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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has varying levels of severity. Some people only

experience lack of peaceful sleep, intermittent headaches and overwhelming

exhaustion while other people experience anywhere from 4 to 30 full-blown

symptoms which occur simultaneously. While there are a lot of symptoms

oftentimes associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there are a few that

are commonly reported by patients. Among them are the following:

Overwhelming fatigue – People with this syndrome wake up like they just got

hit by a truck and feel worn out all day. There are, however, periods which

run from a few hours to several hours a day when they feel a bit better.

What most of them try to do during these periods is to make up from the

lost time they stayed rested in the bed. This backfires on them and they

rebound to being exhausted. Whenever they try to do physical activities or

exercises, they would get drained easily and would feel worse the next day.

Recurrent infections – Among the major symptoms of CFS is infection which

may manifest as sore throat, recurrent sinusitis, bladder infection,

swollen glands and other respiratory infections. Some patients experience

recurrent rash that may or may not go away with antibiotics. Digestive

complaints such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramps and gas are

also very common which are caused basically by the build-up of yeast in the

bowel, or by parasitic infection or by spastic colon.

Brain Fog – While overwhelming fatigue is one of the most debilitating

symptoms a patient of CFS can experience, the scariest, however, is brain

fog. Not a few patients complain of this symptom which may affect their

short term memory, their concentration, and their ability to substitute

words with another. Some of them also experience brief disorientation which

may last anywhere from half a minute to one minute.

Frequent Aches and Pains – Muscle pain and multiple joint pains are very

common among CFS patients. These are said to be products of lack of

sufficient rest or disordered sleep, yeast infections, impaired thyroid

glands and lack of nutrition in the body.

Increased thirst – Patients of CFS drink two to three times more water than

average individuals. This is caused by hormonal problems which lead to

increased urine output.

Allergies – Because of yeast overgrowth and other conditions occurring in

the body of a fatigue patients, allergies and food sensitivities are very

common. By removing the causes, of course, the allergies can be removed.

However, these patients have histories of poor response towards allergy

medications.

Weight gain – With or without change in diet, fatigue patients experience

20 to 50 pounds weight gain. Apart from lack of activities, the packing up

of pounds is also contributed by hormonal changes.

Depression and anxiety – The development of these psychological problems

push healthcare providers back to the classic chicken and egg question:

does fatigue cause anxiety and depression or is it a product of these

psychological conditions? As of yet, no one is certain. It is proposed,

however, that some factors are instrumental in aggravating these conditions

including poor nutrition and general sense of illness.

Reduced libido – Because of hormonal deficiencies, pain and the general

feeling of being sick, people affected by CFS have decreased libido.

Fortunately, this improves through medication and therapy.

You probably have recognized yourself from reading the above list. If you

think you are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it would be in your

best interest to consult a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable in this

disorder.

It is widely believed that chronic fatigue syndrome is linked with viral

infections despite the fact that doctors have yet to determine the exact

cause of this debilitating ailment. In fact, most of the symptoms of

chronic fatigue syndrome such as extreme exhaustion, muscle pains,

tenderness in the joints, severe headache and lack of energy are also

symptoms found in various viral infections such as flu.

Thus, to help combat the symptoms of CFS, it is important to stop the

progress of these viruses and keep the immune system strong to help prevent

future viral infections.

When it comes to boosting the immune system, one of the best ways is to go

natural – meaning, to turn to natural alternative remedies such as herbs.

Aside from Korean ginseng, astragalus, ginkgo biloba, echinacea and

licorice root, there are several other herbal remedies that individuals

suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome can try.

Most of these herbal remedies are easily available. Here are some of them:

Siberian ginseng – This herb increases the body’s resistance to stress and

fatigue as well as several diseases. It is also widely praised for its

efficacy in increasing mental alertness. It also has strong antioxidant

properties. These make Siberian ginseng a recommended herbal remedy for the

symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, it is important to use a

standardized Siberian ginseng extract that contains 0.5% eleutheroside E

and take 100-200 milligrams two times daily since the herb has its optimal

potency at this dosage. It is best to take Siberian ginseng once in the

morning and once in the afternoon.

Garlic – Since ancient times, garlic has been known for its antibiotic

properties. It contains the chemical alicin, which helps kill many types of

bacteria and viruses. Garlic also has antioxidant effects. Garlic can be

taken either raw or cooked. If you don’t like the taste of garlic, you can

also choose supplements that have high garlic content.

Burdock – A type of thistle, burdock is known for its diuretic and

diaphoretic properties. It is also known as a blood-purifying agent. Taking

burdock is an excellent way to flush away the toxins that cause several

disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, the greater burdock is also

used extensively especially for treating dandruff and hair loss.

