Chronic-FatigueJust another Totalaccessnet.com Blogs weblog

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.