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There is no specific treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome but a

combination of treatments is being used by the doctors to alleviate the

symptoms and signs. Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is characterized by

neurological problems, having flu-like symptoms, and debilitating fatigue,

often experienced as poor stamina and extreme exhaustion. There are various

core symptoms such as general pain, mental fogginess, excessive fatigue and

gastro-intestinal problems, headaches, sleep disorder, sore throat, and

abnormal temperature.

Display of symptoms varies among the patients. The degree of their severity

varies, which can be between getting easily fatigued after stressful

activity, being completely bedridden, and totally disabled. Should the

symptoms not indicative of other serious health problems they should wane

and disappear over time. For some patients, the chronic fatigue illness

starts suddenly with a flu that does not go away completely while for other

patients it gradually appears over a period of time. For many patients, the

illness is often triggered after involving in high stress circumstance.

The combination is taken from the following treatments:

• Cognitive behavior treatment. This is a therapy combined with the gradual

exercise and wherein the patient is treated by dealing with their mental

health. The aim is to classify behaviors and negative beliefs that cause

delay of recovery and eventually replace with positive, healthy behaviors.

• Moderating daily activities. The patient is encouraged to avoid or reduce

excessive psychological and physical stress; however, it is not encouraged

to take too much rest. In this treatment, the objective is to gently

enhance the stamina and maintain moderate activity level.

• Gradual/steady exercise. This is a kind of exercise program where the

patient relies on the help of physical therapist. It aims to increase

gradually the level of exercise to improve chronic fatigue symptoms.

• Depression treatment. Depression is treated with serotonin re-uptake

inhibitor and tricyclic anti-depressants. The anti-depressant does not only

help treat depression but it can also relieve pain and improve sleep.

• Pain treatment. Like depression, pain is medically treated by

administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen or

aspirin, or acetaminophen. These medicines can also aid in lowering the

fever and pain.

• Allergy-like treatment. Medical treatment used is antihistamines, like

cetirizine, decongestants, and fexofenadine. These drugs help relieve

allergy symptoms like runny nose.

• Hypotension treatment. The low blood pressure is treated with drugs like

atenolol, midodrine, and fludrocortisones. These are useful when people

suffer from chronic fatigue.

• Poor nervous system treatment. Clonazepam is used to treat symptoms like

skin tenderness and dizziness while anxiety is treated with alprazolam and

lorazepam.

There are experimental therapies that experts continue to research with the

aim of finding treatments for the syndrome. These therapies include the

following:

• Acupuncture
• Anti-viral drugs
• D-ribose
• Methylphenidate
• Immune globulins
• Cholinesterase inhibitors
• Corticosteroids

The Food Diet

In addition to the above mentioned treatments, health experts advise

patients to be careful with their diet. They recommend avoiding diet rich

in toxins or those unhealthy foods. Patients should be careful with foods

containing carcinogens, aspartame, additives, mono sodium glutamate,

amalgam, fluoride, sugar, among others.

Unhealthy foods such as table or refined salt, margarine, hydrogenated

fats, chlorinated water, refined oils, junk foods, fried and smoked foods,

soft drinks, baking powder, and alcohol drinks can aggravate chronic

fatigue symptoms so they must be avoided at most times.

At first glance, you would think that the term “chronic fatigue” says it

all. In medicine, any disease, disorder or illness that has the word

“chronic” attached to it means that they persist for more than 6 months,

either recurring or not. However, chronic fatigue means more than that.

While it seems pretty straightforward, there is actually so much more to

this disorder (or disorders) than what its name suggests. It could mean

anywhere from persistent headaches, flu-like symptoms or fatigue that goes

on for weeks and months. Some even have to suffer for over a few years.

Some never really fully recovered.

Patients normally have to suffer from flu-like sickness that does not

subside from medications or rest. Also, there is some degree of

debilitating exhaustion that limits one from functioning well. Many

patients describe this exhaustion as being worn out even before getting up

in the morning. In fact, chronic fatigue is not resolved simply by taking a

nap or a longer sleep.

