From Spoon Theory to Energy Economics: Chronic Illness & Why Pushing Through Backfires

If you’ve used spoon theory to explain your energy, this episode explores what comes next.We’re talking about the shift to energy economics: a physiological lens on chronic illness that looks at nervous system load, immune demand, hormones, inflammation, GI function, and pain as real energy costs.Because this isn’t just fatigue. It’s biology.We break down how energy economics shows up in gastroparesis, celiac disease, endometriosis, fertility treatment, and chronic inflammation…and why pushing through often leads to flares, crashes, and longer recovery.This episode covers:• The biology behind chronic illness fatigue • Why pushing through backfires • Nervous system and immune energy demand • GI symptoms as an energy budgeting issue • The emotional identity shift of living with limits • What pacing actually looks like in real life • How to explain your energy (spoons vs energy scale)Your energy isn’t laziness. It’s physiology, and learning to work with it may be one of the most powerful forms of advocacy there is.Sponsor: Cozy Earth has our hearts. Their bamboo sheets, towels, and loungewear are ultra-soft luxury comfort. Get 41 percent off (Only until February 28, 2026) with code IGG at CozyEarth.com, plus free shipping over 50 dollars, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.If you want even more behind-the-scenes moments, early announcements, or fun extras, join our email list here:https://balanced-brook-47113.myflodesk.com/ivegotgutspodcastFollow us on social media to stay up to date:https://www.facebook.com/ivegotgutspodcast https://www.instagram.com/ivegotgutspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@IveGotGutsPodcastListen to the podcast worldwide:iHeart Radio https://iheart.com/podcast/238278766/Apple Podcasts https://tr.ee/SO0cSiSBvPSpotify https://open.spotify.com/show/31w8bdwasutxCGCMhhYYh5Amazon Music https://music.amazon.it/podcasts/cd898f42-ddbf-4411-ad15-3a5c1a44d4f5/ive-got-gutsRSS https://rss.com/podcasts/ivegotgutsDeezer https://deezer.com/show/1001406291Pandora https://www.pandora.com/podcast/ive-got-guts/PC:1001094893