Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not a disease in itself. It is a combination of symptoms that can mimic many other diseases, making it very difficult to diagnose. The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are not well understood.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue?
Some researchers believe chronic fatigue is an infection with a viral agent in the same family as the herpes virus.
Others believe it may be due to an unidentified problem with the immune system, defective blood pressure regulation, anemia, arthritis, mercury poisoning, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, candidiasis, fibromyalgia or a sleep disorder.
What Are Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue?
Common symptoms among those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Depression and anxiety
- Poor memory and headaches
- Low blood pressure
- Digestive disturbances
- Environmental sensitivities
- Loss of appetite
- Mood swings
- Fever
- Intestinal pain
- Light and heat sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances
- Swollen glands
To be diagnosed with CFS, an individual must meet 2 criteria. The first is persistent fatigue of which rest does not alleviate and limits the activity of an individual by 50% over 6 months or more, and the second is that all other diseases have been ruled out.
How Can I Treat CFS Symptoms?
Conventional treatment of CFS varies widely. Some sufferers are prescribed antidepressants. The success rate varies widely and, sometimes, unusual side effects occur due to the prescription drugs. Others undergo transfusions of a blood product, gamma-globulin. This substance aids in the immune response.
Natural therapies aim to correct several factors that can contribute to CFS. These include nutritional deficiencies, allergies, thyroid dysfunction, candida, anemia and stress.
Decrease your stress level with regular, moderate exercise. Set aside time each day to do something that you enjoy. Hydrotherapy, using alternating hot and cold water at the end of your shower, boosts the immune system.
Treat food allergies with elimination or rotation diets (see food allergy article). Avoid mercury exposure, which is most commonly due to silver dental fillings. Undergo regular detoxification to rid the body of heavy metals. Drink steam-distilled water to help remove toxins from the body. Be sure to take a mineral supplement if you use steam-distilled water. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, corticosteroids, fried foods, pork products, red meat, processed foods, sugar and white flour. Increase foods containing high amounts of vitamins and minerals, like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, garlic, onions and olive oil. The essential fatty acids found in wild-caught ocean-going fish also support the body.
