Cure Your Fatigue, Second Edition: The Root Cause and How to Fix It On Your Own

by Morley M. Robbins

A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Nutrition, Self Help, History

336 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Cure Your Fatigue is a non-fiction information book about the science behind fatigue and chronic fatigue and something called the route cause protocol, which I had never heard of or come across before.
The first half of the book looks at this in more detail and then gets into the actual protocol in the second half.
I did have to read this in bite-sized chunks to absorb much of the information, but I found the theories that were raised in this book very interesting, and I'm going to be looking into them much more. I think we all fall into some sort of fatigue at some stage in our lives and this book seems like a game changer on many levels to help cure it and to help us lead a healthier lifestyle too.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book only didn't get 5 stars because it felt compelled to include a section on the overly trendy intermittent fasting which drives me batty (why does EVERY nutrition book have to promote this?? It's not scientifically proven or beneficial to women). Otherwise a fantastic look at the science behind iron deficiency and energy production.

[Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, I really did. But it was incredibly repetitive, discursive, and poorly edited. That said I did learn that doctors know nothing of this material, which he must have repeated 25 times. Ok we get it, doctors suck.

[Julie Zilkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have not completely finished this book, it is definitely a book I want to give a copy to nearly every single person I know. Morley's work has completely opened my eyes to the importance of minerals in our body, and the correlation between iron, copper, and magnesium and the need of Retinol, (Vit A) found only in animal products to help everything thing work together. Morley said we have been misled and misfed, and I couldn't agree more. Some of my biggest take aways are there is NO such thing as anemia. If you have low hemoglobin, then you have your iron locked into your tissues, and it is unable to be recycled. We actually only need 1 mg of iron a day, and the other 24 mg should be recycled in our body. If that is not happening, it is because you do not have enough copper. Vitamin D is rat poison. After listening to a podcast with Morley a year ago, I threw all of my vitamin d out. Zinc is also not good to supplement as it depletes copper, which is the battery of your cells! If you don't have copper, you can not make energy!! As you can see, lots to process and think about, but Morley's book is not to be missed!

And on ending the book--I still feel the same. I think this really is the missing piece of why so many people are struggling with health issues. Who knew!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Root Cause Protocol is something I already follow. Reading this book gave me more insight into the research and reasoning that backs this protocol. While I enjoyed the book, I think it could have been organized and written more effectively. Be that as it may, I am a firm believer in Morley's methodology. He backs everything he says with actual bodily mechanisms and research. Basically, take more magnesium, eat beef liver, and stop taking calcium, iron, zinc, Vitamin D, and all synthetic vitamins. Get your vitamins from food sources rather than the lab, as lab-created vitamins are not bio-identical and will bring about bodily disfunction. Eat foods found in an Ancestral diet heavy on animal protein, and devoid of sugar, grains, and seed oils. Copper is the underlying component that needs to be optimized and increased because it is central to an overwhelming number of fundamental bodily processes, and key to a long healthy life. The first step in protecting copper is by increasing magnesium. My health has definitely taken a turn for the better after following all of the stops and starts listed in the protocol.

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a person with chronic fatigue due to an autoimmune condition, this book title really stood out to me. Upon second thought, when I started listening to the audiobook, I realised that while mineral deficiencies can be the root cause of many conditions, limiting those mineral that are supposedly missing to a certain limited number is illogical and not very scientific.

I am planning to do a full panel of blood work to discover what minerals I might be missing, but I have to say the evidence in this book and beyond it, the protocol, is highly anecdotal and not empiric. Make of this what you will.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW ✨️
This read is a definite eye opener! The science behind improving your health through the root cause protocol from mineral imbalances can help with fatigue and chronic illnesses, which is very informative! This is the best place to start. I've been told all my life I'm anemic low iron, and now I learn I just need copper to process the iron.Theres so much good information that it's no wonder he has such a big following. Definitely take time to read if you want to improve your health!
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to listen to Morley Robbins' book.