The reverse is often true- the lesser activities a patient performs, the

higher are the chances that the illness will get worse. With chronic

fatigue, a person is also constantly plagued with foggy thoughts and

unstable concentration. As if to make it much worse, the person also

simultaneously feels joint and muscle pains, disturbed sleep, sore throat,

and general sense of absurd health.

But that is not the end of it. For some, these symptoms develop

psychological stress that in turn develops anxiety, depression and

irritability. These conditions pose great risks of becoming full-blown

disorders if appropriate interventions are not administered.

The sad fact is, people who are affected with chronic fatigue syndrome used

to be very healthy, very active individuals. They used to lead very normal

lives that were free from any of the aforementioned symptoms. This makes

one wonder how a perfectly healthy person – in fact one who probably had

led a very active, if not exceptionally energetic life – turn into someone

who is perpetually sick? Good question, but one that is difficult to

answer.

There are actually no clear answers as to why chronic fatigue syndrome

develops in one person and not to another. Current studies and clinical

evidence however suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome can develop after

contracting a serious infection or after experiencing extreme levels of

stress. Having said that, there are numerous medical cases that purport to

these theories, so to speak.

There are, for example, valid estimates where 96% of people who develop

chronic fatigue used to actively exercise prior to the onset of the

disease. Majority of the patients were also at the prime of their lives

when they developed the disease. It is not surprising therefore that this

disorder is coined as the “yuppie disease”, because it occurs at the time

when a person is supposedly healthy and full of life.

After the onset of the disease, the lives of these people are changed

drastically. They get stuck in their beds and quit their jobs because it is

very taxing to get up. They had to abandon their roles and obligations

because they do not have even enough energy to take care of themselves. In

fact, they had to live a very sedentary and weak life because they are

exhausted all the time.

Indeed, life for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers is hard, oftentimes

debilitating.

Fatigue is a condition of exhaustion and lack of energy caused by several

factors such as viral infection, overexertion and lack of sleep. As fatigue

is a normal condition, most people have experienced fatigue at least once

in their lifetimes. The feeling of exhaustion is usually relieved after the

person gets some rest. But if a person suffers from fatigue for extended

periods of time, usually more than 6 months, he/she may be suffering from

chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition of extreme and persistent fatigue

that lasts for six months and more. It usually comes with several other

symptoms such as muscle pain, aches in the joints, sore throat, and lack of

energy. Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS usually suffer

from a more serious disorder like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and

chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome. The exact cause of chronic

fatigue syndrome is hard to determine, but it is widely believed that there

are three factors that trigger this debilitating disorder.

The Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Viral or bacterial infection – Exposure to viruses and bacteria can cause

chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms of fatigue usually disappear when

the infection is successfully treated.

• Overexertion – Rigorous physical activities that go beyond what the body

can take results to extreme exhaustion. Athletes who are prone to over

training are susceptible to this.

• Depression – Some doctors believe there is a link between chronic fatigue

syndrome and stress or anxiety. People who suffer from depression are also

usually afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Dehydration – Depriving the body of its daily water requirements has

long-term side effects such as chronic fatigue.

• Eating disorders – Inadequate supply of vitamins and minerals in the body

causes chronic fatigue since the body lacks the proper nutrition it needs

to perform properly.

Now that you know what triggers chronic fatigue syndrome, the following

remedies should help you overcome the symptoms of CFS.

• Have a balanced, healthy diet – Increase your intake of healthy food such

as fruits and vegetables. These provide your body with vitamins and

minerals to keep your immune system strong. Also increase your consumption

of garlic and onion, which are known to boost the immune system. Eating

more quality protein that is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 (such as fish,

chicken, soy products) also helps maintain the body healthy.

Avoid food high in fat and sugar content, as they will make you prone to

feeling lethargic and sluggish. Never skip breakfast and instead of having

three full meals per day, go for more frequent meals but with smaller

portions to keep your body’s metabolism going.

