With each change of season, and particularly with the transition from winter to spring, many people experience unusual fatigue.
Difficulty getting up, low energy levels, lack of motivation - it feels like everything is moving in slow motion…
Contrary to what one might think, this fatigue is not insignificant. It often reflects a phase of metabolic adaptation.
Rather than fighting it, it's essential to understand what is happening in the body to better support it.
Seasonal change: a real metabolic transition
The body functions in constant interaction with its environment: light, temperature, diet, lifestyle...
In winter, it adopts a specific mode of operation, focused on protection and energy conservation.
We observe in particular:
- a global slowing of metabolism, linked to decreased light and increased melatonin
- an increase in energy needs, especially to maintain body temperature (thermogenesis)
- a priority given to immunity, with increased mobilization of defenses against external aggressions
- a diet often richer, in response to energy needs and hormonal signals (ghrelin, leptin)
With the arrival of spring, several parameters evolve rapidly:
- luminosity increases significantly
- biological (circadian) rhythms recalibrate
- the body prepares for a higher activity level
The body must then switch from a “slowed down” mode to a more active mode, which implies a global reorganization of metabolic functions.
This transition requires significant mobilization of resources, which can explain the fatigue experienced, especially if the body lacks nutrients or if certain systems are temporarily imbalanced.
Metabolism and fatigue: what is the link?
Metabolism corresponds to all the biochemical reactions that allow the body to produce energy, maintain its vital functions, and ensure its internal balance.
It relies on a constant balance between:
- catabolism (breakdown of nutrients to produce energy)
-
anabolism (tissue building and repair)
It is a dynamic system, in constant balance between phases of production and regulation, which continuously mobilizes numerous organs, enzymes, hormones, and micronutrients.
Thus, metabolism plays a role in essential functions such as energy production, hormonal regulation, digestion, and waste elimination.
These reactions naturally generate by-products and metabolic waste that the body must transform and eliminate efficiently.
Energy production: at the heart of vitality
Cellular energy is primarily produced in the mitochondria, the true powerhouses of the cell, in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
ATP is the body's energy currency: it is a molecule that stores and releases energy immediately usable by cells to perform all their functions (muscle contraction, brain activity, syntheses, detoxification, etc.).
Mitochondria convert nutrients from food (glucose, fatty acids, etc.) into ATP through complex biochemical reactions using oxygen.
This process depends on several pathways:
- glycolysis (glucose utilization)
- beta-oxidation (fatty acid utilization)
- the Krebs cycle (final energy production, i.e., ATP)
These reactions are extremely dependent on the presence of cofactors:
- B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12…)
- magnesium
- iron
- zinc etc.
When these elements are lacking, or when needs increase (as is the case during a change of season), energy production can become less efficient. This then translates into a feeling of fatigue, sometimes even despite a proper diet.
Hormonal regulation in adaptation
Metabolism is closely linked to the endocrine system. During a change of season, several hormonal axes readjust:
- circadian axis: melatonin (sleep hormone) / cortisol (stress hormone)
- thyroid axis: regulation of basal metabolism
- insulin / blood sugar: energy management
These adjustments can lead to:
- energy variations throughout the day
- a feeling of morning fatigue
- cravings or glycemic instability
Digestion and assimilation: a key step often overlooked
Producing energy does not depend solely on what we eat, but on what we actually assimilate.
The digestive system plays a central role:
- enzymatic secretions (amylases, proteases, lipases)
- biliary secretion for lipids
- intestinal absorption of nutrients
During seasonal transitions:
- digestion can be slower
- enzymatic activity can fluctuate
- the intestinal microbiota can change
Result:
- less effective nutrient assimilation
- feeling of heaviness
- post-meal fatigue
Metabolic waste management: a key factor in fatigue
In parallel, the body must continuously manage the waste from its activity.
Each metabolic reaction generates by-products that must be processed and then eliminated. This work relies on the coordinated action of the eliminatory organs: the liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and skin.
During a change of season, these mechanisms may be more stressed. The body enters a transition phase where it mobilizes and reorganizes its internal functions.
If this elimination is less efficient or if resources are insufficient, it can result in a feeling of fatigue, a decrease in vitality, or even a feeling of heaviness.
A global adaptation phase
At the time of the change of season, several phenomena overlap:
- an increase in energy needs
- hormonal adaptation
- digestion that is sometimes less efficient
- an increased mobilization of elimination mechanisms
Metabolism is then in a reorganization phase.
This transition is physiological, but it can be accompanied by transient fatigue if the body does not have all the necessary elements to adapt effectively.
Supporting metabolism consistently
In this context, the goal is not to overstimulate the body, but to provide it with the resources it needs to function optimally.
This includes appropriate micronutrient support, sufficient hydration, and a balanced intake of minerals.
Minerals and trace elements play an essential role in cellular balance and internal exchanges. Mineral-rich water can thus help support these fundamental functions, especially during periods of fatigue.
Furthermore, vitamin D3, often depleted after winter, participates in many physiological processes, particularly the proper functioning of the immune system and overall vitality.
Finally, vitamins and minerals are directly involved in the metabolic reactions responsible for energy production. An appropriate intake supports these mechanisms and helps the body in its adaptation phase.
It is within this global approach that certain targeted solutions from Nutrivie fit:
- a vitamin D3, to support immune functions and overall energy until summer.
- a vitamin and mineral complex, providing essential cofactors for energy production and support during detox
- magnesium bisglycinate, which is particularly well absorbed, to support the nervous system and reduce fatigue
- Omega-3s, for their part, participate in inflammation regulation, proper cellular function, and overall vitality support.
In this vein, the Essential Well-being Pack (multivitamins + magnesium + omega-3) provides a complete solution to globally support the body, especially during periods of fatigue or seasonal changes.
Also:
In cases of more pronounced fatigue, iron intake (if a need is identified) can be relevant to support cellular oxygenation and energy production. Nutrivie offers iron bisglycinate for better assimilation.
Finally, hepatic support with Hépato Bio (in tablets or ampoules) can support elimination processes and facilitate the body's adaptation, especially during transition periods. However, it is essential to combine it with a sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals, such as a multivitamin complex or hypertonic water rich in trace elements. Indeed, without these essential cofactors, elimination mechanisms can be less effective, which risks accentuating fatigue instead of improving it.
Mélodie RENOM
Naturopath and founder of Magnolia Holistic Formations school
