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What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome The disorder we call chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) does not appear to be new. It is a condition in which is characterized by muscle pain and weakness, with extreme fatigue that is prolonged after events such as exercise. It is usually coupled with symptoms associated with infection, such as sore throat, mild fever and enlarged tender lymph nodes. The cause of CFS is controversial. Psychological factors may be the cause in some; however, chronic fatigue syndrome appears to be distinct from typical depression, anxiety, or other psychological disorders. A chronic viral infection has been proposed because many patients relate onset to an event similar to influenza or mononucleosis. Epstein-Barr virus is a possible cause, but the markers of exposure to the virus are not sensitive to show a specific causation. The prevalence is impossible to state with precision, varying from 7 to 38 cases/100,000 population. This variation may be due to differences in psychologic or genetic makeup, social acceptability, or exposure to an infectious or toxic agent or to differences in diagnosing. Women are affected 1.3 to 1.7 times more often than men. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome primarily afflicts Caucasian women between the ages 25 and 45 Allergic reactions have also been proposed as the aetiology; about 65% of patients complain of previous allergies, and for them, the rate of cutaneous reactivity to inhalants or foods is 25 to 50% higher than that in the general population. Typically, CFS arises suddenly in a previously active individual. An otherwise unremarkable flu-like illness or some other acute stress leaves unbearable exhaustion in its wake. Other symptoms, such as headache, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle and joint aches, and frequent feverishness, lead to the belief that an infection persists, and medical attention is sought. Over several weeks, despite reassurances that nothing serious is wrong, the symptoms persist and other features of the syndrome become evident—disturbed sleep, difficulty in concentration, and depression. Many patients report that diverse complaints are linked—that during periods of greatest fatigue they perceive the most pain and difficulty with concentration. Patients also commonly assert that excessive physical or emotional stress may exacerbate their symptoms. Symptoms
of CFS Mild to moderate
depression is present in half to two-thirds of people. Much of this
depression may be reactive to the health situation, but its prevalence
exceeds that seen in other chronic medical illnesses. Diagnosis and Pharmaceutical Interventions Because the cause is unknown, diagnostic evaluation aims to exclude conditions which may have a distinct cause and treatment first. A reasonable assessment includes looking at blood cell values and chemistries, and evaluation of some hormones such as thyroid. In some cases, and tests for antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, Lyme disease antibody, hepatitis A or B antibodies, and HIV antibody should be added. Pharmaceutical
Medications Antidepressants
appear to be the most successful treatment studied so far; as many
as 80% of patients report benefit. Non-sedating antidepressants
improve mood and disordered sleep and may attenuate the fatigue.
However, a host of potential side-effects (or symptoms of withdrawal)
accompany the use of many antidepressants. Some of the most serious
of these are: anxiety, asthenia – loss of bodily strength,
blurred vision, constipation , decreased ability to think clearly,
development of drug dependency, development or worsening of suicidal
tendencies, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia , loss of libido and
other sexual side effects, nausea, nervousness, rash , somnolence
– sleepiness or a lack of energy and activity, and sustained
increase in blood pressure (hypertension). Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications Exercise is important to prevent the worsening of fatigue. Many people report feeling better after undertaking a moderate exercise plan. However, most people with CFS are sensitive to overexertion, and excessive exercise may lead to consistently worsening fatigue and mental functioning. Exercise should be attempted gradually, starting with very small efforts. Intermittent exercise, in which patients walked for three minutes followed by three minutes of rest for a total of 30 minutes, usually does not create fatigue or make symptoms worse. Eating a whole foods
based vegan diet may improve body pain in some pain syndromes, including
CFS. A vegan diet excludes all animal products, and increases the
amount of vegetables and fruits, which are high in antioxidants. Nutritional Factors Shown to be Beneficial Magnesium B
vitamin complex L Carnitine Omega 3
Fish Oil Vitamin
C 5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP) CoQ-10 Eleuthero
(Eleuthrococcus senticosus) Recommended NaturalMeds Products for CFS Magnesium
Malate 625 mg B
Vitamin Complex 50 CoQ10
30 mg 5-HTP
50 mg Vitamin
C Ascorbic acid crystals |
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