What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
So far, experts have not identified a cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or how to prevent it. Scientists think the condition might be the combined result of more than one illness, or that if it is a single disease, two or more factors may trigger it.
Risk factors include:
- Age: Chronic fatigue syndrome tends to affect people in their 40s and 50s .
- Gender: Women are four times more likely to get chronic fatigue syndrome than men.
- Race: White people tend to get it more than people of other races.
- Health history: About 10 percent of people exposed to certain infections sometimes later develop chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. These include the Epstein-Barr, herpes 6, and Ross River viruses and a bacterial infection known as Q fever. Others develop symptoms after a bout of flu or following a stressful event, such as surgery.
Some experts think an immune system malfunction, where the body attacks its own tissues, may cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Others believe a possible cause is an abnormal number of disease-fighting proteins or cells. Alternatively, hormonal changes an imbalance of stress hormones in the brain and body could be the culprit. Genetics plays a role, so it can run in families.
Nourish Yourself With The Right Diet
Optimal nutrition is vital for overcoming any kind of chronic illness and related digestive issues. The right diet supplies the body with the proper balance of nutrients necessary for healing, acquired from foods that are naturally easy to digest, promote the growth of normal microbes in the gut, and support healthy metabolism.
To eat this way means leaving behind the processed food products that have come to dominate the modern food supply and are loaded with carbohydrates and toxic fat. These foods are mostly derived from processed forms of wheat, corn, soybeans, and sugar, all of which disrupt immune system function, communication, and all other systems in the body.
The best diet for overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome can be boiled down to six basic guidelines. Follow these, and youll quickly propel your recovery in a forward direction.
Alternative Medicine For The Treatment Of Chronic Fatigue
Pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome can be eased using alternative medical treatments that relax the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Osteopathic treatment
- Therapeutic massage, and
- Yoga, Qui gong, or tai chi.
Current medical treatment for CFS cant cure the problem, but patients benefit greatly when treatments reduce the physical and emotional effects of symptoms, and extend physical and emotional capacity and resilience.
Don’t Miss: Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Real
Try Heating And Cooling To See What Helps
Temperature sensitivity is another common symptom of ME/CFS. Its sometimes easy to overheat and difficult to cool back down. You can mitigate this symptom by using heating or cooling products. Try taking a warm or cool bath with Epsom salts before bed to optimize your temperature.
If your muscles are uncomfortably tight, you can use heat to soothe them. You can try using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or heated slippers. This will warm you up and relax your muscles at the same time.
Dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome can be frustrating, but there are many approaches you can take. Using supplements for CFS is another approach that has been shown to potentially improve your quality of life.
In addition to medication, you can also mitigate your symptoms by making healthy lifestyle changes.
Finding the right balance to ensure that your symptoms are under control is tricky. But its also essential to living a fulfilling life! You can do this.
Vitamin B3 And Vitamin B12
All of the B vitamins are important in mitochondrial health. All of them. Thats why taking a supplement of B-complex vitamins will form a solid foundation. But you will need additional support via vitamin B3 and vitamin B12.
Vitamin B3:
Vitamin B3 is more often known as niacin. If youve ever taken too much of this vitamin youll have experienced redness, or, flushing of your skin with an accompanying itch. This is known as a niacin flush. Fortunately, there are new forms of niacin that make for happy skin and mitochondria.
As far as energy production is concerned, the most important function of vitamin B3 is making your mitochondria more efficient so they can make more energy.
Dosing:
New forms of vitamin B3 known as nicotinamide riboside seem to be the most efficient at improving mitochondrial and ATP production. If youre unable to find nicotinamide riboside, opt for niacinamide but ensure its a slow-release formula. This will prevent any of the uncomfortable skin reactions.
Take 500-1500mg daily.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is known as cobalamin. This is the form many supplements come in. But for those with chronic fatigue syndrome, youll want to take your vitamin B12 in its methylated form methylcobalamin.
Vegetarians and vegans are at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiencies, so if you are on either a vegetarian or vegan diet, ensure you are supplementing B12 daily.
Dosing:
Bi-weekly or monthly B12 injections or 5000mcg sublingual on a daily basis.
Don’t Miss: How To Recover From Fatigue
Other Herbs And Supplements
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study available only in the form of a press release reportedly found dark chocolate helpful for CFS.33
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is part of a comprehensive and unique approach to healing developed over many centuries in Asia. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 29 people suggests that the use of an herbal formula originating in this system may be helpful for CFS.27
A test tube study ofechinacea andPanax ginseng found that both increased cellular immune function in cells taken from people with CFS.20 However, many herbs and supplements can cause measurable changes in immune function, and such observations do not prove that there will be an actual benefit in people with the disease.
