Increase Potassium And Magnesium Intake
Research shows that both potassium and magnesium can help improve the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Magnesium
In a study published in the UK medical journal The Lancet, chronic fatigue syndrome patients were found to have low magnesium levels that accounted for a low red blood cell count.
In this study, patients that were treated with magnesium supplements self-reported improved energy levels, a more balanced emotional state and less pain. At the end of the six-week study, all patients that were given magnesium had their red cell magnesium levels return to normal.
If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, consider adding these magnesiumrich foods to add to your diet: spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt and kefir, almonds, black beans, avocados, figs, dark chocolate and bananas.
These delicious foods can help you overcome chronic fatigue, one of the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency, and support healthy nerve function, healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure regulation, and much more. Its estimated that nearly 80 percent of Americans are currently deficient in this essential mineral.
Potassium
Potassium is responsible for proper electrolyte balance in the body. Potassium-rich foods include avocados, spinach, sweet potatoes, coconut water, kefir and yogurt, white beans, bananas, acorn squash, dried apricots and mushrooms.
Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
We still know very little about chronic fatigue, and sadly, the cause is still unknown. While researchers continue to search for the root cause of CFS, there are preliminary findings that hormonal imbalances, poor immune system response, viral infections, chronic low blood pressure and nutritional deficiency are contributing factors.
In addition, research indicates that chronic fatigue syndrome may be linked to oxidative stress, Celiac disease, and food sensitivities or food allergies.
Most researchers believe that its a combination of factors that can vary from individual to individual. Viruses that can cause CFS include HHV-6, HTLV, Epstein-Barr, measles, coxsackie B, parovirus and cytomegalovirus.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
While the term chronic fatigue is fairly descriptive of this crippling illness, it doesnt tell the entire story. Chronic fatigue often starts suddenly, with flu-like symptoms. But unlike the flu, it can last a lifetime.
In addition to the profound fatigue experienced, other serious symptoms often accompany CFS, such as:
- joint pain that moves from one spot to another
- muscle pain
- night sweats
- digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome .
Sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome also experience significant alterations in levels of irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and depression. According to a study published in Family Practice, 36 percent of individuals with CFS were clinically depressed and 22 percent had seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Simply, the emotional and mental side effects of CFS cannot be overlooked, and treatment must include the mind, body and spirit.
Read Also: How To Fix Mental Fatigue
Increase Your Vitamin B Intake
According to a study published in the Journal of Royal Society of Medicine, researchers found a direct link between reduced vitamin B levels and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Vitamin B6
The study focused on B-6, riboflavin and thiamine, and researchers believe that B6 is particularly important. Vitamin B6 rich foods include wild tuna and salmon, bananas, grass-fed beef, sweet potatoes, turkey, hazelnuts, garlic and cooked spinach.
Vitamin B6 helps to prevent and relieve fatigue, and it supports a healthy immune system. As stated above, some researchers believe that certain viruses play a role in CFS, therefore increasing B6 levels can be a helpful treatment. B6 helps supports T-cell functioning, allowing them to more adeptly fight infections.
Importance of Methylation
Methylation is the term given to the process in the body where methyl compounds are used in the critical functions of the body immune function, energy production, mood, inflammation, nerve function, detoxification, and even DNA all of which are challenges in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
Methylation helps you process toxins, make hormones, and even helps in the production of neurotransmitters such as melatonin. How well your body can methylate effects all of these important areas. Poor methylation can lead to a variety of chronic conditions including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, digestive upset, mood and psychiatric disorders, and chronic fatigue.
Vitamin B12
Effective Treatments For Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating and a complex disorder that is characterized by intense and crippling fatigue. This fatigue is not easily alleviated with bed rest. It is worsened or compounded with even mild physical or mental activity.
The common symptoms of chronic fatigue are muscle pain and weakness, impaired memory and poor concentration. Insomnia and lethargy in routine activities are some other symptoms. There is no sure shot cure for chronic fatigue. However, the symptoms of chronic fatigue can be effectively managed.
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Drinking More Water Will Help Combat Chronic Fatigue
Most people dont realize just how important it is to stay hydrated to keep our energy levels up. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can lead to:
- Difficulties concentrating
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Water can be ingested not just from liquids either. To top up your water levels you can also eat fruit and vegetables. Getting your water levels up via fruit and vegetables also has obvious added benefits, so thats a great way to help stay hydrated.
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We all feel tired, even exhausted, some of the time. But for some people, the exhaustion never lets up, and it comes along with physical discomfort, sleep issues, and trouble with memory and concentration. Anywhere from about 800,000 to 2.5 million Americans may have myalgic encephalomyelitis more commonly called chronic fatigue syndrome .
