How to help with chronic fatigue

Everyone experiences days of extreme chronic fatigue when the body and mind can no longer exert themselves. Sometimes these people feel this way for a day or two, but after getting enough sleep and rest (along with some pleasant or relaxing activity) they keep returning to their daily routines and work schedules.

However, what most people increasingly experience today is a persistent feeling of loss of energy and tiredness that lasts for up to several months (also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

But first a few overviews

The guide starts with some basic definitions, symptoms, and risk factors (causes) to make sure everyone is on the same page.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disease that is characterized in part by intense fatigue that lasts for six months or more. Other features of CFS can include poor quality sleep, depression, joint pain, muscle pain, cognitive difficulties, and / or other non-specific symptoms.

Most people with CFS have reported having difficulty performing everyday activities, exercising, going to school, and even working.

Unfortunately, most conventional doctors tend to overlook this condition, and up to 80 percent of people with CFS may not get an accurate diagnosis.

What are the risk factors and causes of CFS?

At the time of this writing, a specific cause of CFS has not been irrefutably established. However, several factors can correlate with the incidence of CFS, and these include:

• Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) could play a role in CFC development
• It is more common in women who are approaching middle or early adulthood
• Autoimmunity, mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive inflammation, and oxidative stress can also be involved.

Now to the most exciting section of the guide.

5 ways to help with chronic fatigue

Even if CFS has no definitive cure, if you are ever diagnosed with the disease, doctors will recommend using one of the following measures to manage your symptoms.

Antidepressants

In addition to relieving depression, antidepressants can help reduce muscle tension and fatigue, which in turn improves sleep. While the side effects of antidepressants vary, some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for CFS are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics.

In addition to antidepressants, other drug therapies that most doctors often recommend are stimulants, acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihistamines, and anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines).

homeopathy

The right homeopathic CFS remedy depends on your constitution type, which includes your mental, emotional and physical condition. A skilled homeopath will assess all of these factors and determine the most suitable treatment for you.

Some of the remedies commonly used by homeopaths to treat CFS are:

• Pulsatilla – For people who are emotional and moody, but have a gentle and calm attitude
• Gelsemium – For physical weakness, including heaviness of the eyelids and limbs, and mental exhaustion, such as indifference and drowsiness
• Sulfur – For those who feel tired but are not as emotionally sensitive as those in need of Pulsatilla
• Arsenicum – For tiredness and restlessness, accompanied by burning pain and chills that worsen at night

Nutrition and nutritional supplements

It is important that you eat regularly and that you only eat well-balanced and healthy foods. If your CFS symptoms do not allow you to prepare food or shop efficiently, your doctor will provide practical advice on how to still do it.

Also, avoid refined foods, saturated fats, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Consume more protein, whole grains, legumes, fresh vegetables, and essential fatty acids found in cold water fish, seeds, and nuts. There’s also enough evidence that some supplements can help relieve symptoms of CFS. These include magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q1.

For vitamin B12, most doctors recommend a Vitamin shooter. A shooter is a tiny shot in your arm or bum of a super burst of energy. It is up to 5 times more effective than regular vitamin B12 injections.

Chiropractic

While no well-designed clinical study has examined the chiropractic treatment of CFS, many reputable chiropractors suggest that spinal manipulation may relieve pain and increase energy in some people with CFS.

Relapses or setbacks

Relapse or setback occurs when symptoms get worse for a period of time. Note that they are a common component of CFS and are due to a variety of factors such as unplanned activities or infections. Sometimes there won’t even be a clear cause.

The good news, however, is that the attending physician can help you manage a relapse or setback by:

• Encouragement to stay optimistic about your recovery
• Teach your breathing and relaxation techniques
• Include more breaks in your current activity level

Try it for yourself and see if it helps!