Fatigue

In a world that never sleeps, it’s not surprising that many individuals find themselves sacrificing a good night’s rest in pursuit of productivity or leisure. The consequences of sleep deprivation, however, extend far beyond mere tiredness. Lack of sleep has emerged as a silent epidemic, affecting not only our physical health but also our mental…

Thyroid function is one of the standard health assessments at Empowered Health. Why? Thyroid health affects energy levels and metabolism. Various factors can negatively impact thyroid function resulting in fatigue, weight gain, anxiety and hair loss (to name a few). For those unfamiliar with the thyroid gland, it sits in the anterior portion of the…

Insulin resistance defines a person’s tolerance to glucose. As the insulin levels rise, the cells can become resistance and alter the signaling that leads to less glucose uptake and a further elevation of glucose which further perpetuates the cycle. Insulin acts as the key that no longer fits into a lock (the receptor on glucose).…

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. Well, it’s complicated, and it’s much more than just feeling tired or worn out. Fatigue can mean many different things to many different people.  Feelings of tiredness, muscle weakness, mental fatigue can all impact one’s life in numerous ways.  The standard dictionary definition is this:  “Fatigue is extreme…

The vagus nerve is one of twelve cranial nerves that link the brain to other parts of the body. These nerves can send signals that involve sensory functions (smells, sights, tastes, and sounds) or they can be involved with movements or have motory functions. The vagus nerve is one of a few that can do both of these functions and is…

What is inflammation? Our immune system’s response to protect against infection, disease or injury. In most circumstances this is a normal part of our immune health. During this complex process, the cells release chemicals to alert the immune system. In the short term, our body may be fighting off a cold or healing a wound…

This is the second installment of our two-part blog post on the HPA Axis. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is your stress response system. It’s that internal system that triggers the fight-or-flight response when you find yourself in a dangerous situation. How can you influence the HPA axis to your benefit? Prolonged activation of the HPA…

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is your stress response system. It’s that internal system that triggers the fight-or-flight response when you find yourself in a dangerous situation. For example, imagine you are hiking a trail on Badger Mountain when you suddenly hear that tell-tale sound of a rattlesnake. Your first response is to freeze and listen…