• Get up and active – People afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome don’t

have to rest and sleep all the time. Regular exercise is advised to help

combat the lethargy and lack of energy. Fifteen to thirty minutes of mild

exercise combined with 30 minutes of rigorous physical activity such as

swimming, aerobics and tennis can work wonders in improving your heart’s

performance and for proper circulation.

• De-stress – Doctors have found out that there is a strong connection

between stress/anxiety and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. To

avoid having chronic fatigue, it is advised to manage stress and bring

stress levels down. Learning to deal with stress will not only help you

combat chronic fatigue, it will also help you improve your relationships,

boost your health and enhance your general outlook on life.

To experience fatigue is a normal occurrence in one’s life. Most people

experience fatigue especially after doing some strenuous activities. These

instances of fatigue only happen when we overexert ourselves. The feeling

of exhaustion is usually relieved after we get some much-needed rest.

However, people with chronic fatigue syndrome suffer from fatigue, as well

as a number of other symptoms, for a long period of time, usually over six

months.

Although the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is difficult to

determine, it is believed that one of the factors that trigger it is viral

infection. People suffering from CFS usually exhibit symptoms that also

occur in viral infections such as flu: sore throat, headache, muscle and

joint aches, etc.

There is no known cure for viruses, as drugs such as antibiotics cannot

cure them. Consequently, there is also no known cure yet for chronic

fatigue syndrome. But people suffering from viral infections can combat

these viruses by boosting their immune system. Because chronic fatigue

syndrome has a strong link to viral infection, boosting the immune system

by using natural remedies is one of the best ways to at least relieve some

of the symptoms if not overcome the condition.

The following natural remedies are highly recommended to patients suffering

from chronic fatigue syndrome:

1.) Include more vegetables and fruits into your diet – A nutritious and

balanced diet is an excellent way to maintain health and combat illnesses.

By eating more green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits, your body

is nourished with vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.

2.) Eat more high-quality protein – Food such as fish, soy products, nuts

and chicken are good sources of quality protein that are low in saturated

fat and help maintain a good healthy body. Chicken and fish are also good

sources of omega 3, 6 and 9.

3.) Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day – Our body is 70% water and

drinking 8-10 glasses of water helps cleanse the body and keep it hydrated.

4.) Add more garlic and onion into your diet – Onion and garlic are known

for their virus-inhibiting abilities. They can be taken either raw or

cooked. Supplements that contain garlic and onion can also be taken as an

alternative if you don’t like the taste of these two healthful bulbs.

5.) Exercise regularly – Adding exercises and other physical activities

into your daily routine can do wonders for you. Having CFS doesn’t mean all

you need to do is rest all day. People with CFS are usually lethargic and

easily tired. To fight the lethargy, keeping the body active is important.

Doing 15-30 minutes of mild exercise and another 30 minutes of vigorous

physical activities such as aerobics, tennis, swimming and brisk walking

can help your body function better and your heart healthier and stronger.

Stretching and other relaxation exercises can also help you manage stress,

which intensifies chronic fatigue. However, before you start any exercise

routine, consult your doctor and ask for his advice.

6.) Take herbal supplements to fight CFS – There are several herbal

medicines you can take to help you manage chronic fatigue syndrome.

Echinacea root is known as an immune system booster. It is available in

tablet/capsule form and as tea. Ginseng root is believed to restore

vitality and increase energy.

In Asian countries, it is even known as an aphrodisiac. Licorice, pokeroot

and golden seal are also helpful in combating chronic fatigue syndrome.

Imagine a lifetime of sickness, of perpetual headaches and of endless

flu-like illness. Imagine being unable to walk from your bed to the couch

because of too much exhaustion. Imagine being locked up in your house,

unable to go to work to earn a living. Well, that sums up life for most

sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS is a disorder both of the mind and the

body. Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, CFS also afflicts the immune

system which makes an individual become very sickly. It also affects one’s

threshold to physical activities, thus making an individual feel worn out

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Further, it limits a person to very minimal

activities which make him incapable of holding a job.

