Why You Are Always Tired Even When Taking Supplements

When looking at the concept of essence in Donguibogam from the perspective of modern science, we can see that it aligns astonishingly well with the complex system that sustains vitality in the deepest parts of our body. The chronic fatigue we feel is not a problem to be solved simply by sleeping more or taking a few vitamin pills, but is highly likely the result of the collapse of our body's fundamental energy production system and stress response system. The first thing that comes to mind is mitochondria. Mitochondria can be described as small energy power plants existing within all cells of our body. They burn nutrients such as carbohydrates and fats to produce biological energy called adenosine triphosphate. If the essence of Donguibogam is the fundamental energy of life activities, in modern science, these mitochondria can be likened to the core organs that produce essence. If mitochondria are damaged or their function declines, cells become unable to produce sufficient energy, and our body experiences a deep sense of fatigue, as if the battery has discharged. Excessive stress, exposure to toxins, irregular dietary habits, and chronic inflammation are the main culprits that decrease the function of mitochondria. The next important factor is our body's stress response system, namely the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The function of the kidney, which was regarded as the place where essence is stored, is also deeply connected to adrenal gland function in modern medicine. The adrenal gland secretes the stress hormone cortisol, helping us cope with stressful situations and maintain energy. However, continuous exposure to chronic stress can excessively activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, eventually leading to exhaustion, a state of adrenal fatigue or adrenal dysregulation. At this point, the cortisol secretion pattern becomes disrupted, breaking the biological rhythm, such as feeling lethargic in the morning and unable to sleep in the evening, and various symptoms appear alongside chronic fatigue, including brain fog, decreased immunity, and mood swings. This closely resembles the state in which essence is depleted and the body's balance is broken. Furthermore, recent studies are also focusing on the link between neuroinflammation and chronic fatigue. When gut health deteriorates or when suffering from chronic stress, microinflammation can occur throughout the body, and when this inflammation affects the brain, it disrupts neurotransmitter balance and impairs brain function, which can trigger mental fatigue, impaired concentration, and lethargy. The fact that even if you take a lot of supplements, it is hard to see benefits because nutrient absorption and utilization are hindered when internal inflammation is severe also directly touches upon the concept of essence. In conclusion, remaining tired despite taking supplements may not simply be due to a lack of certain specific nutrients, but can be a sign that our body's energy factories known as mitochondria are not functioning properly, that the hormonal system coping with stress is broken, or that the body is constantly suffering from systemic inflammation. The depletion of essence mentioned in Donguibogam is a concept encompassing all these complex issues, essentially containing wisdom for the fundamental recovery of our body.