Chronic fatigue syndrome is related to a very tired immune system, but can also affect the endocrine system and the neurological system. It is similar to fibromyalgia, ME, AIDS and particularly the Epstein-Barr virus, with the immune system becoming hyper-vigilant, searching for viral invaders, resulting in extreme tiredness.
Other causes of chronic fatigue syndrome include the following:
- Negative mental and emotional states can adversely affect the immune system, as does clinical depression. New insights and developments in the fields of psychoneuroimmunology are beginning to offer promising leads in helping people recover from this exhaustive illness.
- Chronic candida can result in CFS, by affecting the pH balance in the digestive system which in turn reduces the effectiveness of the immune system.
- Hypoglycemia, thyroid conditions or adrenal fatigue caused by extreme stress, can all result in CFS.
The CFS personality
The majority of sufferers of CFS tend to be women between 30 and 50 years of age, with outgoing and overachieving attitudes. They tend to suppress their emotions, which can depress the immune system. Worrying, anxiety, mental pressure or extreme emotional stress all take their toll of the body's health. Excesses of travel, exercise or work, fast-paced, unhealthy lifestyle or generally overdoing things can causes major depletion of the immune system. Abusive or controlling relationships, or feeling "stuck" on your life's path can also lead to CFS.
Natural remedies for chronic fatigue syndrome
There are many natural remedies for chronic fatigue syndrome, including the following:
- Nutrients such as magnesium and malic acid assist the conversion of sugar into energy, in the mitochondria of the cells. These supplements may be combined with vitamin B6, B1, vitamin C and manganese
- A good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement will supply many of the nutrients that the mitochondria need to work efficiently and produce optimal amounts of energy.
- NADH can help the body produce the highest possible amount of energy. (10 mg daily for at least two months, first thing in the morning with a glass of water and at least 30 minutes before breakfast or medications).
- Acetyl-Carnitine helps the body burn fat and make energy more efficiently. It also helps to stabilize or reverse weight gain that is often seen in the first 6 months of the disease. You can take the amino acid lysine with the acetyl-carnitine, to make it last longer as the body uses lysine to produce carnitine.
- Vitamin C – 2,000 mg twice a day.
Other treatments for CFS that may be helpful include acupressure especially on the gallbladder points, reflexology, and homeopathy. Rest and gentle exercise are recommended, together with meditation, yoga and visualization.
Sources:
Jason l, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: New hope from psychoneuroimmunology and community psychology, The Journal of Primary Prevention, Vol 14, No 1, 51-71
Anne Dubois - Anne is a mother of one son, living in Auckland, New Zealand. She has worked in the natural health industry for nearly 10 years and has ...
