Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
You can defeat chronic fatigue syndrome. With no single known cause, this syndrome largely remains a mystery. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Gradually increase exercise

    Even if you must begin with only a few minutes at a time, exercise can help you feel better

  • Check out L-carnitine

    Take 1 gram three times a day to provide a nutrient important for energy production

  • Try NADH

    10 mg per day of the active coenzyme form of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) may help your body produce more energy

  • Consider vitamin B12 injections

    Consult a doctor for a trial of 2,500 to 5,000 mcg every two or three days for several weeks to make up possible deficiency

  • Consult an expert

    Find an experienced professional to help manage the symptoms of this challenging disease

  • Get stress-reduction counseling

    For coping strategies, find a qualified counselor experienced in helping people with chronic fatigue syndrome

Also indexed as:
  • CFS,
  • chronic fatigue,
  • chronic fatigue syndrome,
  • fatigue syndrome,
  • myalgic encephalomyelitis,
  • tiredness syndrome
Alternative Treatments

About this treatment

About This Condition

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is disabling fatigue lasting more than six months that reduces activity by more than half. CFS is a poorly understood disease involving many body systems. No single cause of CFS has been identified, therefore, it is diagnosed by symptoms and by ruling out other known causes of fatigue by a healthcare practitioner.

Suggested causes include chronic viral infections, food allergy, adrenal gland dysfunction, and many others. None of these have been convincingly documented in more than a minority of sufferers. In some people there is also difficulty sleeping, swollen lymph nodes, and/or mild fever. When there is muscle soreness, fibromyalgia may be the actual problem. Although CFS is considered a modern diagnosis, it may have existed for centuries under other names, such as “the vapors,” neurasthenia, “effort syndrome” (diagnosed in World War I veterans), hypoglycemia, and chronic mononucleosis.

Symptoms

In addition to fatigue, there may also be muscle pain, joint pain not associated with redness or swelling, short-term memory loss, and an inability to concentrate. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome also experience difficulty sleeping, swollen lymph nodes, and/or mild fever.

Holistic Options

Highly stressful situations should be avoided by people with CFS. Coping mechanisms for dealing with stress can sometimes be maximized by behavioral therapy, which has been shown helpful for people with CFS in several controlled studies.

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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