With these realities, it is hard to imagine how one can live a normal,

healthy life while suffering from chronic fatigue. But can a normal life

materialize if you are continuously bothered by the symptoms of this

disease? Most likely yes. Below are some of the things that one can do to

limit the negative effects of the disease on yourself and on your life.

Remove the diets that spell disaster – It is easy to sabotage one’s health

these days by just following the average American’s sense of food

proportions, by consuming too much processed foods and by eating too many

flour- and sugar-based foods. Sugar is notorious for killing the diets of

Americans and so are flour, transfat, processed foods, etc. These types of

foods are accounted for numerous diseases that upset health.

Since these foods take up so much space on the plate, nothing is left for

foods with high nutritive values anymore. And for people suffering from

CFS, it is crucial to maintain a certain level of nutrition in the body. So

always try to eat healthy foods, this would lessen some of the biggest

problems concerning your condition such as infection and weakened immune

system.

Conquer Chronic Fatigue – If you are a sufferer of CFS, you understand that

it is easier to stay in bed than to work around the house when you are

seriously exhausted. However, it is important to maintain some form of

physical activity. Try not to give in to exhaustion and incorporate

activity to your daily life. Eventually, you would be able to exercise

without getting too worn out.

Win over the illness mentality – In the face of chronic diseases, it is a

lot more convenient to let negative thoughts defeat you. Try to picture a

life free from chronic fatigue and try to make that picture your goal.

Think that your condition is just a state of mind and changes in thinking

would liberate you from the troubles of your disease. If you use this

technique, which is actually a sound psychotherapeutic technique called

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, you would not only help alleviate the

symptoms of your condition but you can also prevent these from bothering

you again.

Discover techniques that can treat your condition – Since the cure for

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is yet to be established, you might as well

discover one for yourself. There are actually treatment techniques that you

can formulate for yourself as bases of your self-care system.

These can be made from careful observation of activities and treatments

that you respond well to.

Are you suffering from unexplained exhaustion that lasts for more than six

months and accompanied by several other symptoms such as sore throat,

muscle and joint aches, lack of energy, short-term memory loss and severe

headache? There’s a high chance you are afflicted with chronic fatigue

syndrome. Doctors have yet to discover the exact cause of chronic fatigue

syndrome or CFS, but it is widely believed that a number of factors help

trigger this debilitating disorder. Immune deficiency is on top of this

list.

The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are also classic symptoms of viral

infections such as flu. And just as viral infections have no known cure

yet, there is also no known cure for CFS. However, there are many ways to

treat the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and help alleviate the

discomfort and illnesses that the patient suffers from.

Since chronic fatigue syndrome is most likely caused by viral infections,

it is thus important to keep the immune system strong. Herbal remedies are

becoming more popular as more people discover the wondrous effects of

natural herbs in promoting health and fighting different types of viruses.

For combating chronic fatigue syndrome, the following herbal treatments are

recommended.

Ginkgo Biloba – This herb is known to improve circulation and brain

function. Taking ginkgo biloba can help with memory and cognitive

impairments that is one of the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue

syndrome.

Korean Ginseng – Long used in the orient to boost energy (and sometimes as

an aphrodisiac), Ginseng also strengthens the immune system and fight viral

infections. It also helps alleviate the harmful effects of stress. Just use

with caution, though, because this herb is quite powerful. If you have high

blood pressure or heart disease, do not use ginseng. Consult an herbalist

first if you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and similar

stimulants.

Echinacea – This powerful herb prevents pathogens such as bacteria and

viruses from entering the body and causing several disorders. It basically

protects the cells from infections. Recommended dosage is to take about

fifteen to twenty drops in liquid form for thrice daily for two days. This

is approximately 300 – 325 mg taken thrice daily.

Astragalus – One of the most effective herbs to strengthen the immune

system, astragalus encourages the production of white blood cells that help

fight off and get rid of pathogens that have entered the body. Astragalus

is effective in treating flu and head colds but should not be administered

if the individual is also suffering from a fever. Recommened dosage of

Astragalus is 150-250 mg taken three to four times daily.

