Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome or commonly known as CFS affects tens of thousands of individuals today. It is a complicated disorder with no known cause, although studies suggest that it strongly associated to a previous viral infection, chemical sensitivity, adrenal gland dysfunction, autonomic nervous system disorder, or food allergy. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition what exists for more six months or more. It is mostly accompanied by cognitive difficulties (problems with short-term memory or attentiveness) that may worsen with mental and physical activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.
You may be diagnosed of CFS if you have experienced these eight official symptoms, including the main symptom that gives the condition its name. These are fatigue, sore throat, extreme exhaustion which last 24 hours after mental or physical activity, unrefreshing sleep, headache, pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or tenderness, and loss of memory. In addition, people with CFS have reported various signs and symptoms, these include weight gain or loss, visual disturbance, tingling sensation, shortness of breath, chills and night sweat, nausea, morning stiffness, jaw pain, irregular heartbeat, earache, dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Females are more affected than in males which occur most commonly in young to middle-aged adults. People with CFS are often incapable to perform normally at work and home because of their long-term fatigue and problems with short-term memory. This can lead to severe depression, but depression is not a cause of CFS. Common allergens are found to be corn, wheat, and milk. It is important to exercise regularly and reduce stress as much as possible. Home oxygen therapy may be helpful as well.
Fatigue can be a symptom of numerous illnesses, such as infections or mental disorders. In most cases, see your doctor if you have recurrent or too much fatigue. The earlier a person with CFS receives medical management the greater the possibility that the disease will resolve. In addition, severe fatigue that prevents you from completely accomplishing activities at home, work or school may be a symptom of an underlying medical problem.
Nutritional Supplements:
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin B12—injections, increases energy.
- Magnesium—200 to 300 mg, if deficient, take with potassium; in aspartate form.
- Carnitine—1 g three times a day, necessary for energy production in the mitochondria of cells.
Herbal Supplements:
- Astragalus—has antiviral properties, enhances the immune system.
- Echinacea—supports the immune system.
- Garlic—has antiviral properties, supports the immune system.
- Ginseng—2 to 4 g dried root, 10 to 20 ml tincture, or 2 to 4 ml extract three times daily, improves stamina and energy; alternate after 6 to 8 weeks of licorice.
- Licorice root—2 to 3 g powdered root or 2 to 4 ml extract, strengthens adrenal gland function which may be weak in individuals with the illness, has antiviral properties.
Aromatherapy:
- Bergamot, Rose, Neroli—use for massage or drops in bath, enhances mood.
- Tea tree, Niaouli—use for massage or in bath, strengthens immune system.
Ayurvedic Medicine:
Effective treatments are prescribed.
- Ashwaganda
- Amla
- Bala
- Triphala
- Lomatium
- Cluster fig
- Ginger
Chinese Medicine:
- Chinese angelica—restores energy.
- Acupuncture
Homeopathy:
According to symptoms:
- Baptisia
- China
- Gelsemium
- Mercurius corrosivus
