Today, I want to talk about the heaviest branch of that tree. The one that keeps you glued to the couch even when your brain wants to go, go, go.
The Fatigue.
And I don’t mean "I stayed up too late watching Netflix" tired.
I mean "my bones feel like lead and brushing my teeth feels like a marathon" tired.
If you have been diagnosed with ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), or even if you haven't, you probably know the cycle:
You have a "good day" (or a good hour).
You get excited and do the laundry/groceries/work.
You pay for it with a "Crash" that lasts for days.
Why does this happen?
For years, doctors told us this was "deconditioning." They told us to exercise more. They were wrong.
Newer research into ME/CFS points to the Mitochondria—the tiny batteries inside your cells.
In a healthy person, when they move, their mitochondria churn out energy (ATP).
In us? When we push past our limit, our mitochondria essentially "short circuit." Instead of energy, they produce lactic acid and oxidative stress.
Think of it like a broken phone charger.
You can plug your phone in (sleep), but if the wire is frayed (mitochondrial dysfunction), it never actually hits 100%. You wake up at 10%, trying to run a 100% life.
The Lesson: You are not lazy. You are driving a car with a broken fuel line. The most radical thing you can do right now is stop apologising for resting.
My 1-1 appts are open, for all those who have asked, if no appts available it means they have been booked. I release new dates weekly, please check availability and book here.
But here is the million-dollar question:
If the cells are struggling to make energy... why does it hurt? What can you do to get more energy? Why does low energy turn into physical pain?
Tomorrow, I’m going to explain why your body feels like a giant bruise. Check your inbox—you won't want to miss this one.
Stay well
