Malabsorption is an indirect cause of tiredness.
Other common indicators of malabsorption will depend on whether there is a
general malabsorption problem or a specific nutrient that is the problem:
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gas, bloating and symptoms of leaky gut syndrome
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chronic diarrhea, espcially if there is a problem
with lactose
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general nutrient deficiencies that lead to poor
immunity (increased colds, infections, flu); unhealthy hair, skin and nails;
and general tiredness and weakness
What is malabsorption and why does it lead to
tiredness?
Malabsorption is a general term used to describe
the inability to absorb nutrients from the food you eat. There may be a
problem with a specific nutrient or a generalised malabsorption of food.
Malabsorption leads to tiredness mainly because of the nutrient deficiencies
that develop. The most common nutrient deficiencies that contribute to
tiredness include iron, B12 and folic acid (deficiencies of these nutrients
are referred to as anemia). Others nutrient deficiencies that lead to
tiredness include zinc, magnesium and chromium. See nutrient
deficiencies.
There are many symptoms of
malabsorption. Sometimes they are obvious, such as a re-occuring deficiency of
a vitamin or mineral. Common examples include iron and zinc as their levels
are easily measured. Other times, symptoms are caused by the un-absorbable
nutrient. For example, lactose intolerance often results in diarrhoea,
cramping, bloating and flatulence. The presence of lactose in the gut causes
these symptoms as it passes through unabsorbed. Once it has been excreted, the
symptoms stop.
There are a number of reasons for malabsorption to
occur -
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The gut wall is 'leaky', allowing large particles
of undigested food to pass through. See leaky
gut syndrome.
-
Food passes through the digestive tract too
rapidly for proper breakdown and absorption before being excreted. This
happens with chronic diarrhea.
-
Reduced digestive enzymes and juices that are
needed to extract the nutrients from your food.
-
The intestinal wall is damaged and this reduces
the ability for the small intestine to absorb nutrients. This may be due to an
inflammatory bowel condition such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis.
Now you know a bit more about malabsorption and
the role it may be playing in the tiredness you are experiencing.
So, what can you do about it?
-
Did you know that there are tests to determine
whether you have malabsorption, as well as what's causing it?
-
Did you know that there are simple tests to
determine whether or not you have nutrient deficiencies and which ones?
-
Did you know that herbal medicine, certain
supplements and foods can repair the intestinal wall as well as improve many
conditions that cause malabsorption?
You can find out all about these tests and
remedies as well as a full list of the symptoms linked to
malabsorption in our e-book Why
Do I Feel Tired?
Written by naturopath/nutritionist Alison Cassar
and professional health writer Michelle Fahy, this e-book examines over 16
conditions (including malabsorption) that may be contributing to your
tiredness. The book explores each topic in detail and helps you to discover
the underlying causes of your tiredness so you can reclaim your energy and
live the life you were meant to live.
Most people are unaware of how good they are
capable of feeling. There's no need for you to be one of these people. Find
out what may be behind your tiredness and get off the merry-go-round of
chronic tiredness.
Click here
to learn more about this comprehensive e-book and to order your copy.