Bothbeta-carotene andDHEA have been suggested as treatments for CFS, but the evidence that they work remains extremely preliminary at best.21,22,23
Based on the theory mentioned above that CFS might be related to low blood pressure, the herblicorice has been recommended for CFS by some herbalists. Licorice raises blood pressure when taken in high doses for a long time. However, there is no evidence that it works for CFS, and other treatments to raise blood pressure have proven ineffective for CFS.24
Another study failed to findmelatonin helpful for CFS.29
A special bran extract marketed for enhancing immunity failed to prove more effective than placebo for CFS symptoms .31
Five Element Music Therapy
Five-element music therapy means musical tones that harmonize with particular meridians, organs and emotions. These five types of music therapy, together with their respective organ and emotion:
Jiao liver anger do Shang worry lungs so Yu kidneys fear la
These last phrases apply to the five elements music scale, which corresponds with the musical scales .
Five element music will also be soothing and melodious. Other research has found these are helpful for various types of disorders, especially when combined with herbal therapy and/or acupuncture.
The music used in this study was composed by ShiFeng, and came from a compact disc called you guessed it Five Element Music. The music was performed by the Philharmonic of the Central Conservatory of Music.
Researchers from Chinas Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine studied 75 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Each patient was given a dose of 300 milliliters of the Lixujieyu decoction twice a day. The decoction was prepared by the university pharmacy.
Each patient was tested and then treated for four weeks. They were then tested again after the four weeks of treatment.
The music therapy patients listened to the music each week for five days with two days off. They started at either noon or 7 pm each day. They listened to the music for 45 minutes each session at a volume of between 55 and 65 decibels.
Recommended Reading: Can Crohn’s Disease Cause Fatigue
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
What Factors Pose A Risk
Are there really any heightened risk factors for people to constantly be more tired than others? Unfortunately, the short answer is YES! There are actually two main factors to take into consideration when looking deeper into CFS.
Unfortunately, the following two factors cant really be controlled.
Most women never stop, and thus, they are more likely to be diagnosed with this type of medical dilemma and appear more tired than men. However, it is also speculated that women tend to be better communicators and might just be reporting these symptoms more than men. Therefore, CFS patients could be pretty equal in terms of prevalence between genders.
Of course, CFS can happen at any age, but its especially common in individuals who are middle-aged. As you get older, its harder to sustain your energy as in your younger years.
Do you find that you fall into both categories and that it’s harder to feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep? These factors may be the reason why youre more susceptible to tiredness and feel like you cant escape your feelings of exhaustion.
Plus, as our bodies grow and change, there’s the heightened possibility that people will experience more fatigue as they age. However, there are some clear signs that indicate that there is more of a problem than the regular signs of aging or gender.
Don’t Miss: Low Blood Pressure Extreme Fatigue
Moving Beyond Diagnosis To Find The Causes
I learned firsthand the struggle to understand fatigue-related disorders when a personal encounter with debilitating fatigue around age 50 forced me to see them differently than most physicians. After years of intense night call as an OB/GYN and keeping some pretty poor health habits, I was gradually propelled into chronic misery and had to give up my practice as a result.
I experienced the full range of symptoms common to chronic fatigue syndrome. And like most sufferers, I struggled between a diagnosis of CFS and fibromyalgia, but ultimately chose fibromyalgia because of pain issues. Later, after a tick bite with a bulls eye rash, I concluded that I had been suffering from chronic Lyme disease all along.
Now, after more than a decade of research and trial and error with nearly every possible conventional and alternative treatment, Im finally well again. In the process, Ive also come to the conclusion that all three of these illnesses chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic Lyme are variations of the same fundamental problem: Loss of energy that can be sourced to mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted communications within the body.
The list of possible coinfections includes mycoplasma, bartonella, babesia, anaplasma, ehrlichia, and rickettsia, but new microbes are being added to the list on a regular basis. In addition, most everyone with chronic Lyme disease is also found to have reactivation of EBV and a variety of other viruses.
Alternatives For Auto Immune Disorders
Quieting the immune system can be a key strategy in the management of autoimmune disorders. Improvement in energy, stamina and reduction of symptoms is possible. Replenishing the body of vitamins, minerals, amino acids to heal underlying issues such as candida, leaky gut syndrome & TH1-TH2 imbalances may be necessary. Healing can be stimulated through detoxification and homeopathic remedies.
