Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex medical condition characterised by extreme fatigue, lasting for six months or more that cannot be explained by any other medical condition. The cause of CFS remains unknown.
There are many theories as to why it occurs:
- Infection in the body such as a virus or bacterium – It is known that in some people a latent virus can cause CFS. In fact, the so-called “Post Viral Syndrome” or chronic Epstein Barr Virus Syndrome (CEBVS) is indistinguishable from CFS. It is also quite obvious that viruses will produce such effects only on susceptible individuals & history has shown that the number of such individuals is climbing steadily.
- Other theories suggest that it could be due to an imbalance of hormones https://www.sciencealert.com/we-just-discovered-a-crucial-hormonal-link-to-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-thyroid-myalgic-encephalomyelitis
- Immune system dysfunction
- Poor eating habits
- Preliminary research suggests herpes infection can trigger CFS
- Psychological stress
- Candida albicans – Many, if not most, CFS sufferers have problems with candida. They either carry a Candida infection or are allergic to candida albicans or other forms of yeast fungi (moulds). In fact, I believe that Candida can & often do, cause chronic fatigue. Yet if your CFS is caused by something other than Candida then it is very likely to trigger a Candida explosion. Indeed the Candida organism’s effect on you may well prevent any treatment for CFS being successful & so the Candida problem must be taken care of as a part of the treatment for CFS.
Symptoms of CFS vary from person to person:
- Extreme fatigue even after rest or sleep
- Muscle aches & pains
- Low grade fever & chills
- Sore throat & swollen lymph glands
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating & thinking clearly
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing. (Keeping in mind that dizziness can be caused by other issues)
- Memory problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety
The effects of persistent fatigue can be both physical and mental.
- Physically, the extreme fatigue caused by CFS often causes a person to become bedridden or housebound for long periods of time
- Mentally, CFS can cause depression & anxiety due to the lack of control over one’s own life
Lifestyle changes for chronic fatigue syndrome such as:
- Dietary – eating a clean healthy diet. https://www.nutritionalhealthenterprises.com/health-benefits-of-a-mediterranean-diet
- Exercise – walking, gym, swimming, pilates or yoga
- Relaxation & stress management – meditation, breathing exercises & listening to relaxation music
- Talking – whether with a friend or a counsellor
Supplements for chronic fatigue syndrome depends on symptoms:
- Probiotics – (candida albicans when it is systemic in your body can cause immune dysfunction) candida does not necessarily show up as thrush symptoms
- Magnesium – Can help to improve your sleep quality & reduce stress levels, making it beneficial for both physical & mental health
- Omega 3 fatty acids – Chronic fatigue & anti-inflammatory
- NADH – Energy, depression & used for CFS in general
- DHEA – Improve physical performance & depression
- Vitamin B12 – Energy & improves mood
- Beta-carotene – Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory activity
- L-Carnitine – Helps fatigue & improves energy
- Vitamin D – Boosts your immune system
- Melatonin – Sleep
- NAC – Powerful boost for immune system, antioxidant & respiratory conditions
- Co-enzyme Q10 – Antioxidant & is involved in the production of ATP (the main energy source of body cells)
Herb:
- Ginseng (panax ginseng) – Antioxidant, boost immune & increase energy
- Echinacea – Immune
Homeopathy:
- Arsenicum – For Restlessness & fatigue
- Gelsemium – For Mental exhaustion & drowsiness
- Pulsatilla – For Mood & emotional
- Sulphur – For People who feel fatigue, but are usually not as emotionally sensitive
Acupunture:
- Can improve the quality of life
- Can relieve physical & mental fatigue
- Has a good general effect on the complex symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, especially on lassitude, anorexia, insomnia, amnesia, diarrhoea & general pain
- Acupuncture plus moxibustion combined with a psychological approach is an effective therapy for persistent fatigue
Summary:
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS, is a complicated disorder. Individuals have an array of varying symptoms, above are different treatment depending on your symptoms.
Eating a healthy diet & using supplement, herbs & homeopathic remedies as recommended, may help reduce the debilitating symptoms of CFS & may improve overall energy. https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-treatments-for-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-88222 – Counselling, support groups, meditation, yoga & progressive muscle relaxation are stress management techniques that may help as well.