Medical experts once told people these symptoms were all in their head” but they have come to accept that the suffering is real.
As one patient put it, having ME/CFS feels like permanently having the flu, a hangover, and jet lag while being continually electrocuted” ME/CFS results in nerve pain as much as it does fatigue.
Though little understood and currently without a known cure, certain natural remedies may provide some relief from the discomfort and constant fatigue.
Also Check: What Causes Extreme Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath
How Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed
Currently, there is no test to specifically diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. Before your healthcare professional can diagnose you, they will rule out other treatable disorders that cause similar symptoms, such as mononucleosis or other viral infection, a sleep disorder, a thyroid disorder, mental health issues, or another serious illness.
Did you know that there are no tests that can specifically diagnose CFS?
This process of elimination may require you to answer detailed questions about your symptoms and health history, as well as undergo a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and other types of screening.
If your healthcare provider can find no other explanation and you have the following symptoms, they may diagnose you with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is An Organic Dysfunctional Syndrome
CFS is an organic dysfunctional syndrome that involves disturbance of the neurohumoral control mechanisms and, despite its ill-defined nature and the lack of a unifying pathogenic mechanism, is not a psychological or psychiatric illness.
Patients with CFS are an inhomogenous group with much overlap of symptoms of other disorders, in particular fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivity. All display substantial fatigue problems, differing only in the degree of symptom predominance. Myalgia and painful myofascial trigger points predominate in fibromyalgia, while neurocognitive disability and chemical sensitivity reactions predominate in multiple chemical sensitivity.
However, there are differences between these illnesses. Fibromyalgia patients usually have elevated levels of substance P in the spinal fluid, with impaired serotonin metabolism and reduced pain thresholds, but CFS patients usually do not. Fibromyalgia patients experience fatigue secondary to pain-related chronic sleep disruption, whilst in CFS patients, fatigue is due to primary neuronal dysfunction. In the clinical setting careful, individual patient assessment is necessary for a correct diagnosis and treatment, in order to achieve optimal patients outcomes.
Recommended Reading: Does Lupus Cause Extreme Fatigue
Form Healthy Sleeping Habits
Good sleep habits are especially important for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time in the morning. Create a quiet, dark, comfortable haven in your bedroom that you use only for sleep do not use phones or computers or watch TV in this space. Also, avoid using electronics close to bedtime.
Pro tip: Create your own comfortable haven in your bedroom by reducing electronics and noise while also keeping your room dark and cool.
Eat your last meal several hours ahead of when you turn in for the night. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening. If you can tolerate exercise, do it in the early part of the day to help you drift off faster at night. Together, these ideas will improve your ability to fall and stay asleep. For more ideas, check out our Can’t Sleep? Causes and Natural Solution article.
A Reboot For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research
Name a remedy, and chances are that Elizabeth Allen has tried it: acupuncture, antibiotics, antivirals, Chinese herbs, cognitive behavioural therapy and at least two dozen more. She hates dabbling in so many treatments, but does so because she longs for the healthy days of her past. The 34-year-old lawyer was a competitive swimmer at an Ivy-league university when she first fell ill with chronic fatigue syndrome, 14 years ago. Her meticulous records demonstrate that this elusive malady is much worse than ordinary exhaustion. Last year, I went to 117 doctor appointments and I paid $18,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, she says.
Read Also: How To Deal With Fatigue From Fibromyalgia
Are There Any Known Risk Factors
As the cause of CFS is unknown, it is somewhat difficult to identify specific risk factors for the condition however, research has identified a few commonly linked factors. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are in the group of people most often affected by the condition, so age and gender present a potential risk. Likewise, individuals who are overweight and are relatively inactive are more likely to develop fatigue. Addition factors that may increase your risk of developing CFS include genetic predisposition, allergies, stress, and some environmental factors.
Articles On Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There are lots of alternative treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome â also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease . These range from acupuncture to nutritional supplements, and people get different degrees of relief from them.
Thereâs much less research about the risks and benefits from alternative treatments. That doesnât necessarily mean that these approaches donât work. It just means that there isnât a lot of evidence one way or the other. But they help some people and are generally safe to try.
Just like with any other type of treatment, itâs best to talk with your doctor first, so they know all the strategies youâre trying. They can help you research what could work and watch out for any side effects.
Also Check: Fatigue And Chronic Kidney Disease
Conventional Medical Treatments Doctors Use To Treat Chronic Fatigue
People who receive an early diagnosis and early treatment enjoy better health outcomes. Support from family and friends, people at school and work, and health workers who understand the potential seriousness of CFS, can make a significant difference to recovery. Find a good doctor you trust a doctor who is sympathetic to CFS and knows how to treat the problem.
