Why am I so tired? Could Amino Acids be part of the missing puzzle

By Libby Herdman, Registered General Nurse (RGN), Integrative Health Practitioner & Amino Acid Therapy Practitioner

If you've found yourself searching "Why am I so tired?", you're certainly not alone.

Perhaps you're sleeping for eight hours yet waking up tired. You struggle to concentrate, rely on coffee just to get through the morning, and by the evening you have nothing left to give.

Many of the people I work with tell me they feel as though they're simply surviving rather than living. They've often had blood tests that come back "normal", yet they know deep down that something isn't right.

As a Registered General Nurse with over 40 years' experience, I've learned that exhaustion should never be ignored. It's not a weakness and it's certainly not laziness. Fatigue is your body's way of telling you that something needs attention.

The question is...

What is your body trying to tell you?

There Isn't One Single Cause of Fatigue

Persistent tiredness can have many different causes, including medical conditions, sleep disorders, anaemia, thyroid problems, infections, medication side effects and mental health conditions. If your exhaustion is new, severe or persistent, it's important to speak to your GP so that appropriate investigations can be carried out.

However, many people are reassured that their routine tests are within the normal range but still don't feel well. This is often when they begin asking whether nutrition, stress, lifestyle or other factors could also be contributing.

In my experience, fatigue is rarely caused by just one thing. More often, it's the result of several factors gradually placing increasing demands on the body.

Your Brain and Body Need the Right Building Blocks

Every second of every day your body is repairing cells, producing hormones, regulating your immune system and making neurotransmitters—the chemical messengers that influence how you think, feel and function.

To do all of this, your body needs nutrients.

Not just calories.

Nutrients.

One of the most important groups of nutrients are amino acids.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. We obtain them from protein-rich foods such as fish, eggs, meat, dairy products, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Once digested, they are used throughout the body to repair tissues, build enzymes and create many of the substances that keep us functioning well.

Amino Acids and Your Brain

Your brain depends on amino acids to produce neurotransmitters.

These include:

Serotonin

Often associated with emotional wellbeing, serotonin also plays an important role in healthy sleep, appetite and gut function.

Dopamine

Dopamine supports motivation, concentration, enjoyment and mental drive.

GABA

GABA is the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter and helps regulate relaxation and restful sleep.

Noradrenaline

This neurotransmitter contributes to alertness, focus and the body's ability to respond appropriately to challenges.

Your body produces these chemicals using amino acids alongside vitamins and minerals as cofactors. If those building blocks are lacking, production may be affected, although many other biological and medical factors are involved as well.

How Chronic Stress Can Affect Nutritional Needs

One of the biggest challenges I see is prolonged stress.

When we're under pressure for weeks, months or even years, our bodies work incredibly hard to keep us going.

Stress can influence:

• Appetite

• Digestion

• Sleep quality

• Blood sugar regulation

• Food choices

• Nutrient absorption

Many people begin skipping meals, eating less protein, relying on caffeine or sugary snacks and living on convenience foods because they're simply too exhausted to prepare balanced meals.

Over time, this can reduce the intake of the nutrients needed to support normal brain and body function.

Are You Eating Enough Protein?

Protein has become one of the most overlooked nutrients in modern diets.

Many people eat toast or cereal for breakfast, a sandwich at lunchtime and pasta or beige convenience foods in the evening.

While these meals provide energy, they may not provide enough high-quality protein to meet the body's needs.

Protein supplies the amino acids used throughout the body, including those involved in producing neurotransmitters.

This doesn't mean everyone needs a high-protein diet, but ensuring you're eating enough good-quality protein spread throughout the day is an important starting point.

Could Supplements Help?

This is one of the questions I'm asked most often.

The honest answer is...

Sometimes—but not always.

Supplements are exactly what their name suggests.

They are designed to supplement a healthy diet, not replace one.

For some people, carefully selected amino acid supplements may form part of a personalised wellbeing plan. For others, improving overall nutrition, increasing dietary protein, addressing digestive health, managing stress or correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be more appropriate.

Every person is different.

That's why I never recommend the same programme for everyone.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

When someone comes to see me, we don't simply ask:

"Which supplement should I take?"

Instead, we explore questions such as:

• Are you eating enough protein?

• How is your sleep?

• What does your stress level look like?

• Are you skipping meals?

• Is your digestion working well?

• Have you had appropriate medical investigations?

• Could there be nutrient deficiencies?

• Are lifestyle factors contributing to your fatigue?

Only when we understand the bigger picture can we begin putting the pieces together.

My Approach

As both a Registered General Nurse and an Integrative Health Practitioner, I believe the best care combines scientific understanding with compassionate listening.

Every consultation is tailored to the individual.

Together, we'll explore your symptoms, health history, nutrition, lifestyle and wellbeing to identify the factors that may be contributing to your fatigue. Where appropriate, we may discuss dietary changes, nutritional support, amino acid therapy and practical lifestyle strategies alongside any medical care you're already receiving.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution because there is no one-size-fits-all person.

You Don't Have to Accept Constant Exhaustion

Feeling exhausted all the time isn't something you should simply learn to live with.

While fatigue can have many different causes, understanding your nutrition, supporting your nervous system and ensuring your body has the building blocks it needs may be an important part of your recovery.

Most importantly, remember this:

You're not lazy.

You're not failing.

Your body may simply be asking for support.

If you're ready to explore the possible reasons behind your fatigue and would like a personalised, nurse-led approach, I'd be delighted to help you take the next step towards restoring your energy and wellbeing.