Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for more than six months. This fatigue cannot be explained by an underlying medical condition. The process for diagnosis usually begins with ruling out possible underlying diseases and chronic conditions until the only choice left is chronic fatigue syndrome. Currently, over one million Americans suffer from this condition and women are more than twice as likely to have CFS than men. In addition to the profound fatigue experienced, other serious symptoms often accompany CFS, such as:
- Feeling exhausted for more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
- Not feeling refreshed after sleeping, or having trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating, or problems with attention and memory
- Muscle pain or joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches of a new type, pattern, or strength
- A sore throat that is constant or goes away and comes back often
- Joint pain that moves from one spot to another
- Digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome
- Mood swings, panic attacks and depression
Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Sadly, research has yet to identify a root cause of CFS. It often starts after a stressful event in life like a divorce, loss of a loved one or an injury or illness. It is my belief that CFS is a multi-factorial syndrome because preliminary research findings show that viral and bacterial infections, toxicity, hormone imbalances, weakened immune system, chronic stress and nutritional deficiencies are all contributing factors.
Standard Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Conventional medical treatment treats the symptoms rather than the underlying causes. Often individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome are prescribed anti-depressants and sleeping pills. In many cases, the side effects from these drugs are actually worse than the original symptoms and they do not heal the condition.
Steps to Heal Your Chronic Fatigue
1. Eliminate Food Sensitivities and Allergens.
Remove foods or allergens that could be causing inflammation or reactions related to fatigue. In our office, special allergy testing can be performed with a simple finger stick test.
2. Test for Your Specific Deficiencies. Vitamin, mineral and amino acid deficiencies have been linked to suppressed immune function and contribute to chronic fatigue, inflammation, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and much more. Specialized blood testing can zero in on any deficiencies. Micro-Nutrient Testing allows a person to know exactly what to eat and/or supplement in order to support healing. By correcting nutritional imbalances the body is given the building blocks it needs to heal.
3. Increase Magnesium and Potassium
Symptoms of magnesium and potassium deficiency include common CFS symptoms: fatigue, irritability, and muscle cramps. Eating a diet rich in magnesium and potassium can help to relieve these symptoms.
4. Take Lemon Balm (also known as Melissa) for its antiviral and immune-enhancing properties. 1000-2000mg in divided doses may be helpful.
If you or someone you love is suffering from CFS you know that it is a stubborn, debilitating condition that drains the quality out of your life. Using a combination of science and nature we are able to create a holistic protocol that will ignite the healing process and get your energy back.
Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. For more information or to set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.
Leave a Reply