Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is defined by overwhelming
fatigue, not relieved by rest, and at least four of the following
symptoms for at least six months:
- Impaired short-term memory of concentration, which significantly affects normal activities
- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck or underarms
- Muscle pain or pain in multiple joints with no joint swelling or redness
- New onset of headache
- A good night sleep
- General malaise following physical exertion that lasts more than 24 hours
The Centers for Disease Control officially recognized
this condition in 1988. Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in women
than men, and the majority of patients are in their thirties.
What Is The Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The
cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown and there are no specific
lab tests to diagnose this condition. Some holistic practitioners
believe that the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is infectious. Others
believe that multiple factors promote the development of chronic fatigue, including:
- Nutritional deficiency
- Toxicity from environment, food, and drugs
- Stress
- Hormone imbalance, especially thyroid and adrenal
- Lowered immune function
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome have had a
history of exhausted adrenal glands and produce low amounts of cortisol
and other adrenal hormones. Some holistic experts also find a high
incidence of Candida yeast infection, leaky gut syndrome, food and
environmental sensitivities and liver toxicity.
Chronic fatigue is
a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it is only considered after
other medical conditions have been ruled out.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can sometimes be confused with the following conditions that also result in fatigue. These include:
- Anemia
- Allergies
- Candidiasis
- Adrenal Insufficiency
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Infections
- Sleep Apnea
- Hepatitis B And C
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Sle
- Narcolepsy
- Cancer
- Severe Obesity
- Cushing Syndrome
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Substance Abuse
- Generalized Anxiety
- Dementia
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
Successful holistic treatments for chronic fatigue
Holistic Testing
In
order to help determine the underlying factors contributing to CFS, a
number of tests are often conducted, including darkfield blood
microscopy, electrodermal screening, stool analysis, unrinalysis, blood
test, hair analysis, liver detoxification profile, adrenal stress test,
nutritional analysis, antioxidant profile.
Lifestyle and Environmental
Develop health sleep habits. Try to get to establish a regular bedtime. Gentle restorative exercise such as tai chi, swimming, yoga,
and walking is important, even though many people may not feel like it.
Research has shown that two-thirds of people with chronic fatigue
syndrome benefit from exercise, although it is critical not to overdo
it.
Diet
Detox and cleansing diet for one
to three weeks. Avoid all foods and chemicals that may be worsening
symptoms. Wheat, dairy, corn, gluten-containing products (rye, oats,
etc), sugar, and fermented foods are some of the most common food
sensitivities. After the cleansing diet, the excluded foods are often
re-introduced into the diet systematically to identify any aggravating
foods. For CFS patients with Candidiasis, all Types: of sugar, including
milk products and fruit, should be avoided. Caffeine, alcohol, and
refined carbohydrates such as white flour and white rice should be
avoided.
Ayurvedic Medicine
A typical
Ayurvedic approach may be to improve digestion, eliminate toxins. Use a
detox and cleansing program to purge toxins. Ayurvedic herbs include
ashwagandha, amla, bala, triphala, and lomatium, which are combined
according to the patient's dosha, or constitutional type. The vata dosha
is susceptible to chronic fatigue.
Supplements & Vitamins
Probiotics
Beneficial
bacteria can greatly improve digestion and reestablish a healthy
microbial balance in the intestines. A typical dose is one to two
capsules two to three times per day, taken on an empty stomach.
Digestive enzymes
Pancreatic
or vegetable-derived enzymes can supply your body with additional
enzymes to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Products differ
greatly - some contain lactase to digest milk, others contain
hydrochloric acid to assist the stomach, and still others contain ox
bile to help with the emulsification and digestion of fats. A typical
dosage is one to two capsules with meals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps with the immune system, is required for healthy adrenal gland function, and helps liver detoxification pathways.
Magnesium
Magnesium
is involved in more than three hundred enzyme reactions in the body. It
is found in green leafy vegetables and whole grains. Magnesium is
essential for energy production, muscle function, nerve conduction, and
bone health. People with chronic fatigue syndrome often have a
deficiency in magnesium. Some people find that is improves energy, emotional states, and decreases pain.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme
Q10 is necessary for energy production and cell function. It also helps
with the repair and maintenance of tissues. A typical dose is 60 to 100
milligrams daily.
NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
NADH
is a naturally occurring chemical that plays a significant role in
cellular energy production. In supplement form, NADH has been used to
improve energy in athletes and in individuals with chronic fatigue. In
one preliminary study, 26 people were given 10 mg of NADH for a
four-week period. Some showed some improvement in symptoms during NADH
treatment compared to placebo.
Carnitine
Carnitine
is used by the body to convert fatty acids into energy. Some studies
have found decreased carnitine levels in people with CFS. However, more
research is needed in this area.
Adrenal Support
People with chronic fatigue syndrome often have adrenal fatigue or weakness. Supplements that tonify the adrenal glands are:
- Licorice herbal supplement: DGL is a form of licorice that will not affect aldosterone levels in the body, used for people with high blood pressure
- Siberian ginseng
- Adrenal glandular supplements
- Vitamin C
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
Primitive and ancient civilizations relied on herbs for
healing, as do many contemporary cultures throughout the world. In fact,
the World Health Organization has estimated that 80% of the world's
population continues to use traditional therapies, major parts of which
derived from plants.
Remember, if you are taking other
medications, refrain from taking herbal supplements without first
checking with your doctor. Herbal supplements and over-the-counter
medications or prescription drugs can combine to cause adverse side
effects. Just because an herbal supplement is extracted from, a
"natural" source does not render it any less potent than any other
chemicals you may ingest.