The Chronic Fatigue and Burnout Recovery Podcast

Anna Marsh
  • 4.9 (74)
  • Alternative Health
  • Weekly

Recovering from Chronic Fatigue, Burnout and other Energy Related Illnesses Through Somatics, Science and Neural Reprogramming. A Functional Medicine Approach To Recovery

  1. 1h ago

    Episode 162: HRT, Exercise Tolerance & My Health: A Personal Update

    In this episode, Anna shares a personal update on her own health and some of the things that have shifted over the past 6 months or so.  Having spoken in previous episodes about some of the challenges she has been navigating, this episode is about coming full circle, sharing what has been implemented and the outcomes experiences. In particular, she shares her personal experience of starting HRT and the changes she has noticed in her cyclical stability, energy and capacity for exercise.  She also touches on digestive health, histamine, iron supplementation and fuelling for activity and daily life! As always, this isn't about suggesting that what works for one person, works for everyone. Our physiology, health histories and circumstances are individual. This is about sharing experiences that may help you think more about your own situation, what matters and what could be a supportive next step (or not!).  In this episode, we cover:  Coming full circle on some of the health challenges Anna experiences this year Anna’s personal experience of introducing HRT Changes she noticed in energy and exercise tolerance What this experience has made her reflect on in relation to chronic fatigue An update on her digestive health Why our understanding of our health can continue to evolve The importance of remaining curious rather than becoming attached to one explanation This podcast is for educational purposes only and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. If you're considering HRT or have concerns about your health, please discuss these with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Useful Links Research Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42399727/ Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/ Iron Supplement: https://naturaldispensary.co.uk/1417_quattroferrin-21-60s (use discount code AMARSH10)

    Episode 162: HRT, Exercise Tolerance & My Health: A Personal Update

  2. Oct 16

    Episode 161: Could Light Exposure Influence Symptoms in ME/CFS? What a New Study Suggests

    In this episode, Anna explores a newly published study investigating the relationship between light exposure patterns and symptom severity in people living with ME/CFS.  Rather than focusing on light as a treatment, the research highlights the potential role of circadian rhythm and how consistent daytime light, alongside reduced evening light exposure, may be associated with better sleep, lower fatigue and improved quality of life. Anna explains why light is much more than something that helps us see—it acts as one of the body's most important biological signals, helping to regulate sleep, hormones, nervous system function and energy metabolism. She also discusses the limitations of the research, why these findings should be interpreted with caution, and how they fit within a whole-person, systems biology approach to ME/CFS. If you've ever wondered whether your environment can influence your physiology, this episode offers a balanced, science-led discussion of what this emerging research may—and may not—tell us. In this episode you'll learn: Why light plays a vital role in regulating circadian rhythm and overall physiology. What this new ME/CFS study investigated and what the researchers found. Why the timing and consistency of light exposure may matter more than simply spending more time outdoors. The limitations of the current evidence and why association does not equal causation. Anna's clinical perspective on supporting circadian health as one part of a comprehensive, individualised approach to ME/CFS recovery. Useful Links Research Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42399727/ Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/

    Episode 161: Could Light Exposure Influence Symptoms in ME/CFS? What a New Study Suggests

  3. Oct 2

    Episode 160: Motherhood, Recovery & Learning to Live in Balance

    What does recovery look like when life doesn’t stop around you? In this episode, Anna is joined by Charlotte Wightman for an honest conversation about chronic illness, motherhood, recovery and what it means to build a life that feels sustainable — rather than constantly trying to do recovery “perfectly.” Charlotte shares what it was like navigating her own health while also being a mum, including the inevitable tension between what she felt she should be doing for her recovery and what family life actually allowed. They also explore some of the different pieces that became important along the way. Charlotte talks about discovering sleep apnoea, the work she did with Anna on her digestive health which allowed her to come off her adrenal support she had for a long time been dependent on.  They also talk about yoga beyond the physical practice: how its wider philosophy has influenced Charlotte’s relationship with illness, motherhood and recovery, and ultimately inspired the creation of The Held Collective. In this episode, they explore: The reality of supporting your own recovery while parenting Letting go of the pressure to do recovery “perfectly” The unexpected ways illness can change the way we live and parent Charlotte’s experience of discovering sleep apnoea Why symptoms can sometimes have multiple contributing factors What functional testing added to Charlotte’s understanding of her health Why progress rarely comes down to one single intervention Yoga as a philosophy rather than simply a physical practice Creating movement and wellbeing practices that fit around real life How Charlotte’s experiences shaped The Held Collective What “recovery” means to Charlotte now The importance of balance, flexibility and building a meaningful life alongside health This is a thoughtful conversation about moving away from rigid ideas of what recovery should look like and towards something much more individual, flexible and sustainable. This podcast is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for individual medical advice. If you have concerns about symptoms such as persistent fatigue or possible sleep apnoea, please speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Useful Links Charlotte’s Website: https://www.gentleyogawithcharlotte.com/ Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/

    Episode 160: Motherhood, Recovery & Learning to Live in Balance

  4. Sep 18

    Episode 159: Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Improve Capacity in ME/CFS?