Carrot juice with kelp and bee pollen – This combination creates an

excellent tonic drink that is perfect for boosting your energy level

whenever you feel the effects of fatigue wear you down. This combination is

highly recommended as a perk-me-up for individuals with low-blood pressure.

Goldenseal – This herb is used widely to control infections. In cases of

sore throat, goldenseal extracts are recommended to help soothe it. All you

have to do is to take a few drops of goldenseal extract – the alcohol-free

variety – and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.

However, it is advised that goldenseal should not be taken on a daily basis

for more than a week. Pregnant women should also not sue goldenseal. For

individuals with history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, it is

important to consult your doctor first and use goldenseal under your

doctor’s supervision.

Cat’s claw – This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory and

immune-boosting properties. Ideal dosage is 250 mg of standardized cat’s

claw extract taken thrice daily with gradual increases in dosage over a

period of four weeks until you reach a thousand milligrams taken three

times per day.

Cat’s claw is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Individuals

using anticoagulant are also advised to use cat’s claw with caution.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the more enigmatic disorders today.

Characterized by conditions of extreme exhaustion lasting for a prolonged

period of time, chronic fatigue syndrome also comes with several other

symptoms such as muscle and joint pains, tenderness of the lymph nodes,

recurring sore throat, impaired short memory, and severe headache. The

underlying causes of this debilitating disease are not yet known.

Researchers have theorized that CFS might be caused by viral infections.

This is supported by the fact that CFS and symptoms of flu are quite

similar. However, rest and medication can relieve flu. Unfortunately, there

is no known cure yet for chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatments and

medications for CFS are mostly aimed at relieving the various symptoms that

accompany a CFS attack. Doctors use a combination of non-drug therapies and

medications to treat the symptoms of CFS.

Many doctors advocate the use of natural and herbal remedies to treat CFS.

Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat various diseases. An

herbal regimen for chronic fatigue syndrome may include tonics to help

boost the immune system, increase the body’s energy level, improve

digestive efficiency and restore strength to the muscles. Foods that help

the body increase its absorption of minerals are also recommended. There

are also deep immune tonics that strengthen the body’s supply of bone

marrow and replenish the immune reserves.

Adrenal tonics and adaptogens also help boost the adrenal glands to enhance

the body’s energy level and fight off stress. Antiviral herbs can be used

to combat opportunistic viral infections, especially when combined with

immune and adrenal strengthening herbs. Herbs can also be used to relax the

nervous system and improve sleep. Some herbs have been used for ages to

soothe frazzled nerves and combat stress. Here are some herbs that can be

used to treat symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome:

• Dang Gui – This herb is a small, aromatic, fern-leafed plant native to

China and related to the parsley family is best known for its blood

strengthening properties. It revitalizes the blood and is also known to

boost the health of the uterus and other female generative organs. Dan Gui

is used to treat anemia, irregular menstruation, and for treating the

symptoms of PMS and menopause. Dang Gui can be taken in various forms:

tincture, capsule, tablet, powder and bulk herb.

• Gentian – This is a bitter tonic that acts as a digestive stimulant. It

is usually taken15-30 minutes before meals and is typically combined with

other herbs. Studies have reveled that gentian has immune-strengthening

properties. It is usually given to patients to help in the absorption and

assimilation of nutrients, enhancement of energy levels and improvement of

immune function.

• Ligustrum – This herb can be used as a deep immune tonic to strengthen

the immune system and fight off the harmful effects of overwork and stress.

It is also used to nourish the liver and the adrenal glands and as a

treatment for nausea, low back pain and palpitations. Ligustrum is even

used in cancer treatments because of its potency.

• Siberian Ginseng – This herb has immune-regulating and adaptogenic

properties. This makes Siberian ginseng a good treatment for fatigue,

exhaustion, immune deficiency and other stress-related disorders. As an

adaptogen, Siberian ginseng helps patients adapt to stress. This herb is

also helpful in treating chronic inflammatory conditions. Taking Siberian

ginseng also helps increase energy levels.

Patients of CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome respond differently to various

treatments. Some of them recover after drastic changes in lifestyle, some

of them are more responsive to pharmacological treatments. Here are the

most common treatment modalities to which CFS patients are subjected and to

which most of them respond well.

Self-Care/Management Techniques
Some patients can facilitate self-care treatments. This can be done by

monitoring the level and pacing of activities such that prolonged and

extreme levels of exhaustion are prevented. This can also be done by

preventing the urge to rest. Since CFS is not relieved through rest,

regardless of the duration, health care professionals do not advise the

patients to rest excessively. Some form of physical activity must be

maintained. This is oftentimes recommended by the physician. When trying to

manage the symptoms of the disorder by yourself, it is best to keep the

pacing and the level of the activities under control. Otherwise, symptoms

may occur at a more debilitating rate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological therapy that

delivers relief of symptoms but not necessarily cure. This helps the

patients understand their conditions and can therefore better guide them in

forming their beliefs, perception and attitudes towards the syndrome. It is

believed that through a more accurate depiction of the condition, the

patient can better respond to the symptoms and they can cause lesser

inhibition of the recurrence of their symptoms.