Licorice root –This herb is known primarily for its efficacy in relieving

cough and as an expectorant. But licorice is also effective in purging out

toxins from the body. Licorice root also supports the endocrine system.

However, it is not advisable to take this herb for more than seven days in

a row. If you have high blood pressure, do not take licorice root. If you

plan on using licorice for extended periods, make sure you also increase

your intake of foods rich in potassium.

Like all other medications, it is important to use proper dosage when using

these herbal remedies to achieve the best effects. It is also best to

consult a doctor and a herbalist to help you identify which herbs works

best and how much dosage you should take.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating condition where the patient

suffers from extreme exhaustion that lasts for a prolonged period of time –

usually more than 6 months – and comes with several other symptoms. Aside

from suffering from unexplained fatigue even with minimal physical

activity, chronic fatigue syndrome patient also exhibits the following

symptoms: muscle pains, tenderness and swelling in the joints, recurring

sore throat, impaired concentration and short term memory, severe headaches

and un-refreshing sleep.

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is yet to be discovered. This

makes CFS very difficult to manage, as there are no known cures for it yet.

Some patients are able to relieve the symptoms of CFS by using prescription

drugs as well as some over the counter medications. However, these

medications have varying degrees of success. Sometimes, they have little

positive effect at all. Still, there are several holistic and alternative

treatments that provide CFS patients with options to combat this

debilitating disorder.

Since symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are also classic symptoms of

many viral infections, doctors and specialists recommend treatments that

strengthen the immune system. Receiving proper nutrition is an excellent

way to boost the immune system, improve the body’s functions and increase

the patient’s energy levels to overcome the malaise that comes with a CFS

attack.

Here are the vitamins and minerals that help boost the immune system:

• B Vitamins – Vitamin B-12 is one of the most important vitamins. It helps

in the production of red blood cells as well as DNA and the myelin sheath

that surround nerve cells. Receiving the proper amounts of Vitamin B-12

helps in maintaining the body’s energy level as well as keeping the central

nervous, gastrointestinal, immune and cardiovascular systems healthy.

People with vitamin B-12 deficiency suffer from reduced energy levels,

impaired memory and concentration, as well as several gastrointestinal

problems. These are also symptoms that appear during an attack of chronic

fatigue syndrome.  The B Vitamins folic acid and pantothenic acid are known

to help treat fatigue. Increasing the intake of these vitamins can have

beneficial effects for chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These fatty acids are very essential to health.

Unfortunately, the human body does not produce it naturally. Taking Omega-3

Fatty Acids can help reduce blood pressure, decrease triglyceride levels,

reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias, and stem the growth of plaque in the

walls of the arteries. Again, the symptoms of Omega-3 deficiency are

closely related to symptoms of CFS: fatigue, poor memory, depression, heart

problems and poor circulation.

• Sodium – This mineral is necessary to keep the body’s fluid balances.

People suffering from CFS may actually have very low levels of sodium in

their bodies. Having the right amount of sodium can have beneficial effects

for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, patients must consult

their doctors first to have their sodium levels tested.

• Other Minerals – There are several minerals that are beneficial for

people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Chromium helps patients

manage their blood sugar. Magnesium and potassium aspartates are known to

help decrease fatigue in various clinical studies. Magnesium deficiency

interferes with the Krebs cycle, which is responsible for transforming

nutrients to energy.  So ensuring the proper supply of magnesium in the

body is a good way to combat the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is a disorder characterized by extreme and

prolonged exhaustion combined with several other symptoms such as muscle

and joint pains, headache, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. The

exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is yet to be discovered and it may

take years before the individual can recover from the ailment.

Sometimes, the CFS victims suffer recurring bouts with CFS through their

lifetime. Because the exact cause of CFS is yet to be determined, there is

no known cure for this illness yet.  Non-drug treatments and medications

are primarily to relieve the many symptoms of CFS.

