Why Blood Testing Boosts Productivity When You're Always Tired
By The Wellness Guide
Chronic fatigue isn't normal, and it's not something you should just "push through." Your body might be trying to tell you something important—and a simple blood test could hold the answers.
Why Blood Testing Is Non-Negotiable When You're Constantly Exhausted
1. Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is the world's most common nutritional disorder, affecting up to 30% of the global population. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough haemoglobin—the protein that carries oxygen to your tissues. The result? Every cell in your body is essentially gasping for air.
What to test
Ferritin (stored iron), haemoglobin, and transferrin saturation
Red flag levels: Ferritin below 30 ng/mL, even if your haemoglobin appears "normal"
Research published in The Lancet shows that even non-anaemic iron deficiency can cause significant fatigue, particularly in women of reproductive age.
2. Thyroid Dysfunction
Your thyroid is essentially your body's thermostat. When it's underactive (hypothyroidism), everything slows down, including your energy production. The British Thyroid Foundation estimates that 2% of the UK population has an underactive thyroid, with many more undiagnosed.
What to test
TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies
Optimal ranges: TSH between 0.5-2.5 mIU/L (not just "within normal range")
A 2018 study in Thyroid journal found that even subclinical hypothyroidism can significantly impact energy levels and cognitive function.
3. Vitamin D Deficiency
Living in the UK means we're practically guaranteed to be vitamin D deficient, especially between October and March. Public Health England reports that 1 in 5 people have low vitamin D levels, and that number skyrockets in winter.
What to test
25-hydroxyvitamin D
Optimal levels: 75-125 nmol/L (not just above the deficiency threshold of 25 nmol/L)
Research from the British Medical Journal links vitamin D deficiency to fatigue, muscle weakness, and even depression—all energy zappers.
4. B12 Deficiency
B12 is crucial for energy production at the cellular level. Whilst vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk, anyone over 50, those taking metformin or PPIs, or people with digestive issues can develop deficiency.
What to test
Serum B12, and if borderline, methylmalonic acid (MMA)
Optimal levels: Above 500 pg/mL (not just above the lower limit of 200 pg/mL)
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that B12 deficiency can occur even with levels considered "normal" by standard lab ranges.
5. Blood Sugar Dysregulation
If you're experiencing energy crashes after meals or feel shaky when hungry, your blood sugar might be playing havoc with your energy levels. Insulin resistance affects up to 1 in 3 UK adults and is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
What to test
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin
Optimal fasting glucose: 4.4-5.0 mmol/L
Research from Diabetes Care shows that even mild blood sugar fluctuations can significantly impact energy levels and cognitive performance.
Beyond Blood Tests: 5 Quick Energy Fixes for Busy People
1. The 10-Minute Morning Light Protocol
Get outside within 30 minutes of waking, even on cloudy days. Natural light exposure suppresses melatonin and kickstarts cortisol production. A Stanford study found that just 10 minutes of morning light exposure improved energy levels throughout the day.
Quick hack
Drink your morning coffee outside or by a window.
2. The Power Breathing Technique
Try the 4-7-8 breathing method: Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system and increases oxygen delivery to cells. Research in the International Journal of Yoga shows controlled breathing can increase energy by up to 25%.
Time investment
2 minutes, 3 times daily.
3. Strategic Hydration with Electrolytes
Dehydration of just 2% can impact energy levels by up to 30%. But it's not just about water, you need electrolytes. Add a pinch of Celtic sea salt and a squeeze of lemon to your water for optimal hydration.
Science says
A study in Nutrition Reviews found that proper electrolyte balance is crucial for cellular energy production.
4. The 20-Second Cold Shower Finish
End your shower with 20 seconds of cold water. This triggers noradrenaline release, improving alertness and energy. Research from the European Journal of Applied Physiology shows cold exposure can increase metabolic rate by up to 15%.
Beginner tip
Start with just 5 seconds and build up.
5. IV Drip Therapy:
When you need results yesterday, IV vitamin therapy delivers nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing digestion for 100% bioavailability. Popular formulations include the Myers' Cocktail (B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium) or targeted NAD+ infusions.
The science
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found IV nutrient therapy significantly improved fatigue in 74% of participants. NAD+ infusions have been shown to enhance mitochondrial function—your cellular powerhouses.
Time investment
30-45 minutes per session
Frequency: Monthly for maintenance, weekly for acute fatigue (you can know schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experts to personalise your IV Drip based on your needs).
Your Action Plan
If you're constantly tired despite adequate sleep, here's your roadmap:
Book a comprehensive blood panel including all markers mentioned above
Implement the quick fixes whilst waiting for results
Work with a functional medicine practitioner to interpret results optimally (not just "normal" ranges) - We will do this for you for free!
Consider IV therapy for rapid results whilst addressing underlying deficiencies
Fatigue isn't a badge of honour or a sign you're working hard. It's your body asking for help. Listen to it.
If you would like to discuss anything in this article with one of our expert healthcare professionals, you can email us at team@thewellnesslondon.com or message us on Whatsapp on +447961280835.