Discover 4 Ways to Support Metabolism When You Have Fatigue That are Gentle and Effective.

Learn about diet, movement, and lifestyle changes that work for tired bodies, plus new options like peptides and GLP-1s!

Let’s have a heart-to-heart about metabolic health. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been struggling – maybe for months, maybe for years. As someone who’s navigated the overwhelming waters of Hashimoto’s and multiple chronic illnesses, and had to completely rebuild my health from a place of deep fatigue, I want you to know something important: You’re not alone, and you’re not crazy.

*Not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen. This post contains affiliate links. Images may be enhanced or created with AI.

The Truth About Your Metabolism (That a Conventional Doctor Might Not Tell You)

First, let’s understand what we’re really talking about. Your metabolic health is how well your body converts food into energy. When it’s working well, you feel alive and vibrant. But when it’s not…

Well, you know how it feels:

The bone-deep fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to fix

Weight that creeps up and sticks around no matter how careful you are with food
Brain fog that makes you wonder if you’re losing your mind
A body that feels like it’s fighting against you at every turn

If you’re nodding right now, know that I see you. I hear you. And most importantly – I believe you.

Why Your Metabolism Might Be Struggling

Living with chronic illness or autoimmune conditions puts unique stress on our bodies and hormones. Add in our modern lifestyle of processed foods, constant stress, environmental toxins, and being stuck in front of artificial blue light all day, and it’s no wonder our bodies are crying out for help.

For those of us dealing with conditions like autoimmunity, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue, it can feel like our bodies are speaking a language we don’t understand. But here’s what I want you to know: Even small changes can make a big difference.

4 Ways to Support Metabolism When You Have Fatigue

1. Nourishing Your Body (With Compassion)

This isn’t about strict diets or deprivation. It’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs to recover.

The game-changer for many of my clients? Focusing on animal proteins and anti-inflammatory foods. Think of protein as your body’s building blocks for wellness – it helps stabilize blood sugar, supports gentle muscle maintenance, and helps you feel satisfied.

BONUS SUPPORT: If you’ve been struggling despite your best efforts with diet and lifestyle changes, please know that it’s not your fault. Some of us need extra support, and that’s okay! Get coach and peer support when learning about peptides like GLP-1s and other helpful protein compounds. They can be a helpful tool in your wellness journey, especially when traditional approaches haven’t been enough.

FURTHER READING: Are GLP-1 and Peptides Drugs or Supplements?

2. Movement That Honors Your Body

Let’s be real: When you’re dealing with chronic fatigue or pain, traditional exercise advice can feel like a cruel joke. The key is finding movement that works for YOUR body, wherever it is right now.

This might mean:

Gentle stretching from bed on hard days
Short walks when you have the energy

Light resistance bands while sitting
Therapeutic yoga designed for chronic illness

Remember: Gentle movement is good movement. Your worth isn’t measured by how intense your workout is, and your metabolism will love you back when you make the switch to an exercise regimen that supports your hormones.

BONUS SUPPORT: I’ve found that using my PEMF Pulse Pad from OMI helps prepare my body for movement and aids in recovery. It’s like giving my cells extra support when they need it most.

3. Restorative Sleep (Because Regeneration Happens at Night)

When you’re dealing with chronic illness, quality sleep becomes even more crucial. But I know it’s not always easy to come by.

Creating a gentle sleep routine can support your circadian rhythm, and also help:

Using red light therapy for 5 to 15 minutes daily (save $24 on my top pick: Therasage Tri-Lite no-nnEMF red light therapy mat)
Setting a consistent bedtime, even if you can’t sleep

Creating a cool, dark environment
Giving yourself permission to rest when needed

4. Stress Management (With Grace)

Living with chronic illness is stressful enough without adding more pressure to “manage” stress. Instead, think of this as creating pockets of peace in your day.

My gentle approach includes:

Regular in-home thyroid lab testing to understand what my body needs
Using my PEMF mat over my adrenal glands for nervous system support

Finding joy in small moments
Using essential oils that are known for their calming effects
Setting boundaries without guilt

A Note of Hope: 4 Ways to Support Metabolism When You Have Fatigue

Dear friend, if you’re struggling with weight, energy, and a slow metabolism right now, please know this: Your body isn’t broken, and you haven’t failed.

It’s personally taken me a years to discover the root causes of my own slower metabolism, but now I have the right tools to help support my body and live more vibrantly. Recovery isn’t linear, and what works for others may not work for you or as quickly for you – and that’s okay!

Whether your path forward includes lifestyle changes, functional medicine, or exploring options like peptides, you deserve support and compassion along the way. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is ask for help from an integrative doctor, health coach, and our peers, and utilize helpful tools along the way.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

XX, Sam, PNC, HWC

Sources and Further Reading:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507839/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572145/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6196958/

https://www.uab.edu/news/research/item/12289-uab-researchers-find-that-40-percent-of-young-american-adults-have-insulin-resistance-and-cardiovascular-risk-factors