One of the non-drug therapies put forward by doctors, as a treatment for

CFS, is exercise. However. Medical opinion is still divided on whether

exercise can actually help improve or worsen the symptoms of chronic

fatigue syndrome. Some doctors believe that mild exercise can be helpful in

overcoming CFS. Others warn against any form of aerobic activity that can

aggravate CFS.

Exercise can be a problem for people with chronic fatigue syndrome because

strenuous physical activity can worsen the symptoms of CFS such as muscle

pain, fatigue and tenderness of the joints. While exercise is important in

maintaining health and wellness, it can become dangerous for people with

chronic fatigue. But a recent study released by the British Medical Journal

has revealed that proper patient education on chronic fatigue syndrome

combined with a supervised exercise program can help improve the symptoms

of CFS.

Still, people with CFS typically find it difficult to perform basic

activities such as walking let alone do rigorous physical activities such

as aerobic exercise. During an onset of chronic fatigue, the patient may be

bedridden. They usually feel better after some time and may attempt to do

regular exercise. However there is danger that the symptoms of chronic

fatigue syndrome may relapse once the individual attempts aerobic activity.

Muscular activity causes lactic acid to be produced in the muscles. This

chemical by-product leads to fatigue. Research says that exercise can

worsen the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome because it sets off

production of excess lactic acid in the muscles. Recent studies reveal that

people with CFS actually produce twice the amount of lactic acid than

people without chronic fatigue syndrome. Researches believe that their

findings suggest a link between chronic fatigue syndrome and an error in

the body’s energy metabolism.

Researchers are also looking at a link between chronic fatigue and low

levels of potassium electrolytes. A deficiency in potassium supply usually

causes chronic fatigue. The bulk of the body’s potassium supply is in the

muscle tissue as well as the brain, blood and internal organs. Studies have

revealed that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have actually less total

body potassium compared to healthy people of the same weight and age.

On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle can also cause a whole range of

health problems for people with CFS. These include loss of bone mass,

muscle wastage or atrophy, and increased vulnerability to obesity and

cardiovascular disease.  People with chronic fatigue syndrome should have a

gentle approach to physical activity.

There should only be minute increases in the frequency, intensity and

duration of the exercise program to prevent any detrimental effects to the

health and well-being of the chronic fatigue syndrome patient.

Controlling the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome is no longer

restricted to changes in lifestyle, medications and behavioral therapies.

There are in fact current treatment modalities that make use of

Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Since many conventional treatments do not guarantee absolute success,

alternative medicine, for most people, prove to be very attractive

treatment options. Below are some of the most common complementary and

alternative treatments used in relieving patients from the symptoms of

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ginseng
In Asia, ginseng is a popular herbal treatment for fatigue as well as in

increasing energy which is basically what patients of CFS need. It turns

out, the claims around this ancient energy booster herb hold water even

when tested through contemporary research. Based on the study conducted by

the University of Iowa, ginseng is among the more reliable and effective

herbs for CFS. An independent study conducted in California further proved

that ginseng is a powerful herb for treating CFS.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
In a pioneering study conducted among chronic fatigue patients, it was

proven that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly known as NADH,

helps in providing extra energy for CFS patients.

Carnitine
Carnitine, a substance found in almost all living cells, has the main

function of transporting fatty acids to the powerhouse or the mitochondria

of cells. This substance, in a way, is instrumental in the production of

cellular energy. Carnitine supplements are helpful to CFS patients since it

is found out that among these people, Carnitine levels are very low which

is linked to some types of pain, muscle fatigue and decreased tolerance to

physical exertion. Supplementation, therefore, can help fix low Carnitine

levels.

Carnitine supplements, in general, work well with patients of Chronic

Fatigue Syndrome. However high dosage of these supplements may lead to side

effects such as diarrhea, rashes, increased appetite and body odor.

