Conditions

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a mysterious condition that can cause a wide range of baffling symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Extreme and debilitating exhaustion
• All-over weakness
• Aching muscles and joints
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Mild fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Intestinal problems
• Jaundice
• Muscle spasms
• Recurrent upper respiratory infections
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Sleep disturbances

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is based on the presence of unexplained exhaustion that is not improved by sleep or rest, persists for three to six months, and causes an all-over weakness and lack of energy so severe that it interferes with normal living. Usually, the first step in the diagnosis is to rule out any underlying conditions, including psychological disorders, that may be contributing to the problem.

Treatment Options:

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, however there are some things that can be done to help ease the symptoms and regain some control over your life.

Traditional Treatments:

• Treatment for CFS centers on providing symptomatic relief. Painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen may be recommended to control inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints.
• Your doctor will likely encourage rest.
• Some doctors refer patients with symptoms of chronic fatigue for psychiatric evaluation and some may even prescribe anti-depressants. While it is true that depression can cause symptoms similar to those of CFS, true CFS is not a psychiatric condition and should not be treated as such. Seek a second opinion if you believe that your doctor is implying that the problem is "all in your head".

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

At this time, complementary and alternative therapies offer the best treatments available for CFS.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes help reduce inflammation (which might be an underlying cause for CFS) Take 500 mg of either twice a day, between meals.
• Take a full-spectrum digestive-enzyme supplement to help with assimilation of nutrients. Follow label directions.
• Malic acid helps produce energy in many cells of the body, including muscle cells. Follow label directions.
• GABA is very useful if the fatigue is associated with anxiety. Take 500 mg in the morning and at bedtime. Note: If you are taking melatonin in the evening, eliminate the bedtime dose of GABA).
• Glucosamine sulfate relieves joint pain by assisting in the production of cartilage. Take 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times daily.
• Magnesium and malic acid assist in initiating the Krebs cycle, a series of biochemical reactions that transform nutrients into energy. Take a combination formula that supplies 100 mg of magnesium and 300 mg of malic acid three times daily, twenty minutes before each meal, for six to eight weeks.
• In spite of extreme fatigue, many people with CFS do not sleep well. Melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates sleep, can be helpful. Take 0.5 to 3mg daily, one to two hours before bedtime. Warning: Melatonin causes extreme drowsiness ­ do not take it during the day.
• Thymus glandular extract enhances immune function, which is often impaired in people with CFS. Take 750 mg at breakfast and again at lunch.
• Some naturopathic physicians treat CFS with an intravenous solution containing pantothenic acid, vitamin C, and hydrochloric acid (HCI). Many people report remarkable improvement with this treatment.
• Lecithin granules or capsules promote energy and enhance immunity. Follow label directions.

Alternative Therapies:

• Astragalus and echinacea enhance immune function.
• Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover promote healing by cleansing the blood and lymphatic system, as well as enhancing immune function.
• St. John's Wort has antiviral properties and is a good antidepressant.
• Siberian ginseng increases the body's resistance to stress, fatigue, and disease. It also has been shown to increase mental alertness.
• Perhaps the best thing a person with CFS can do is consult a homeopathic practitioner for a constitutional remedy.
• A bath prepared with mint and thyme can help improve energy levels.
• Essential oils of basil, bergamot, geranium, lavender, peppermint and thyme have stimulating and energizing properties. Bergamot oil also helps combat depression. You can use any or all of these oils by diffusing them into the air.

General Recommendations:

• See your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
• Investigate the possibility that you have undetected food allergies or sensitivities.
• Rest is important.
• Involve your loved ones in your recovery. They must understand that the condition is real, not imagined.
• Consider trying mild forms of yoga to help increase your energy levels.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try alternating cold showers with hot baths every other day.

Warnings:

Some conditions that can produce similar symptoms are ­ anemia, cancer, systemic candida infection, chemical dependencies, depression, food allergies or sensitivities, heart problems, hepatitis, HIV disease, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, chronic infection, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, tuberculosis, and reactions to medications.