Chronic-FatigueJust another Totalaccessnet.com Blogs weblog

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.