Fatigued but “Normal” Bloods? How This Client Doubled Their Energy in 3 Months
TL;DR
Client went from 4/10 to 8/10 energy in just 3 sessions
Despite “normal” blood tests, gut and nutrient testing revealed hidden imbalances
We addressed gut health, stress regulation, and micronutrient support
Client gained long-term tools for energy and wellness, not just quick fixes
The Frustration of Feeling Exhausted When Your Blood Tests Say You’re Fine
If you’ve ever been told “your blood tests are normal” but you still feel wrecked, you’re not alone.
That was exactly the case for this client.
She came to me completely fatigued, often relying on mid-morning naps just to get through the day. Her energy was sitting at a 4/10, but every time she went to the doctor, her bloods came back “fine.”
Sound familiar?
Why “In-Range” Doesn’t Always Mean Optimal
Blood test ranges are designed to catch disease, not necessarily to identify the early signs of dysfunction.
So while this client’s test results weren’t technically out of range, they showed subtle clues of imbalance when we looked through a root-cause lens.
For example:
B12 was low-normal (even though she was getting regular injections!)
Fatigue persisted despite rest, movement, and eating a wholefood diet
She struggled with energy crashes and couldn’t sustain focus through the day
The Root-Cause Energy Reset We Created Together
We took a multifactorial approach, not just a “take this supplement” quick fix.
1. Gut Testing Revealed Hidden Fatigue Drivers
We ran a CoBiome gut microbiome test, which showed:
Increased oral species – A marker for low stomach acid, which is a hidden cause of fatigue because it blocks nutrient absorption (especially iron, zinc, and B12)
Low IPA-producing species – These are bacteria that help protect the gut lining. When they’re low, you can get gut wall inflammation, another fatigue driver
2. We Optimised Her Nutrition Beyond the Basics
We assessed her diet for deficiencies that don’t show up easily on standard blood tests:
Zinc and vitamin A – both needed for energy, immunity, and gut repair
Iodine and selenium – crucial for thyroid function and metabolism
B Vitamins – especially B12, where her injections weren’t making enough of a difference. We switched to a sublingual B12 for better absorption, bypassing potential absorption issues
Clinical studies have shown that low-normal B12 levels can still cause fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes even if you’re told “it’s in range.”
3. We Focused on Stress & Circadian Rhythm
Sometimes, fatigue isn’t just about food or supplements - it’s also about the nervous system.
We built in:
Stress regulation tools to shift from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest
Circadian rhythm support like morning light exposure and reducing screen time at night to stabilise energy naturally
The Results: From Nap-Dependent to Energised Again
After just 3 sessions over 3 months:
Energy improved from 4/10 to 8/10
No more mid-morning naps required
She now understands how to support her body with gut health, micronutrient support, and lifestyle changes that actually work for her (not just band-aid solutions)
The Power of Accountability & Ongoing Support
This client joined my Women’s Wellness Program, which included:
3 one-on-one naturopathy sessions
10% off practitioner supplements
Ongoing check-ins and educational content to keep her accountable
This structure meant she didn’t just get short-term results - she’s now equipped with tools for long-term energy and wellness.
Why Fatigue is Often a Gut & Nutrient Issue
Low energy isn’t just about sleep or exercise.
For many people, fatigue starts in the gut because your gut controls:
Nutrient absorption (think B12, iron, zinc, vitamin A)
Inflammation levels (which drain your energy)
The production of neurotransmitters that regulate sleep and mood
That’s why my programs focus on the root cause of fatigue, not just adding more coffee or supplements on top.
For more on addressing the cause of your fatigue, check out this blog “Stop Feeling Tired All the Time with the Help of a Naturopath”
Ready to Decode Your Health?
If you’re sick of hearing “everything looks fine” but you don’t feel fine, Decode Your Health is your next step.
This is a 1:1 online session where we’ll:
Review your test results through a root-cause lens
Investigate gut and nutrient issues that standard bloods miss
Build a personalised plan to improve your energy, digestion, and mood
Let’s get to the root of your fatigue and help you feel like yourself again.
Let’s connect
Follow me on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn for gut health tips, case studies, and exclusive insights.
Looking for more?
Explore more on my website here: https://www.oliviagracenaturopathy.com.au
📍 In-person and online consultations available
📧 info@oliviagracenaturopathy.com.au
📱 DM me on Instagram @oliviagracenaturopathy
Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting new treatments or supplements.
This case study is based on one individual’s personal health journey and is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Outcomes may vary from person to person, and results are not guaranteed. Naturopathic care is highly individualised and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.
Your health concerns deserve a personalised assessment and tailored plan that considers your unique needs, history, and goals.