Emotional healing is vital to calming the immune system and healing physically. Toxic emotions and negative thought patterns stress our bodies by the toxic chemicals they produce. Releasing stagnant emotional energy and painful memories through holistic counseling, Emotional Freedom Technique-EFT Tapping, the Emotion code, flower essences and essential oils are modalities used for emotional release.
Lezlie Cebulski is a traditional naturopath and EFT practitioner with a BA in Psychology. Naturopathic doctors are trained specialists in a separate and distinct healing art which uses non-invasive natural medicine. are conventionally trained in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, counseling, dietary evaluations, nutrition, herbology, acupressure, muscle relaxation and structural normalization, homeopathy, iridology, exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, and thermal therapy. Dr. Lezlie , ND, EFT-ADV, RMT uses the modalities mentioned above to help clients improve energy, mood, wellness and decrease pain. Note: She is not licensed as a mental health professional.
Read Also: What Is The Cure For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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.
Disclaimer And Safety Information
This information is not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional. Anyone who wishes to embark on any dietary, drug, exercise, or other lifestyle change intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with and seek clearance from a physician or other qualified health care professional. Pregnant women in particular should seek the advice of a physician before using any protocol listed on this website. The protocols described on this website are for adults only, unless otherwise specified. Product labels may contain important safety information and the most recent product information provided by the product manufacturers should be carefully reviewed prior to use to verify the dose, administration, and contraindications. National, state, and local laws may vary regarding the use and application of many of the therapies discussed. The reader assumes the risk of any injuries. The authors and publishers, their affiliates and assigns are not liable for any injury and/or damage to persons arising from this protocol and expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Recommended Reading: Fatigue And Out Of Breath
Causes Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What are the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome? CFS happens when your body microbiome become so far out of balance that it uses your energy for immune system issues instead of powering your brain and muscles. It can be caused by a chronic infection, so that should be taken care naturally. I use a natural mineral called Zeolite. It also is a heavy metal and radiation detox, immune system booster and natural cancer and tumor reducer.
EMF waves can also wreak havoc on your immune system. They are in the microwave frequency range along with 5G radiation. Microwave radiation is known to cook, and actively interferes with heart waves. People with pacemakers can have a heart attack if they are close to one when it is on. EMF frequencies also interferes with your brain waves and cause chronic headaches, because it is literally heating up your brain matter! It destroys your immune system causing stress hormones to take over. Get the best EMF protection you can, as it is definitely part of a natural treatment for CFS.
If you have low thyroid or underactive thyroid, then use the natural Treatment for Underactive Thyroid to restore natural balance. It can help you prevent thyroid cancer and protect your body from radiation, and keeping your immune system balanced, as well as your metabolism and energy levels at their optimum levels. Hypothyroidism or Hashimotos Thyroiditis can really sap your energy so use the natural remedies for thyroid and prevent that cause of CFS.
More From Complete Wellness:
Cover courtesy DK
Excerpted from Complete Wellness
Natural Health
Stephanie Tourles offers 150 original recipes for herbal balms, oils, salves, liniments and other topical ointments you can make yourself to treat a wide range of conditions, from headaches and backaches to arthritis, tendonitis, fungal infections, anxiety, cuts and scrapes, insomnia, splinters, and cracked skin. These preparations are all-natural, effective, safe and fun to prepare. Take control of your well-being and stock your familys medicine cabinet with your own custom-made healing remedies. Order from the Mother Earth Living Store or by calling 800-234-3368.
Also Check: Rash Headache Fatigue Joint Pain
What Is Chronic Fatigue
What is Chronic Fatigue? Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is similar to the condition called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia. It is a terrible feeling condition that makes you feel so exhausted and tired that you dont want to do anything. You can no longer perform your normal, daily activities without having to rest or lay down and close your eyes. It can be worsened by having adrenal fatigue or hypothyroidism and can be treated with the natural remedies for CFS at the bottom of this page.
It can even lead to thyroid cancer, and has recently been discovered by Stanford University to be pathogenic or viral related. This virus becomes awakened when you have a weakened immune system or are exposed to 5G radiation Keeping your immune system healthy and balanced is a big part of the natural treatment for CFS, so it can keep your energy flowing to your brain and body instead of diverting it to your immune system to constantly fight off infections. Listen to what a woman with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or CFS recovered after having the cause of it released in a Stanford University Medical Study:
