Chronic-FatigueJust another Totalaccessnet.com Blogs weblog

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.