Why do some people never fully recover after a virus? Why can exercise leave someone with chronic fatigue feeling dreadful for days? And what can you actually do to support your body when it feels like it's running on empty? In this episode, I'm joined again by nutritional therapist Virginia Blake, who works with clients living with chronic fatigue syndrome, ME and long COVID and teaches nutrition professionals in this area. Since COVID, far more research money has gone into understanding chronic fatigue, and Virginia shares what we're learning about what's happening in the body, and why understanding that "why" can be so validating. Key discussion points: Why chronic fatigue has no single diagnostic test, and the core symptoms used to identify it Possible triggers: viral and bacterial infections, environmental toxins, immune and hormonal factors Why women in perimenopause may experience chronic fatigue type symptoms for the first time, including the role of masking in late-diagnosed autism and ADHD How COVID can allow other dormant viruses to reactivate The mitochondrial cell danger response, and why the body can get "stuck" The nervous system in fight or flight, and why people can feel exhausted but wired New research on capillaries and energy production that helps explain post-exertional malaise Why Virginia doesn't recommend graded exercise, and gentle ways to move instead Protein at breakfast, protein powders, and vegan options Bloating, low-fermentation eating, and why Virginia prefers to support rather than attack the gut Reducing your environmental load: fresh air, damp, pesticides and traffic pollution What testing to ask your GP about, based on NICE guidance Free interventions: daylight, sunsets, regular mealtimes and longer out-breaths Why biohacking, fasting and cold water exposure aren't helpful for chronic fatigue Compassion, rest and permission to be "a bit rubbish" Sponsor: Thank you to Revive Active, the original super supplement, for sponsoring this episode. 26 active ingredients to support your energy, immunity and heart health in one convenient sachet. Available in Boots, Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods, and independent pharmacists and health stores nationwide, and online at reviveactive.com. Work with Nicola: Find out more about one-to-one support at www.nicola-moore.com and follow along on Instagram @nicolamoorenutrition. This episode is for education only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. One-to-One Nutritional Therapy Hormone Insights & Support Service Liberate Food Freedom Course Nutrition Practitioner and Student Mentoring Groups Website | Facebook | Instagram