[Rachel Ramey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morley roots his theory in evolutionary assumptions which I don't share, which causes me to read with a degree of skepticism throughout. With that said, the heart of the theory revolves around how the body uses copper and iron, and it appears to be well-grounded in research-derived data. (Insofar as I can tell. What information he presents that I'm already familiar with seems accurate. As for the rest of it...it seems to be well-sourced and logical, from what I can tell based on his presentation of it.)

The Root Cause Protocol that results makes a lot of sense, and is highly practical.

I do, however, have some questions about his aversion to vitamin C and D supplementation. On these subtopics I'm less convinced his information is complete and his conclusions fully accurate. While I do believe they contain truth, many of his observations aren't consistent with the way I've seen supplementation of these substances approached, and I suspect the truth is somewhere between what Morley presents and the "common" way of doing things. I'd like to see more detail about how these supplements supposedly differ from "natural" sources and how to reconcile his claims with conflicting claims I've seen in my own research -- but that's probably more than most readers are interested in and beyond the scope of the book.

[MaryEllen Bream · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have appreciated taking advantage of all the free content Morley has provided via his Facebook group and webinars, and was excited for this book so that I could see all the information put together in a logical sequence.
The ghostwriter did a great job writing in Morley's voice.
While I didn't care for or understand all the biochemistry, I nevertheless appreciated that everything was explained in such great detail. Morley's vast knowledge of this subject is so evident as is his passion for it.

[Kelsey Sontag · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHEW! Almost a year of reading! But I took it slow because it was SUCH a rich book of info. Such good info for those wanting to read about what’s actually going on with low iron levels in the body, whether you should take vitD or vitA, how to heal chronic fatigue, inflammation in the body, etc, etc, etc. SO GOOD! His personality def comes through and he is quite funny and dramatic (tho appropriately so with the lies we are fed about what “health” is!) anyone looking to dive into health would benefit greatly from this book.

[Lini Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s heavy on the biochemistry, which I appreciate for validity but I skimmed through that section to get to the practical steps. I’m eager to track my progress as I implement this into my life and see what develops. It is encouraging to see how this overlapped with other resources (Weston A Price, etc) I’ve read and see it all kinda confirm one another rather than contradict.

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The 2021 edition of the book contains typos, such as periods where commas should be (pg 15 and 31) and “three key minerals: copper, iron, and thus magnesium” (pg 12). The author starts with testimonials (a red flag) and denigrates doctors continually. He also demonizes Ancel Keys because like others he has misunderstood that Keys was not promoting a low fat diet, only a diet low in saturated fat from animal products and substituted with plant fats from nuts, seeds, and avocados. I was disappointed that at first, except for one paragraph on page 17 that explains ATP production, the descriptions of how copper works in the body use metaphors like eating at a restaurant and expelling exhaust from our car. I find this vague and unhelpful. But then in later chapters he explains the process in depth. I skipped through the middle chapters once I was convinced that it was most important to focus on increasing the amount of bio available copper. Then I saw that the Stops and Starts were mostly stop taking those supplements so you can start taking these supplements instead. How expensive this plan must be especially when he follows the Weston Price diet calling for grass fed meat and dairy and organic produce. I would not recommend this book.

[Miranda Andrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend this if you are in the least bit interested about how our health is impacted by the things of this world, be it diet or environment. This book changed my outlook on health in general!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book

This will change your life and improve your health, be sure to incorporate the root cause protocol for life .

[Nicole Sawatzky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enlightening book. After doing the root protocol for a couple months I'm seeing differences and feeling way less fatigued 😅 definitely recommend!

[Francesca Du · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating read, some of the biochemistry was beyond my comprehension but the concept of the book fairly easy to understand. sometimes the tone is annoying, very much a "everyone has this wrong, I've discovered the truth".
bioavailable copper deficiency, iron dysregulation, and the essential nature of retinol and magnesium are key ideas that are not commonly accpeted or used in diagnosis/treatment especially for fatigue. encouraged incorporating more beef liver, bee pollen, cod liver oil and animal-based foods for B vitamins and retinol (vitamin A) as well as avoiding supplemental iron and foods fortified with iron, synthetic supplements including vit C.
adrenal cocktail explained in a little more detail with recipe: 120ml orange juice (pure, unfortified), 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate), 1/4 tsp sea salt.
interesting notes on iodine - essential for thyroid function, necessary for proper breast development and function and maintaining shape and structure, sources include kelp/seaweed, scallops, cod; magnesium - so essential yet so often deficient and burned quickly by stress; also calcium-magnesium ratio 1:1, topical application great for absorption through skin (including Epsom salt baths especially in pregnancy), -citrate not good, try glycinate or malate instead.
lots of research conducted and referenced but would have appreciated more explanations for some things beyond one or two paragraphs and blanket bad vs good statements, for example on synthetic vs whole food/bioavailable/natural minerals and vitamins (mainly so I can understand better and be able to present reasons why with more backing beyond "Robbins says so").

