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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, more commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

is a disorder or groups of disorders that is characterized by the onset of

fatigue that persists for more than 6 months. It is characterized by a host

of symptoms that range from muscle and joint pains to decreased ability to

perform even the least demanding activities.

This syndrome is diagnosed by examining the symptoms of an individual

against two groups of symptoms which are commonly demonstrated by CFS

patients.

The first sign that healthcare professionals look for is the persisting

chronic fatigue that is not related to any other condition that results to

exhaustion. Tolerance to fatigue among CFS patients is very low, thus they

get severely exhausted after performing even the simplest and least

demanding of tasks. In fact, it is not uncommon for CFS patients to move

from one place to another without feeling drained.

Most of them also get sick for several days to several weeks after

performing minor activities. Most of them also exhibit flu-like symptoms

after performing low intensity tasks.

The second criteria for establishing the presence of Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome is the onset of four of any of the following symptoms: myalgia or

muscle pains, arthralgia or joint pains in multiple locations, head aches

of more serious severity, persistent soar throat which recurs, tenderness

of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes, impaired short-term memory and

concentration, malaise which is experienced after physical exertion, and

sleep disturbance.

Other symptoms that healthcare professionals look for are abdominal pain,

bloating, dizziness, nausea, chronic cough, chest pains, shortness of

breath, dryness of the mouth and eyes, weight loss, onset of minor and

major psychological problems  such as depression, anxiety, irritability and

panic attacks, diarrhea, alcohol intolerance and skin and tingling

sensations.

Diagnosis is facilitated only after all conditions that are known to

produce the aforementioned symptoms are ruled out. In general, healthcare

professionals encounter difficulty in diagnosing chronic fatigue syndromes

due to the similarities and generality of symptoms it presents. Apart from

the fact that fatigue is a common result of many diseases, it is also a

very common sign of most chronic conditions. CFS also presents no symptoms

that are visible and obvious enough for easy identification.

On top of these, there are also no diagnostic and laboratory tests that can

help in establishing the presence of the disorder. Patients of CFS also

display varying symptoms and level of severity which makes most patient

experience differences in symptoms and severity. However through exclusion

of the following factors, most doctors can arrive at a diagnosis:

1. The presentation of identifiable conditions that result to fatigue and

decreased level of activities. Most doctors look for symptoms of

hypothyroidism, a condition wherein the thyroid produces lower levels of

thyroid hormones. Other notable conditions that may exhibit symptoms

similar with CFS are lupus, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, bipolar

disorder, mononucleosis or kissing disease, depression and diabetes.

2. The usage of medications that result to fatigue. Obviously, there are a

number of medications, drugs and substances that can cause physical

exhaustion.

3. Recurrence of previous diseases, disorders and illness that can produce

extreme exhaustion such as cancer.

4. Substance abuse, more specifically excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Obesity which is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) or more than

45.

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.