Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. According to the Institute of Medicine, Chronic fatigue syndrome occurs in over 2.5 million Americans. The syndrome is three times more prevalent in women than men and primarily affects young adults between the ages of twenty and fifty.
The cause or causes of chronic fatigue syndrome may be related to defects in immune function, psychological problems or neurological problems. Some experts believe it is linked to infection with the Epstein Barr Virus, and or cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex viruses, mononucleosis, gastrointestinal infections, hypoglycemia, candida albicans yeast ( caused by antibiotic overload and excessive sugar intake), parasite infestations, exhausted adrenals, environmental contaminants, high stress lifestyles, overwork, degenerative imbalance in the endocrine metabolic systems particularly to the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis, and to extreme psychological stress. Other proposed causes of chronic fatigue syndrome include anemia, arthritis, chronic mercury poisoning, fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism. Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of all of the above factors.
.Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and lethargy that does not resolve with bed rest
- Mental fogginess and muddled thinking
- Sore throat
- Low grade fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
- Unexplained muscle or joint pain and weakness
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Headaches
- Interrupted sleep
- Ringing in the ears
- Depression, moodiness and or irritability
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Age. Chronic fatigue syndrome can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people in their 20s and 50s.
- Sex. Women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome much more often than men, but it may be that women are simply more likely to report their symptoms to a doctor. Over 85% of chronic fatigue syndrome victims are women usually between 20 to 50 years old. Most are outgoing, productive, independent, active, overachievers, and perfectionists. It seems today’s overstressed, overworked are paying the price of their hectic lifestyles in terms of health
- Stress. Difficulty managing stress may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Food Allergies
- Long Standing Emotional Stress or Grief
- Environmental Pollutants that cause chemical sensitivities
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers are most likely to be smokers and they suffer more
- Widespread, long term use of antibiotics or steroid drugs
- Low nutrition diet
Complications
Possible complications of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Lifestyle restrictions
- Increased work absences
- It takes two to four weeks to notice consistent improvement and six months or longer to feel energetic and normal. Most people do respond to natural therapies in three to 6 months.
It is important to obtain a proper nutritional therapy plan according to your biochemical individuality and needs. A lifestyle support is important such as avoiding tobacco. Nicotine destroys immunity. It takes 3 months to rebuild immune response even after you quit. Taking daily deep breathing walks for oxygen uptake. Walk for half an hour to stimulate the lymphatic system and cerebral circulation. Get 20 minutes of early morning sunlight on your body everyday possible for Vitamin D intake. Relax. An optimistic mental attitude and frame of mind plays a major role in releasing body stress, a big factor in improving your immune system. An Herbal, Superfood and Supplement Therapy is important to fight the viral infections, to improve your energy, to supplement with enzymes to improve your digestion, absorption and reduce inflammation. You need to balance your body chemistry and biology to boost your healing, detoxify your liver, strengthen your nervous system, relieve your muscle pain, improve your sleep and rebuild your immune strength with a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, fatty acids, enzyme and herb profile according to your needs and biochemical individuality.