Coenzyme Q10 or Co Q10
This is another compound that is found in the energy-producing organelle of

the cells- the mitochondria. It is known to play roles in the production of

ATP, a chemical compound which produces energy used during muscle

contraction.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a type of hormone that is released by the adrenal glands. Small

quantities of DHEA are also found in the testes and the ovaries where it is

converted into testosterone and estrogen. This hormone plays a great deal

in the regulation of sleep, moods and memory. Among patients of chronic

fatigue syndrome, this hormone is found in abnormally lower levels.

Supplements are therefore needed to normalize these levels. However there

are downsides to using DHEA supplements.

Since this hormone is converted into testosterone and estrogen, conditions

that are controlled by these hormones may be affected. It is therefore very

important that DHEA supplements are used only with doctor’s prescription

and supervision.

The substances discussed above are potentially helpful in relieving the

symptoms of CFS, especially fatigue. However, it should be remembered that

although these come from natural sources, the “natural” factor does not

guarantee that the substance is safe. These substances can potentially

interfere with other medications and may pose serious danger to the health

of individuals who are taking them without sufficient professional

assistance.

Having said that, there are other options that are outright safe such as

breathing therapy, relaxation therapies, movement therapies, acupuncture

and ayurdeva.

With no known definite cause, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a popular name

for a disorder or group of disorders with varying debilitating effects on

the individual which persist for at least 6 months. According to some

sources, the syndrome results from an infection. As of yet though, the

syndrome is not yet fully understood although it is quite a common

disorder.

Onset
The onset of CFS is usually characterized by sudden occurrence of symptoms

which are somewhat similar to the symptoms accompanying flu. It is believed

to begin with an infection caused by non-viral and viral pathogens which

trigger subsequent symptoms. In a smaller fraction of patients, the onset

begins after exposure to prolonged extreme levels of stress. Thus, it is

believed that CFS can begin either from high levels of stress or infection.

Current studies are focused on investigating on these causation models.

Causes
Although there are no definite causes to chronic fatigue syndrome, there

are however, known conditions that are closely related to the development

of the syndrome. They are as follows:

1. Chlamydia pneumoniae, a bacterium which causes pneumonia and related

illness.

2. EBV or Epstein-Barr virus which causes mononucleosis or the kissing

disease, a very common respiratory disease that has symptoms resembling

flu.

3. Onset of serious case of bronchitis and diarrhea.

4. Continuous subjection to stress, both physical and mental.

Symptoms
There are two criteria in determining the presence of Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome. They are as follows:

1. Unexplainable chronic fatigue is experienced for more than 6 months and

all other diseases and disorders that can lead to long term experience of

fatigue have been ruled out by your health care provider. This fatigue does

not root from physical exertion and cannot be relieved by rest.

2. The presence of four of the following symptoms: a) decreased cognitive

function or chronic impairment of short-term memory, b) fatigue that is not

relieved through rest, c) muscle pains or myalgia, d) severe headaches, e)

prolonged sickness and exhaustion, f) recurring and frequent sore throat,

g) joint pains without redness or inflammation, and f) abnormal lymph nodes

with notable tenderness.

Treatment Options
There are several ways of managing the disorder but there is no one

universal treatment option that is recommended for all patients. For some

patients, dietary changes, changes in lifestyle, use of pain killers,

physiotherapy, medications and Complementary and Alternative Medicine work.

The most common unconventional treatment modalities are CBT or Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy and Graded Exercise Therapy.

Prognosis
The average recovery rate of untreated patients is pegged at 5%. On the

other hand, those patients who have received a number of treatments are 40%

more likely to benefit from full recovery.

Occurrence
Due to the absence of concrete and definite parameters for identifying

people with CFS, it is quite hard to determine the exact number of people

who are affected by this disorder. Estimates range from 75-420 people in

every 100,000 people have this disorder. Women are more susceptible to

developing this disorder by 20% although there are strong indications that

this disparity is due to unreported cases among men.

The syndrome occurs across all ages but is more common among people aged 40

to 59 years old. It is found across genders and ethnic backgrounds. It is

also seen to run in the family.