Graded Exercise Therapy
This therapy involves the introduction of incremental changes in the

patients’ levels of activity. While concrete evidence are yet to be

established, many experts believe that integration of activities is very

important in managing the disease. Under this therapy then, the patient

will have to monitor his own activities and exercises. As the therapy

progresses, he moves to higher intensities until he gets back to the doing

activities he normally participated in prior to the onset of the condition.

Pharmacological Treatments
Managements of the conditions through pharmacological treatments can

involve the following medications:

Antidepressants are primarily used to manage mood swings and secondary

depression. Low dosage antidepressants, on the other hand, are helpful in

managing sleep disturbance and pain.

Autonomic nervous system stimulants are used to help improve concentration

and short-term memory which are greatly affected by the disorder.

NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed to CFS

patients to relieve them from muscle and joint pains.

Anxiolyticagents are used to target symptoms of anxiety.

CAM or Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The use of dietary supplements in managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is

central in alleviating the symptoms of CFS. According to some pilot

studies, supplements of Carnitine, essential fatty acids, Magnesium and

polynutrient supplements have shown strong indications of symptom reduction

among patients.

Because the origins of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not yet fully

understood, treatment options are more directed to managing the symptoms

and not really in curing the disorder. The main objective in producing

relief from symptoms is to reinstate the conditions of the person as well

as his well-being prior to the onset of the disorder.

As a result, majority of sufferers do not fully recover and even if they

do, they recover gradually. For people who expect better and faster

recovery, frustrations often ensue which for most of the cases, worsen the

condition.  It is therefore recommended to undergo a treatment at a

very slow but well-managed pace.

What is the difference between normal fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Nothing much on the first few days. Normal fatigue is the feeling of

exhaustion which is usually caused by physical exertion, mental stress and

sickness.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, on the other hand, is a group of symptoms or

conditions that result to various other symptoms such as decreased mental

acuity and flu-like illness and excessive fatigue. A type that will not

afford its sufferers with enough energy to move freely. The difference

between the two is demonstrated once full-blown symptoms occur and when

they last for at least 6 months, that’s when it becomes chronic.

• What are the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

There are various symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and in order to

determine the presence of this condition, a patient must possess at least

four of the following: post-exertional malaise which persists for more than

24 hours, muscle pains, joint pain, sleep difficulties or sleep that does

not lend energy to the individual, frequent severe headaches, sore throat

that is persistent and recurring, decreased mental clarity, poor memory and

impaired concentration, and tenderness of the lymph nodes that are located

in the neck and armpit.

• What are the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

While the exact causes of CFS are not yet identified, there are strong

indications that cause can be divided into three types: immune

system-related, viral and non-viral pathogens and stress-related. There are

also indications that CFS is triggered by the combination of these causes.

For some people, the onset of the condition begins after contracting an

infection; for others it begins after a prolonged period of exposure to

stress.

There are also some patients who had weakened immune system which made it

easier for the symptoms to develop and progress to worse conditions.

Current studies are trying to find out whether genetics, emotional distress

and immunological conditions are related with the disorder.

• Is there a cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

As of yet, cures for CFS are still being developed. Thus, treatment for the

condition is basically focused on alleviating the symptoms.

• What are the treatment options?

There are several types of treatment options available for patients of CFS

which are roughly divided into four categories: medical treatments,

alternative treatments, supportive treatments and lifestyle alterations.

Under medical treatments are the medications and drugs that are prescribed

to alleviate symptoms such as pains, headaches and psychological stress

caused by CFS. These include pain relievers, NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Anxiolyticagents, Autonomic nervous system

stimulants and antidepressants.

Natural, herbal and hormone supplements are commonly used under alternative

medicine. Relaxation techniques and behavioral techniques are used in

supportive treatments while lifestyle alterations basically help patients

change some aspects of their lives to establish relief from debilitating

symptoms.

• How is diagnosis made?

Since there are no laboratory, diagnostic and medical examinations and

tests that are used in the diagnosis of CFS, health care providers use the

principle of exclusion in determining the presence of the condition.

Through this method, all diseases, illnesses and conditions that are known

to have symptoms similar with CFS are ruled out. Diagnosis is only made

once the symptoms of the patients match with the case definition.

• Where can I get help?

You can get help from health care providers who are knowledgeable in

diagnosing and treating CFS are the best people patients could go to.

Support groups for patients of CFS are also available.

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.

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.

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.