The Hidden Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Low Energy

Tired All the Time? The Hidden Link Between Fatigue and Autoimmune Disorders

Do you feel like no matter how much you rest, you are still running on empty? Many people describe struggling with brain fog, sore muscles, and the constant need for caffeine just to get through the day. Fatigue is one of the most common yet overlooked symptoms of autoimmune conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Research shows that chronic fatigue is frequently reported by patients with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8257238/

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota, we view fatigue not as a minor inconvenience but as a sign that something deeper is happening. Our functional medicine approach looks for the root causes, including inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and gut health, so you can finally regain lasting energy and vitality.

Why Do Autoimmune Conditions Cause Fatigue?

Your immune system is designed to protect you, but in autoimmune disorders, it mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to widespread inflammation. This process can drain your energy, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis frequently present with persistent fatigue as an early warning sign.

Signs your fatigue may be autoimmune-related:

• Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

• Unexplained muscle weakness and joint pain

• Frequent infections or slow healing

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Increased sensitivity to temperature changes

Understanding what’s driving your fatigue is the first step toward lasting relief.

How Functional Medicine Identifies the Root Cause of Fatigue

Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats fatigue with stimulants or ignores it altogether, functional medicine uses an investigative approach. We look at your full health history, lifestyle, and advanced lab testing to pinpoint the real issue.

1. Comprehensive Health Assessment

Your symptoms tell a story. By reviewing your diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, and past medical conditions, we gain insight into what might be depleting your energy.

2. Advanced Lab Testing for Deeper Insights

Functional medicine testing goes beyond standard panels to uncover hidden imbalances:

• Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Antibodies): Many autoimmune disorders impact thyroid function, leading to low energy.

• Adrenal Stress Panel (Cortisol & DHEA): Chronic stress can exhaust your adrenal glands, contributing to persistent fatigue.

• Nutrient Deficiency Testing: Low levels of B12, iron, magnesium, and CoQ10 can rob your body of energy.

• Gut Health Analysis (Stool Test, SIBO Test): Poor digestion and gut inflammation can impair nutrient absorption, worsening fatigue.

• Inflammatory & Autoimmune Markers: Identifying autoimmune activity early can help prevent further damage.

Restoring Energy: A Functional Medicine Approach

Once the root cause is identified, we develop a customized plan to help you regain energy and feel your best.

1. Reduce Inflammation and Autoimmune Triggers

• Eliminate inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, processed sugars)

• Support immune balance with omega-3s, curcumin, and vitamin D

• Heal gut inflammation with probiotics and digestive enzymes

2. Support Hormonal and Adrenal Balance

• Optimize thyroid function with targeted supplements

• Reduce chronic stress using adaptogens like ashwagandha

• Improve sleep quality with melatonin and magnesium

3. Replenish Nutrient Deficiencies

• B12 and iron to support red blood cell production

• CoQ10 and magnesium for better mitochondrial energy

• Antioxidants to combat oxidative stress

4. Detoxify for More Energy

• Reduce toxin exposure from food, plastics, and environmental pollutants

• Support liver detox with leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and hydration

5. Lifestyle Modifications for Sustained Energy

• Prioritize quality sleep and establish a nighttime routine

• Incorporate gentle movement like yoga and walking

• Manage stress with deep breathing, meditation, or acupuncture

Meet Dr. Shannon O’Keefe: A Leader in Functional Medicine

At our Saint Paul clinic, we are committed to helping patients uncover the true cause of their fatigue. Dr. Shannon O’Keefe specializes in functional medicine and internal diagnosis, using her expertise to develop personalized treatment plans that restore energy and vitality. Her passion and persistence in solving complex cases have helped countless individuals reclaim their health.

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained fatigue and suspect an autoimmune connection, we’re here to help.

Take the Next Step Toward Restoring Your Energy

If you are tired of feeling drained and suspect your fatigue may be linked to an autoimmune condition, functional medicine can help uncover the root cause. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, we provide personalized care that looks beyond symptoms to create solutions that restore balance, reduce inflammation, and rebuild energy.

You do not have to accept fatigue as your new normal. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shannon O’Keefe and begin your journey toward lasting vitality.

O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic
651 292 8072
www.improveurhealth.com