Podcast Summary

The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Episode: 6 Reasons You're Always Tired & How to Boost Energy Naturally
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe explores why so many people struggle with chronic fatigue and feeling constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep. Drawing from personal experience, scientific studies, functional medicine insights, and practical strategies, Dr. Axe identifies six main root causes of low energy. He offers natural solutions that target cellular health, nutrition, mindset, and spiritual practices, empowering listeners to reclaim their vitality.

Key Discussion Points

1. Personal Story: Discovering the Hidden Cause of Fatigue (03:17)

• Dr. Axe shares his struggle with extreme fatigue after a spinal infection and intensive treatment, despite "doing everything right."
• Advanced blood work revealed severe deficiencies in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• After supplementing B2, "Within days, all of a sudden, my energy came back online and everything changed."
  • Notable Quote ([04:07]): "If you just have one single nutritional deficiency… it can affect every cell in your body." – Dr. Axe

2. The Six Major Root Causes of Fatigue

A. Cellular and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

• Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of energy in every cell.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction is the "single greatest factor of people having low energy today" ([09:21]).
• Causes: toxin exposure, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, poor sleep, and stress.

B. Impaired Methylation

• Methylation is crucial for energy production, detoxification, and mood.

• Deficiencies in nutrients like folate (B9), B2, B6, B12, and choline disrupt the pathway.

• Pregnancy can deplete B vitamins, leading to postpartum fatigue.

  • Notable Quote ([13:02]): "If you are low in vitamin B9, you can be doing all the other right things... you’re still going to wake up exhausted."

C. Poor Dietary Habits (19:30)

• Keep insulin and blood sugar balanced with:
  • High-quality protein (~30g per meal): chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, bone broth.
  • Antioxidant-rich foods: berries, green apples, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables.
  • Healthy fats: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, omega-3s (salmon, walnuts).
  • High fiber: berries, greens, nuts (walnuts, flax, chia).
• Avoid processed sugars and refined grains; moderate even "healthier" carbs.

D. Sleep Deprivation (25:01)

• Average sleep has dropped from 9 hours (1910) to under 7 (2025).
• Good sleep is vital for hormone balance, mitochondrial repair, and energy.
• Sleep tips:
  • Regular bedtime/wake time schedule (Dr. Axe sleeps 9pm–6am).
  • Morning sunlight exposure, limit screens before bed, bedroom cool and dark, no caffeine after lunch.
  • Notable Quote ([29:12]): "If you cut your sleep down to about four hours, if you did that for one week, the signs—you’re aging yourself 20 to 30 years and throwing off every single hormone in your body."

E. Chronic Stress and Adrenal Dysfunction (35:50)

• Chronic stress leads to cortisol overload, impacting thyroid, sex hormones, and blood sugar.
• Statistics: 27% of Americans are so stressed they "cannot function," 76% experienced health symptoms from stress last month.
• Symptoms: poor sleep, cravings, brain fog, anxiety, "wired but tired" state.
• Strategies: Say “no” more, carve out margin, social media detox, prioritize activities you love.
• Adaptogenic herbs: Ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, reishi, cordyceps.
  • Notable Quote ([43:44]): "Every minute you’re spending on your cell phone... your energy is going down five to 10 times faster."

F. Hidden Infections and Inflammation (57:10)

• Chronic fatigue can be caused by Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr, mold toxicity, gut dysbiosis (Candida, H. Pylori).
• Gut inflammation triggers autoimmune responses, contributes to “leaky gut” and chronic inflammation.
• Testing: Blood work, toxicity profiles, GI mapping.
• Detox strategies: Hydration, sweating, infrared sauna, diet tailored to infection type.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies: The Unsuspected Culprit (1:01:10)

• Modern diets and soil depletion leave many lacking crucial nutrients.

• Most common deficiencies:

  • Iron/ferritin ("blood deficiency"): Look for pale tongue.

  • Vitamin B12 (especially in vegans/vegetarians).

  • Vitamin D.

  • Magnesium (60% fall short).

  • CoQ10, Omega-3s, other B vitamins.

  • Notable Quote ([1:03:00]): "Iron and B12 are the most common. Number three is vitamin D... fatigue is a hallmark symptom of depression."

• General supplement recommendations:

  • B-complex (methylated preferred), iron if indicated, magnesium, high-quality probiotics (improve B-vitamin absorption).
  • NAD precursors (NR, NMN) for ATP production.
  • CoQ10 for heart health and cellular energy.
  • Adaptogens.

4. Mindset, Spiritual Practices, and Purpose (1:12:18)

• Chronic busyness, disconnection from purpose, and lack of spiritual grounding drain energy.

• Gratitude and purpose have measurable benefits for stress reduction, sleep, heart health, and resilience.

  • Notable Quote ([1:18:32]): "People who practice gratitude... sleep better. There are studies on that!"

• Recommended books:

  • “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer
  • “Margin” by Dr. Richard Swenson
  • “The Energy Bus” by John Gordon

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Axe ([03:26]): “Your body isn’t broken. It’s sending you a message that you shouldn’t ignore.”
• Dr. Axe ([29:12]): "If you cut your sleep down to about four hours, if you did that for one week, the signs—you’re aging yourself 20 to 30 years and throwing off every single hormone in your body."
• Dr. Axe ([1:14:25]): "Both sin and constant busyness can have the same detrimental effect. They cut off one's connection to God, other people, and one's own values and our purpose."
• Dr. Axe ([1:22:47]): "Fatigue is a signal. It's not a life sentence of just being tired. It's not poor genetics or you're getting older. It's a signal. You were designed to have steady energy..."

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|-------------| | Dr. Axe’s personal story/intro to fatigue | 03:17–09:10 | | Cellular/mitochondrial dysfunction | 09:21–13:00 | | Methylation, B vitamins | 13:01–19:29 | | Dietary strategies for energy | 19:30–25:00 | | The sleep/energy connection | 25:01–35:49 | | Stress, cortisol, and adaptogens | 35:50–57:09 | | Hidden infections, inflammation | 57:10–1:01:09 | | Nutrient deficiencies | 1:01:10–1:11:39 | | Supplements (B Complex, NAD, CoQ10, etc.) | 1:11:40–1:19:59 | | Mindset, spiritual practices, gratitude | 1:12:18–1:22:46 | | Summary & book recommendations | 1:19:00–end |

Practical Takeaways

• A "wired but tired" feeling almost always signals a deeper root cause—often mitochondrial dysfunction, nutrient deficiency, or chronic stress.
• Testing can uncover hidden deficiencies or infections when common solutions fail.
• Diet should emphasize real, nutrient-dense foods over processed, high-carb, or sugary items.
• Consistent, high-quality sleep may be the single most important lifestyle factor for energy.
• Chronic busyness and information overload sap both spiritual and physical vitality.
• Supplement smart: Methylated B-complex, iron (if indicated), magnesium, CoQ10, adaptogens, and high-quality probiotics.
• Spiritual practices (gratitude, purpose, Sabbath rest) and mindset are as essential as nutrition and sleep.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Axe encourages listeners to listen to their body's fatigue signals, seek the underlying cause (often hidden and correctable), and adopt a holistic lifestyle blending nutrition, movement, rest, supplementation, mindset, and spiritual practices.

“You were designed to have steady energy throughout work, connection, purpose and joy...” ([1:22:47 ])

For more, visit draxe.com or check out recommended resources, including the books and previous podcast episodes mentioned.