Why You Still Feel Tired Even After Taking Nutritional Supplements

When we look at Donguibogam's concept of 'Essence' through the lens of modern science, we find a remarkable alignment with the complex systems that sustain vitality deep within our bodies. The chronic fatigue we experience is likely not just a problem that can be solved by more sleep or a few vitamin pills, but rather the result of a breakdown in our body's fundamental energy production system and stress response framework. The first thing that comes to mind is 'mitochondria'. Mitochondria can be described as tiny powerhouses present in all cells in our bodies. They burn nutrients like carbohydrates and fats to produce bioenergy called ATP. If Donguibogam's 'essence' is the fundamental essence of life activities, then in modern science, mitochondria can be analogized as the core organ that produces this energy. If mitochondria are damaged or their function declines, cells cannot sufficiently produce energy, and our bodies experience a deep feeling of fatigue, as if our battery has been discharged. Excessive stress, toxin exposure, irregular eating habits, and chronic inflammation are the main culprits that degrade mitochondrial function. Equally important is our body's 'stress response system,' or HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). The kidney Qi function, once considered the storehouse of 'essence,' is deeply connected to adrenal gland function in modern medicine. Adrenal glands secrete cortisol, the stress hormone, to help us cope with stress situations and maintain energy. However, continuous exposure to chronic stress can lead to the HPA axis becoming excessively activated and eventually exhausted, resulting in a state of 'adrenal fatigue or adrenal dysregulation.' At this point, cortisol secretion patterns become disturbed, leading to a disrupted biological rhythm (such as feeling low energy in the morning and difficulty sleeping at night), and various symptoms like brain fog, decreased immunity, and mood changes appear alongside chronic fatigue. This is similar to a state where 'essence' is depleted and the body's balance is disrupted. Furthermore, recent research highlights the connection between 'neuroinflammation' and chronic fatigue. If gut health deteriorates or one suffers from chronic stress, microinflammation can occur throughout the body, and if this inflammation affects the brain, the balance of neurotransmitters can be disrupted, brain function can decrease, and it can induce mental fatigue, decreased concentration, and a feeling of weakness throughout the body. This understanding aligns with the concept of 'essence': even if a lot of nutritional supplements are consumed, if there is severe inflammation in the body, nutrient absorption and utilization will not occur properly, making it difficult to see effects. In conclusion, feeling tired even after taking nutritional supplements may not simply be due to a lack of a specific nutrient, but rather a sign that our body's mitochondria are not functioning correctly, or that our endocrine system for coping with stress is faulty, or that the body is constantly suffering due to systemic inflammation. The depletion of 'essence' as described in Donguibogam is a concept that encompasses all these complex issues, thus containing wisdom for our body's fundamental recovery.