    A recently published study investigating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in people living with ME/CFS has generated considerable interest within the chronic illness community. But what did the research actually find? In this episode, Anna takes a balanced look at the study, exploring both the encouraging findings and the important limitations. Whilst the results suggest that HBOT may improve physical functioning, fatigue, pain and cognitive performance in a subset of people with ME/CFS, the study was observational and should be interpreted with appropriate caution. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the research wasn't the treatment itself, but what it revealed about the brain. Using MRI technology, researchers observed changes in communication involving the thalamus—a key brain region involved in filtering sensory information and coordinating communication between different brain networks. These findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that ME/CFS is associated with measurable physiological changes across multiple interconnected systems. In this episode, Anna explores what these findings may mean, why they matter, and how they fit into the bigger picture of our evolving understanding of ME/CFS and Long COVID. In this episode, we discuss: What Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is and why researchers are interested in it The design of the recent ME/CFS study and its key findings Improvements observed in fatigue, pain, cognitive performance and physical function Why the brain imaging findings were particularly interesting Why this research does not prove that HBOT is an effective treatment for ME/CFS Important study limitations and why they matter My clinical perspective on who HBOT may (and may not) be appropriate for Final Thoughts As always, my goal isn't to chase headlines or promote individual interventions, but to help you better understand the emerging science behind ME/CFS and Long COVID. Every well-conducted study adds another piece to the puzzle. Whilst we still have many unanswered questions, research like this continues to deepen our understanding of the complex interactions between the nervous system, immune system, energy metabolism and brain function. If you found this episode helpful, I'd be so grateful if you could subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who may benefit from a more balanced interpretation of the latest research. Useful Links Research Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42249466/ Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/

    Episode 159: Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Improve Capacity in ME/CFS?

  5. Sep 4

    Episode 158: What Happened After My Longest Hike Since Illness

    In this episode, Anna shares the experience of completing her longest hike since chronic illness — a 21km hike lasting almost 6 hours — and reflects on what the following 72 hours revealed about recovery, capacity, and nervous system regulation. This is not an episode about pushing harder. It’s a conversation about what late-stage recovery often really involves: understanding load distribution preparing the body appropriately supporting recovery intentionally and learning how to take on bigger physical challenges without overwhelming the system. Anna explores: training and pacing considerations planning around wider life stress and menstrual cycle timing fuelling and post-exertion recovery sleep and nervous system support active recovery tools such as restorative movement, heat, cold and body work. Blending personal reflection with clinical insight, this episode offers a realistic and grounded look at what rebuilding capacity can look like in the later stages of recovery. Useful Links Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/

    Episode 158: What Happened After My Longest Hike Since Illness

  6. Aug 21

    Episode 157: Could Creatine Support Energy and Cognitive Function in Long Covid?

    Creatine is often associated with the fitness industry and sports performance — but emerging research is now exploring whether it may have relevance far beyond the gym. In this episode, Anna explores the current evidence surrounding creatine supplementation in Long Covid and fatigue-related conditions, including its potential role in energy metabolism, muscle function, cognitive symptoms, nervous system health, and recovery capacity. This conversation also looks at: Why creatine is being investigated in Long Covid The link between ATP production and fatigue Potential neuroprotective and antioxidant mechanisms Brain fog and cognitive symptoms Muscle weakness, PEM, and pacing considerations Why individual responses to supplements can vary Considerations around dosage, safety, and supplement sensitivity Creatine and the menstrual cycle Importantly, this episode takes a balanced and non-dogmatic approach. While early research is promising, creatine is not presented as a “magic bullet” or standalone solution for Long Covid. As always, recovery is complex, individual, and multifactorial. This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice. Useful Links Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/ Referenced Articles Effects of six-month creatine supplementation on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, and tissue creatine levels in patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome Reduced tissue creatine levels in patients with long COVID-19: A cross-sectional study Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective Creatine Supplementation and Brain Health Diagnostic and Pharmacological Potency of Creatine in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome Role of Creatine Supplementation in Conditions Involving Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Narrative Review

  7. Aug 7

    Episode 156: Recovery, Recalibration & Learning to Feel Safely Again

    In this episode, Anna explores a side of recovery that is rarely discussed: What happens when the nervous system begins to reconnect with emotions, sensations, and internal experiences that were previously difficult to fully feel. As the body becomes safer and more regulated, many people notice unexpected shifts: emotions feeling stronger or more accessible increased sensory awareness old feelings resurfacing a changing relationship with capacity, vulnerability, and self-protection. Drawing from both personal experience and Somatic Experiencing concepts such as undercoupling and energy wells, Anna explores why these changes can emerge during recovery — and why they are often part of the nervous system recalibrating rather than “going backwards.” This episode is a gentle conversation about the emotional and physiological complexity of healing, and the process of learning how to feel safely again. Useful Links Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/

    Episode 156: Recovery, Recalibration & Learning to Feel Safely Again

  8. Jul 24

    Episode 155: What This New Research on Glutamate Might Mean for Long COVID & ME/CFS

    In this episode, Anna breaks down a recent study exploring brain neurochemicals in Long COVID and ME/CFS — with a particular focus on glutamate and its potential role in symptoms, particularly physical capacity.  Rather than simply summarising the research, Anna walks you through what these findings may actually mean in practice. We’ll explore how glutamate fits into the wider picture of nervous system regulation, inflammation, and energy metabolism — and why these conditions can’t be understood through a single lens. Anna talks about where targeted approaches like diet, supplements, or medication may have a role, and why addressing underlying drivers is often key to more meaningful, sustainable progress. This episode is designed to help you make sense of the science — without oversimplifying it — and to offer a more integrated way of understanding your symptoms. Useful Links Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz: https://app.annamarsh.co.uk/quiz-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna__marsh_ Work with me: https://annamarsh.co.uk/work-together/ Website: https://annamarsh.co.uk/

    Episode 155: What This New Research on Glutamate Might Mean for Long COVID & ME/CFS
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Recovering from Chronic Fatigue, Burnout and other Energy Related Illnesses Through Somatics, Science and Neural Reprogramming. A Functional Medicine Approach To Recovery

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