The treatment goal should be enhancement towards and preservation of an individuals best functional capacity. The lifestyle restrictions associated with CFS can lead to isolation, frustration, and in turn secondary depression. Low doses of an antidepressant drug can treat depression, improve sleep quality, and relieve pain.
No one treatment has been shown to cure CFS and so symptoms are treated as needed. The most effective treatment for CFA can be an energy-management strategy called pacing knowing when enough is enough and not overdoing mental or physical exertion.
A doctor will usually treat the most disruptive symptoms first, which usually includes:
- Fatigue and sleep problems
The most commonly used medications and supplements are:
Many people with CFS report an increased susceptibility to drug side effects, so any new medications should start with a small dose to assess tolerance. Start just one new treatment at a time to assess effectiveness. CFS symptoms reoccur so keep medications and supplement in case they are needed later on, just check the expiry date before reuse.
Build Peace And Relax
CFS can be debilitating both physically and mentally. Suffering from persistent exhaustion, reduced brain cognition, chronic muscle and joint pain, stress, and even guilt takes a toll on the body, and psyche.
Long-term stress control and relaxation must be a vital portion of any protocol used to overcome chronic fatigue syndrome. While seemingly impossible, its imperative that sufferers of CFS do their best to effectively manage stress, and rest.
The Power of Rest
Rest means more than just sleep. Dedicate one day per week when you dont have any responsibilities or commitments. Truly commit to a full day of rest. This gives your body and mind a much-needed respite helping to fight stress, anxiety and exhaustion. Its also important during the week, if you are having a particularly difficult day, to not overtax yourself.
While regular exercise supports wellness and helps to diminish stress, individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome need to exercise at a controlled intensity. High-intensity workouts can leave you drained for several days.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy has been shown to help with fatigue, mental clarity and depression in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. According to a study released in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, individuals with CFS were recommended to perform aerobic activities, at the clinic twice per month, in combination with at-home exercises for roughly 5-15 minutes in duration, five days per week.
Sleep
Read Also: What Can Cause Extreme Fatigue And Muscle Weakness
Home Remedies For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Lemon Juice And Honey
Glass of lemon juice mixed with honey helps you to get rid of fatigue. Take a glass of cold water, squeeze one lemon, and add a tablespoon of honey and pinch of salt. Stir well and drink it every morning and in the afternoon. Regular drinking of two glasses of this lemon honey helps to remove fatigue. Drink it twice to get rid of CFS.
Gooseberry Juice And Paste
Gooseberry is excellent for body. It is a great source of vitamin C. it has power to cleanse the body and to boost up energy. Gooseberry keeps all types of disease at bay. Crush raw gooseberry and extract the juice. Drink this juice everyday at daytime. It helps to cure excessive fatigue.
Boiled gooseberry is also excellent to get rid of CFS. Buy some fresh and juicy gooseberry. Boil whole gooseberry in least amount of water. When they get soft, remove them from heat and let them cool. Mash them and preserve in refrigerator. Everyday take a tablespoon of boiled gooseberry and eat it. It will help you a lot to overcome chronic fatigue syndrome.
Hot Milk And Raw Egg
Take a glass of hot milk and break one egg in it. Stir well to mix the raw egg in the milk. Sprinkle pinch of salt and a teaspoon black pepper in it. Mix everything and drink the milk. Everyday drinking of this milk helps to get rid of CFS.
Herbal Paste
Ginger Juice
Get The Right Help Naturally
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a collection of symptoms with no single identifiable cause. Therefore, there is no single drug that can be used as a cure for this illness. My belief is, that had I started taking any form of pharmaceutical medication to alleviate my symptoms it could have potentially created even further stress on my already weakened system.
It did take me quite some time to find the fantastically caring and knowledgeable naturopath who finally got me well. There were a couple of wrong turns I took along the way.
I previously tried a couple of naturopaths who unfortunately couldnt offer any lasting help. Whilst I followed their protocols to the letter, they simply werent the right protocols for me.
In simple terms, the naturopaths lacking experience in treating this illness, failed to carry out adequate testing to get to the root cause of my chronic fatigue syndrome.
Finding a naturopath/functional medicine practitioner who has experience treating chronic fatigue syndrome is VERY important.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is tricky to treat as there can be so many different causes of the illness. There is no specific chronic fatigue syndrome test. Each person with chronic fatigue syndrome has their own individual form of the illness. And it takes someone with special knowledge to know what to look for and which tests to perform for each patient.
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