Fatigue, Lack of Energy: What Can You Do?

Updated on September 1, 2026

Summary: Fatigue, Lack of Energy: What Can You Do?

Lynn Goneau, a naturopath in La Boite à Grains, explores persistent fatigue and lack of energy. While temporary fatigue can be normal, certain signs—such as shortness of breath, lack of stamina, difficulty concentrating, or slower recovery—may warrant a check of your iron levels with a healthcare professional.

Lynn Goneau also emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C, which promotes iron absorption. Finally, she highlights beets as an alternative option: naturally rich in antioxidants and nitrates, they can improve blood circulation and support endurance, though certain precautions are needed for people with low blood pressure.

1) Fatigue: When Should You Start to Worry?

Occasional fatigue is normal, especially when getting back into a routine. When it persists for several weeks and is accompanied by a lack of stamina, shortness of breath, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or slower recovery, it may be worth investigating the cause.

2) Iron and Low Energy

Iron plays an essential role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Certain people are at higher risk of iron deficiency, including women with heavy menstrual periods, pregnant women, vegetarians, some endurance athletes, older adults, and those with digestive absorption issues. Before taking an iron supplement, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional and avoid self-diagnosis.

3) Diet as the Primary Source of Energy

Before turning to supplements, Lynn recommends revisiting the basics: consuming enough protein, fiber, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as kiwis, berries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers, are particularly beneficial because they promote iron absorption.

4. Beets to Support Endurance and Circulation

Unlike iron, which primarily addresses a deficiency or increased need, beets work differently. Their natural nitrates promote the dilation of blood vessels, thereby facilitating circulation and the delivery of oxygen to muscles and tissues. They can therefore be beneficial for supporting endurance and energy. This effect on circulation may also help lower blood pressure; therefore, people who already have low blood pressure should exercise caution.

About the Author

Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath

Specializes in:

• Digestive Health
• Hormonal Health
• Stress and Fatigue
• Memory and Concentration
• Weight management

Frédéric Bisson, radio host on 104.7 FM

Host at the Cogeco network’s 104.7 FM radio station. Frédéric Bisson has been hosting the show *L’Outaouais Maintenant* from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.

Transcript

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7 FM:

We’re coming to the end of summer today—it’s the big back-to-school day for many school districts. And there are others who are still on vacation—the lucky ones—but the kids will be back in school soon, and activities are picking up again. Many people are already feeling low on energy. How can we tell if this fatigue is normal or if there’s something else underlying it, and how do we get back into our healthy routines? It’s a pleasure to welcome back Lynn Goneau, naturopath at La Boite à Grains, for her first column this season. Hello, Lynn.

Lynn Goneau—Naturopath from La Boite à Grains:

Hello, Fred.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Welcome back.

Lynn Goneau—Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Oh, thank you. Thank you. I missed you, Fred.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Me too, for sure. You’re changing my life with your suggestions! Maybe today you’ll change my life again. I’m still feeling a little tired. How can I tell if that’s normal or if there’s something else going on?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Actually, temporary fatigue can be normal, Fred. However, when it lasts for several weeks, and you lack stamina, get out of breath more easily, or have trouble recovering, I’d at least ask myself some basic questions. Am I getting enough sleep? Am I eating well? Am I getting enough protein? And in some cases, are my iron levels adequate? After all, iron plays a truly essential role in transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

How do we know? Are there signs that suggest it might be iron deficiency?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath from La Boite à Grains:

Yes, but among the most common signs, in fact, are persistent fatigue, a lack of stamina, uh, shortness of breath during exertion—you know, you get winded just walking up stairs, have trouble concentrating, occasional dizziness, and sometimes even feel more sensitive to the cold than usual. And there are even some people who notice that they don’t recover as well after exertion.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Okay. And generally speaking, who is affected by iron deficiency?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

The people most at risk for iron deficiency are women with heavy menstrual periods. Well, yes—blood loss, exactly—and pregnant women need it. Many are of childbearing age. People who often follow vegetarian diets—okay, since iron is obviously found in meat—or, um, people with certain digestive issues because they’re less able to absorb iron, as well as older adults. Some endurance athletes.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Yes, of course, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath from La Boite à Grains:

Yes, because you shouldn’t self-diagnose. So it’s really a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking an iron supplement.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

What should we be eating if we want to get our energy back?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Of course, the foundation of your diet is really important. You want protein at every meal. Yes, that’s super important. Fiber, lots of colorful fruits and vegetables—especially those rich in vitamin C—because vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. You can find vitamin C in strawberries, berries—I really like kiwis. There are plenty of them. It’s surprising. Citrus fruits, bell peppers—these are all great sources of vitamin C that can really help your body absorb iron.

Frédéric Bisson – Host, 104.7FM:

Beets, too.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

They’re naturally rich in antioxidants that are easy to incorporate—whether in salads, smoothies, or even juice. Very often, people are looking for an energy boost, but they mainly eat sugary foods—and in that case, the problem is sometimes much more about what’s on their plate than what’s in their pantry.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

So today, you’re actually talking to us about—as we understand it—two options: iron and beets. What’s the difference?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

These are two completely different approaches. Iron is especially useful when there’s a deficiency—that is, when certain people have an increased need or are at higher risk of having lower iron stores. But it’s important to assess the situation before starting supplementation with beets. Beets, however, are interesting for several reasons: as we mentioned earlier, they’re an excellent source of antioxidants, and they can help with endurance and energy levels. But what makes them particularly interesting to me is their natural richness in nitrates, and nitrates promote the dilation of blood vessels. In other words, your blood vessels relax, allowing blood to flow more easily, and better circulation delivers more oxygen to your muscles and tissues.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

Does that have anything to do with blood pressure?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath from La Boite à Grains:

Yes, absolutely. Beets, especially in juice form, help—you can also get them in crystal form and mix them with water. That becomes your juice. As we mentioned, it helps the blood vessels relax, uh, which facilitates blood flow. That’s one of the reasons it’s often recommended for people with high blood pressure. On the other hand, it’s the opposite for someone who already tends to have low blood pressure—in that case, you should avoid it, uh, because the effect can sometimes worsen symptoms and cause mild dizziness or feelings of weakness, especially when standing up quickly.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Let’s hear from La Boite à Grains about two products.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Well, yes, actually, if you want to try it, Salus—a company we’re already familiar with, particularly for its Floradix product—also offers organic red beet powder, and it tastes really good.

Frédéric Bisson - 104.7FM Host:

And should we call you if we want to make an appointment at La Boite à Grains?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

My office is located at La Boite à Grains on Gréber Boulevard in Gatineau. And yes, just send me a quick email. We can schedule a time to talk and discuss whether you need supplements to help you until you’ve made the necessary changes.

Frédéric Bisson - Host, 104.7FM:

Yeah, if we’re too tired to come see you, that’s a sign we should come see you. Lynn Goneau from La Boite à Grains, thank you very much—see you next week.

Lynn Goneau—Naturopath at La Boite à Grains:

Thank you, Fred.