There’s a particular kind of exhaustion I see in my practice that isn’t fixed by rest. It’s not caused by a demanding schedule or a poor night’s sleep, and it doesn’t lift with a weekend off.

This fatigue lives deeper in the body. And for many people, it begins in the gut.

At first glance, it may seem like a stretch. What does digestion have to do with energy? But as we begin to peel back the layers, the connections become unmistakable.

In patients with chronic fatigue, especially post-viral or stress-triggered, we often find signs of gut dysbiosis, where the balance of gut microbes is disrupted. Inflammation markers like zonulin and lipopolysaccharides show up in the microbiome testing that we do, pointing toward increased intestinal permeability. Commonly called “leaky gut”, it correlates consistently with fatigue that feels systemic and hard to explain.

A study in Frontiers in Immunology believes these disruptions are not just related to fatigue but may actually drive it. Chronic, low-grade immune activation can shift the body into a kind of protective shutdown, where energy is conserved and motivation fades. It's the body's way of saying, “We’re under threat. Slow down.”

The microbial composition of your gut, the specific communities of bacteria that live there, can directly affect how you produce energy, regulate hormones, and maintain emotional balance. Certain bacteria, like Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus, produce short-chain fatty acids that help maintain the gut lining and reduce inflammation.

When those species are diminished, as we often see in individuals with long-term fatigue or inflammatory bowel conditions, the body’s energy systems suffer.

That’s because the gut isn’t just a digestive organ. It’s a biochemical hub. Nearly 90% of your serotonin and about 50% of your dopamine is produced there. Gut microbes influence how cortisol is metabolized and how your immune system distinguishes friend from foe.

When the gut is compromised, everything downstream, mood, energy, cognition, can feel like it’s running through mud.

In practice, I’ve seen how gently supporting the gut can help restore energy over time. Patients who start feeding their microbiome with real, fiber-rich foods often report more sustained energy.

Those who remove inflammatory triggers and rebuild their gut lining, using both food and targeted support, frequently describe a shift in clarity, motivation, and stamina. These real-world shifts reflect a growing understanding of how the gut shapes our daily energy.

If you're wondering how the food you eat might be fueling, or draining, your energy, this short video breaks it down beautifully.

Emerging studies back this up. A plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet has been shown to reduce emotional burnout and improve sleep.

Early clinical trials with probiotics and prebiotics suggest they can nudge the immune system back toward balance and improve fatigue scores in people with CFS and IBD. In many of these cases, as gut health improves, energy follows. And not just physical energy, but cognitive and emotional resilience too.

Of course, gut repair isn’t a cure-all. Fatigue is complex. Hormones, trauma, sleep, and environmental stress all play a role. But in many cases, I’ve seen that the gut is the missing link, overlooked by standard labs and brushed aside in rushed appointments.

So if your fatigue has been dismissed, if you’ve been told “everything looks normal” but your body keeps whispering otherwise, consider this: the answer might live in your gut.

Start by listening. Track what your body feels after meals. Notice patterns. Get curious. And if you’re ready to explore that connection more deeply, I’d be honored to support you.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. A personalized approach to gut health can offer real, lasting relief.

Tired of guessing what your gut needs?

Dr. Avraham Gundle works with women to uncover the root causes of digestive issues and create natural, personalized plans that work. Book a consultation.  Your body will thank you.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or lifestyle.

About Dr. Avraham Gundle

Dr. Avraham Gundle DO, is a leading expert in gut health and functional medicine, dedicated to helping individuals uncover the root causes of digestive issues and restore balance through personalized, science-backed approaches.

With years of experience in integrative health, Dr. Gundle has guided countless patients toward lasting relief from conditions like bloating, IBS, food sensitivities, and microbiome imbalances. His practice focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their health through nutrition, stress management, and holistic wellness strategies.