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who suffers from chronic fatigue, amongst other chronic health issues, this book jumped out to me. I was skeptical going into it because it had "cure" in the title and I know that there isn't a one size fits all treatment for fatigue and it's underlying causes.

Prior to reading this book I have never heard of the author nor the root cause protocol. The first half of the book delves into the science behind fatigue and the root cause protocol. The 2nd half gets into the actual protocol.

I listened to the audiobook which comes with a downloadable pdf to reference. The narrator was easy to listen too and kept me engaged.

There were many interesting theories brought up in this book that I am definitely going to look into a bit more. The root cause protocol appears to have potential to help myself and some family members.

This is one that I may actually go out and by the hard copy to keep on hand for easier reference and note taking.

I was provided with an ARC from Netgalley.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morley Robbins is absolutely brilliant. His research and compilation of studies is like nothing I've ever read before, and I've read countless books and participated in numerous lectures as a Holistic Health Coach. Conventional Medicine knows NONE of this because they are not taught any of this critical work in Medical School, and unfortunately, Naturopaths and most Functional Medicine doctors & practitioners are also not taught these fundamentals. Most medical professionals simply do not understand the most critical piece of the puzzle is that Copper is the Commander-in-Chief (but only when it is bio-available in the body), and is the ONLY force on this earth that can regulate iron, which drives inflammation and dis-ease in our bodies when it is not regulated. Morley sets the record straight & exposes the myths that we were all told to believe. Read this book with an open mind and without prejudice and you will never look at health through the same lens again.

[Dianne Loflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lies we’ve been told!!

Wonder why every time you have dis-ease you get a prescription instead of directions on truly healing your body? Wonder why we live in a diabetic, obese world and the numbers keep rising. Wonder why it costs $72m to bring a new drug to market but your doctor doesn’t tell you about eating whole foods, minerals and direct sunlight to improve your symptoms? This is an eye-opening book on why the worlds health is where it is today. How “science” backed by big pharma dollars has buried evidence that disagrees with their claims. If you really want answers to ailments, read this book with an open mind. It may make you furious, but it can make you live healthier longer. Great read!

[Caitlyn Gallenstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me feel confident that everything is based off of scientific evidence, and it validated my feelings that doctors don’t tend to go above and beyond anymore to investigate root causes of fatigue or chronic stress/anxiety.

I haven’t felt like I can be 100% of myself, and now I have something to guide my process in integrating more of the correct minerals to my body.

The caveats to this book is that it is repetitive (meaning it could have been much shorter and instead lay out a very clear and easy to follow plan of action) as well as the full scope of his plan being financially infeasible for the average Joe. This is, however, a great place to start.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an eye opener!
This is a must own book if you are in the medical field or in holistic or naturopathic medicine or a parent looking over your family’s health or someone who wants to take your own health matters in your own hands. THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE!!
I took my time reading this book, not because it was hard to understand but because there is so much information. There’s a lot to take in and chew on. What I really appreciated was the information backing up Morley’s claims.
Seriously. JUST BUY THE BOOK!

[Yaser Had · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, but this guy promotes his health protocol so you cam be his client and I don’t like that because he keeps repeating his protocol. He has some good information new to me though but some of them I already know.

[Noeleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in depth summation of The Root Cause Protocol.

Absolutely a must read for anyone either on the Protocol and wanting more depth, or for those who are teetering on the edge of starting it.

