What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
and Natural Remedies

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is an illness that affects over 800,000 American adults and tends to appear in females three times more than in males.  Symptoms of CFS are somewhat ambiguous, although there are certain signs that continually show up in CFS patients.  Among these are impaired short-term memory or concentration, tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, postexertional malaise for more than 24 hours, sore throat, muscle pain, headaches differing from the norm, and un-refreshing sleep.

On the whole, patients who exhibit four or more of the above mentioned symptoms along with an illness lasting six or more months consisting of unexplained, persistent or relapsing fatigue may be classified as suffering from CFS.  The illness itself tends to be extremely debilitating to many patients as they are in a constant state of exhaustion or fatigue.  In most cases the illness causes a substantial reduction in previous levels of the individual’s occupational, education and/or personal activity levels and is an overall detriment to their quality of life.

Unfortunately, the cause of CFS is still not entirely understood.  However, there have been some correlations made between symptoms of CFS and chronic and reactivated viral infections (in particular, Epstein Barr virus), exposure to toxins, chemical and food sensitivities, stress, and nutritional deficiencies.

As mainstream medicine has not yet identified a true cause to CFS there is not a sure treatment or cure for the illness.  The natural and alternative medicine fields however, have been able to produce some wonderful outcomes.  There is no evidence that one therapy works all the time, nor that it cures the ailment.  What is known though is that many patients feel remarkably better and much more able to continue forward with normal everyday activities after some of the following treatments.

NUTRITION:  Valuable supplements in the nutritional department include a large variety of antioxidants.  These nutrients help to fight off some of the possible culprits such as bacteria and viruses.  Likewise, eliminating food allergies will tend to increase energy levels and provide a healthier environment within the body.  Other supplements known to help in the treatment of CFS include B vitamins, Vitamin C, magnesium, sodium, zinc, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q-10, and essential fatty acids.

HERBS:  Herbal remedies include Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Astragalaus membranaceus, and Withania somnifera.  Each has its own unique mode of action.  Some help by strengthening the immune system, others work on the red blood cells and increasing oxygen delivery to tissues while others help to improve overall body function.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (CBT):  Many patients have reported an improvement in overall energy levels and number of hours worked per week after effective CBT.  CBT helps patients to rid their minds of negativity and unhelpful belief systems, instead focusing on the positive aspects of life and learning effective and constructive coping techniques.

There is much yet to be learned about the causes and treatment of CFS but in the meantime natural medicine has become increasingly popular as an effective means to cope with the system and enable the patient to live a full and positive life.

 

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