🌱 [Introduction]
"Even though I should be sleeping well, I feel heavy from the morning..."
"I can't seem to concentrate during the day." "My mood tends to dip easily."──
Do you experience this kind of "vague feeling of being unwell"?
It's likely not because of your age or not trying hard enough.
It might just be a sign that your body's innate "ability to maintain balance" is slightly wavering.
On this page, we'll listen to these signals from your body and explore hints for nurturing well-being from within.
💫 [Chapter 1: What's Happening Inside Your Fatigued Body?]
Chronic fatigue is a bit different from simply running out of energy.
It might be a state where the body's system for efficiently producing and utilizing energy isn't working optimally.
Specifically, it's thought that the following factors are intricately involved:
- Decline in Mitochondrial Function (the cell's energy factories): Energy production becomes less efficient.
- Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance: The body's "on/off" switch doesn't work properly, leading to constant tension or an inability to become active.
- Persistent Low-Grade Inflammation: Small, unnoticed inflammation continues in the body, consuming energy.
- Changes in the Gut Environment: Affects nutrient absorption and immune function.
- Oxidative Stress: Damage to cells caused by reactive oxygen species, leading to reduced function.
🧬 A Bit More Technical...
Recent research suggests that these factors are complexly involved in the persistent fatigue seen in conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID. Particular attention is being paid to mitochondrial dysfunction, nervous system dysregulation, and immune system changes.
(References: Ricci F et al., Eur J Clin Invest, 2022 / Eaton-Fitch N et al., J Transl Med, 2023)
🌿 [Chapter 2: The Role of the Gut, Often Called the "Second Brain"]
The gut isn't just for digestion.
It's actually a crucial organ deeply connected to our mental and physical health.
- Nutrient Absorption: Takes in the building blocks and energy sources for the body.
- Keystone of Immune Function: It's said that about 70% of the body's immune cells are concentrated in the gut.
- Connection to Hormones and Neurotransmitters: Research suggests the gut environment can influence mood and mental stability.
When the gut environment is healthy, these functions operate smoothly, making it easier to maintain overall body balance. Conversely, if the gut environment is disturbed, nutrient absorption can suffer, unwanted substances might leak into the body (Increased Intestinal Permeability, or "Leaky Gut"), and it can affect the balance of the immune and nervous systems, potentially leading to feelings of malaise throughout the body.
🧬 A Bit More Technical...
Studies have reported differences in the gut microbiota balance (diversity and specific bacterial populations) between ME/CFS patients and healthy individuals, as well as a link to increased intestinal permeability. Notably, a decrease in bacteria that produce beneficial metabolites (like butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids) has been pointed out.
(Reference: Lee JS et al., Front Immunol, 2022)
🍶 [Chapter 3: The Wisdom of Tradition: Benefits of Fermentation and Wakan Botanicals]
"Fermented foods" and "Wakan botanicals" (traditionally used plants) have long been utilized for health maintenance. Their potential to support the well-being of modern people is gaining renewed attention.
🍃 The Power of Fermentation
Fermentation is a process where microbial action changes food components, increasing preservation and sometimes creating new nutritional value.
- Supports Nutrient Digestion & Absorption: Microbes partially break down food components, potentially making them easier to digest and nutrients more readily absorbed.
- Supports the Gut Environment: Microbes in fermented foods (probiotics) and components that feed beneficial gut bacteria (prebiotics) support a healthy gut flora balance.
- Generation of Beneficial Compounds: It's known that various bioactive compounds like vitamins, amino acids, and polyphenols can be newly generated or increased during fermentation.
🌿 The Power of Wakan Botanicals
Wakan botanicals (plants traditionally used in East Asian medicine) contain various natural compounds.
- Support Body Balance: Many are expected to help regulate overall harmony, such as circulation and fluid balance.
- Support Daily Well-being: Some plants are thought to help calm the mind or support an active day.
- Support the Body's Defenses: Some are known to contain antioxidant compounds, helping to maintain cellular health.
- Approach to Energy Production: Plants containing compounds involved in cellular energy production (like mitochondrial function) are also being studied.
🧬 A Bit More Technical...
Basic research shows that the diverse compounds in Wakan botanicals (saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, etc.) possess a wide range of physiological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and energy metabolism-regulating effects. For example, Ginseng, Astragalus, and Reishi have traditionally been used for nourishment and vitality, and research into their pharmacological actions is ongoing. Furthermore, studies are exploring the possibility that fermentation techniques might alter the structure of compounds in these botanicals, potentially increasing their absorption and bioactivity.
(Reference: Howes MJ et al., Front Pharmacol, 2023)
💎 [Chapter 4: Key Nutrients to Note for Daily Well-being]
Various nutrients are involved in the body's energy production and maintaining balance. Here are some receiving particular attention:
- CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) and NADH: Coenzymes playing vital roles in the cell's energy factories (mitochondria).
- B Vitamins: Essential coenzymes for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Vitamin D: Involved in immune function and muscle maintenance.
- Magnesium: A mineral involved in numerous bodily reactions, including energy production, nerve transmission, and muscle function.
- Polyphenols: Antioxidant compounds found in plants. Help protect the body from oxidative damage and support healthy circulation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA, DHA): Found in fatty fish, involved in inflammatory balance and nervous system health.
Obtaining these nutrients from a balanced daily diet is fundamental. However, modern diets and lifestyles can sometimes lead to insufficient intake. In such cases, skillfully incorporating traditional fermented foods and Wakan botanicals can be considered one option for maintaining a healthy body.
🧬 A Bit More Technical...
Preliminary studies in ME/CFS patients suggest that a combination of CoQ10 and NADH may contribute to reducing fatigue (Billington K et al., J Hum Nutr Diet, 2023). A link between magnesium deficiency and fatigue (Bjørklund G et al., J Magnesium Alloy, 2024 Pre-proof), and low Vitamin D levels with fatigue in Long COVID (Çınar D et al., Clin Nutr ESPEN, 2023) have also been reported. Polyphenols are studied not only for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects but also for potential benefits to mitochondrial function and vascular health.
🌟 [Chapter 5: Take Your Time, Gently Restore Your Inner Balance]
Even if you feel "out of sorts" right now, please don't blame yourself.
It might be your body's important signal saying, "I need a little rest to restore balance."
Listen to that voice, review your daily diet and lifestyle habits, and sometimes borrow the power of nature's gifts.
Without rushing, slowly work towards regaining your innate well-being.
🔗 References
- Howes MJ et al., Front Pharmacol (2023), doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1200518
- Ricci F et al., Eur J Clin Invest (2022), doi: 10.1111/eci.13860
- Lee JS et al., Front Immunol (2022), doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.857821
- Billington K et al., J Hum Nutr Diet (2023), doi: 10.1111/jhn.13215
- Eaton-Fitch N et al., J Transl Med (2023), doi: 10.1186/s12967-023-04063-2
- Bjørklund G et al., J Magnesium Alloy (2024), doi: 10.1016/j.jma.2023.10.010
- Çınar D et al., Clin Nutr ESPEN (2023), doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.10.023
※ Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general health information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your health condition, please consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional. Any actions taken based on the information on this page are at your own discretion and responsibility.