It adds so much more to WHY and HOW Morley came to the protocol.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve followed Morely’s work for a few years. I’ve heard him on podcasts and read a lot of his information online. I was excited to read this book and get a little more in-depth. Such a good read and highly recommend! I love how he debunks the mainstream narratives.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One million stars!!! This book is GOLD.

[Krystal Pister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic information !

[Hillary DG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the biochemistry was interesting, this book is VERY repetitive and promotes a lot of supplements based in mostly animal-based research.

[Karisa Totah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My nutritionist recommended this book to me last year. It has become one of the ways in which I've begun to OWN my health and realize I can't and shouldn't rely solely on care providers, even the best, most knowledgeable ones. I can and should take charge of my own health by learning, researching, implementing, and working with my care providers instead of taking their recommendations as law until I'm told otherwise. I've spent too many years waiting on care providers to show me the next step in my health journey when I had the power to make a change myself.

It took me quite a while to wade through this audiobook. But boy was it worth the discipline. There is SO much knowledge and understanding about the WHY behind various health conditions, how certain supplements affect the body, etc. I plan to purchase a hard copy of this book for further review and to use as a jumping off point for further research.

While this book can feel very "heady" or "dry" at times, I feel like that's one of its biggest proofs that what it has to say is probably quite valid. It's not trying to sell anything or use marketing to convince you of anything. Rather it uses science and experience to reveal what we should've been taught all along.

I definitely don't fully understand how it all works and I may not even fully follow his recommended "stops" and "starts," but I'm now on a journey to more deeply grasp the science shared in this book as well as learn more elsewhere for my health and that of my loved ones.

I have already recommended this book to family and friends. I can't wait to see the benefits take hold in my life and those of others!

[Victoria Haf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro también lo leí porque ya no podía con el cansancio crónico y también fue porque sigo posts en instagram, hay uno que se llama "mineral shaman" (ya sé) que habla de este "root cause protocol" que trata de que la desmineralización del cuerpo es la causa de enfermedades y fatiga.
Este libro es bastante complicado porque habla en términos científicos y celulares de como funciona la producción de energía en la mitocondria pero pues es justo para tratar de hacer accesible el protocolo y como funciona suplementar la alimentación con los minerales correctos y no los multivitaminicos que llegan a hacer más mal que bien.
Ya llevo varias semanas iniciando el protocolo con electrolitos (sodio y potasio en jugo de naranja) y me he sentido mucho más hidratada, y hace poco empecé a tomar magnesio, ya solo con estas tres cosas me he sentido con mucha más energía, sin necesidad de tomar tanto café para poder funcionar y me da gusto. La verdad no creo seguir el protocolo al pie de la letra pero me gustó medio entender como funciona la energía en el cuerpo aunque es muy complicado y seguro no entend�� ni la mitad.

El autor cita muchos estudios científicos pero hubiera sido mejor que tuviera un editor o una editorial porque a veces su forma de escribir es muy... no sé, hace juegos de palabras medio chafas y el libro no tiene todas las referencias bibliográficas al final, las tiene metidas en el texto. Llega a ser repetitivo y un poco desordenado y culpo al selfpublishing, pero bueno, la información me parece valiosa.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Total paradigm-shifter. I came upon this book because I had extreme iron deficiency on blood tests, and the iron supplements i was told to take made me feel bad and... Didn't change my results much. When my practitioner doubled down, I felt kind of lost about what to do, and someone in a forum recommended a podcast with Morley Robbins.

The main argument here, that iron-deficiency anemia is not a thing and the real issue is mineral dysregulation, was interesting but kind of overwhelming. How could this be true? What if it were wrong?

For my particular situation though, I had a hair mineral analysis test from last year to also reference, and it said I was deficient in magnesium, so things started to add up.

I started the Root Cause Protocol described in the book (you can also find it online) and figured I'd try it a few weeks and retest just to see if it was moving numbers in the right direction. So imagine my surprise when my iron had tripled and my ferritin started rising! In three weeks!

I've been continuing the RCP while finishing this book and have learned a lot about something that may have been an issue for me for years. Definitely still learning but I am so thankful for this resource. If you or anyone you know has been told they are low in iron and not because of blood loss, this is a must-read.