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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS)
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but viruses are the main suspects. Symptoms include irritability, sore throat, mood swings, sleep disturbances, increased incidence of colds, and chronic fatigue that reduces daily activity by half over a period of at least six months. These, and the lack of any other condition that might produce like symptoms, are the hallmarks of CFS. Patients consistently show reduced number of, or activity by, natural killer cells, and weakened lymphocyte function. Contributing factors may include food allergies, stress, depression, impaired liver function, yeast infection, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and low adrenal function. The syndrome occurs three times more often in women than men, and most often in people between the ages of 20 and 40.
Because common viral illnesses produce similar symptoms, CFS is often misdiagnosed. Conditions that mimic CFS include mononucleosis, anemia, hepatitis and Lyme disease---consult a physician if fatigue is chronic and or extreme. Diagnostic criteria are controversial, with the US applying much stricter guidelines than Australia or the United Kingdom.
Although the syndrome is not life threatening, it is characterized by weakened immunity, making the body susceptible to infection.Symptoms
 | Fatigue severe enough to reduce normal activities for an extended period of time. |
| Aching muscles and joints, fever, headaches, intestinal problems, jaundice, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, recurrent upper respiratory infections, sensitivity to light and heat, sore throat and swollen glands. |
| Sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, mood swings and temporary memory loss are other possible symptoms. |
How alternative medicine may potentially help?
Certain vitamins and herbs that can help boost immune system function and energy levels.
Herbs
| Astragalus may enhance immune function. |
| Siberian ginseng (Eleuthero senticosus) may increase natural killer cell activity. Commission E -- an expert committee on herbal remedies established by Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices -- has approved approves ginseng root and eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) to treat fatigue. Neither are to be used if you have high blood pressure. |
| Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) supports adrenal function. |
| Ginkgo Biloba - As reported in the journal Biological Psychiatry, memory deficits are associated with CFS. Ginkgo biloba is Commission E-approved for memory problems. |
| Licorice supports adrenal function and inhibits viruses. Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure, as high doses (3 grams) can raise blood pressure within a few weeks. |
Vitamins
| Vitamin A may help protect and enhance immune function. |
| Vitamin E has properties beneficial to immune function. |
| Vitamin C supports immune function, especially at high doses (2-3,000 mg per day, in divided doses of 500 mg each). |
Minerals
| Magnesium has been tested several clinical trials, and high doses (1 gram per day) consistently produced recoveries in a large majority of patients. Magnesium aspartate or citrate are the preferred forms, as each has its own fatigue fighting properties. |
Other Nutritional Supplements:
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NADH - help to elliviate fatigue |
Resources
| For more information, contact the National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association 3521 Broadway, #222, Kansas City, MO 64111; 816/931-4777 (24 hour-message). Or check out the American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. |