Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue
Symptoms of CFS include impaired memory function or concentration, brain fog, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, a 'different' type of headache, extreme sensitivity to medications and chemicals, dizziness and vertigo, unrefreshing sleep and malaise that lasts more than 24 hours after exerting yourself. This exertion could anything from climbing a flight of stairs to washing a load of dishes. This onset of fatigue that occurs with CFS can reduce daily activities in previously healthy and active people.
Causes of CFS
EMFs (electromagnetic energy fields), Seasonal Disorder, Epstein Bar Virus (having a history of Mononucleosis), Viral Meningitis, Viral Hepatitis, Post Traumatic Stress, Surgery, Illness (past history of severe Flu, Chicken Pox, Herpes (severe or recurrent), or other severe illness), Digestive Problems, Candida, Anemia, Depression, Adrenal Burnout and pH imbalance (too much acid in body fluids!).
Chronic Fatigue is often called by other names, such as CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome), ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), which basically means having something to do with the 'muscle' and 'head', Yuppie Flu and PVFS (Post Virus Fatigue Syndrome), which is probably the most accurate name as CF (Chronic Fatigue) is most often the result of being affected with a nasty virus or bacteria that made you ill or high levels of acidity.
Chronic Fatigue is considered to be a condition following any of several different stressors, such as a death in the family, employment problems, an accident or trauma. Chronic Fatigue becomes a syndrome when there are many symptoms that do not disappear, or disappear and then come back, for more than 6 months at a time. Also, stress causes the body to become more acidic.
Spiritual/Psychological causes: There is a certain amount of resistance to something in your life. Perhaps you are not happy or have no love for your current situation or work. Boredom could be part of the picture.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an immune system response to stress.
Cytokines are natural chemicals that fight infection. CFS sufferers start to recover from an initial 'cause' (virus, bacteria, surgery, etc.) and then, when they are emotionally or physically stressed, the symptoms recur. This makes for a disheartening cycle of recovery and flare-ups. This happens because of a very complex interaction happening between the neurological, endocrine (lots and lots of body chemicals, including hormones) and immune system.
In those with ME, which is a little different than CFS, but included under CFS's umbrella, there are abnormalities in the nervous system including the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for regulating sleep, temperature and appetite.
Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There are no specific treatments for CFS. It is important to rule out Diabetes, Lupus, Hormonal Disorder, AIDS, Sclerosis, Anemia, Depression and Haemochromatosis (iron overload) because they have the same symptoms as CFS. Check for Anemia, Candidas, Mercury poisoning (usually from dental fillings), Hypothyroidism, Hypoglycemia and Diabetes.
When it comes to being exhausted and drained, nutrition definitely takes a front seat! In your diet watch for allergies, especially gluten (found in wheat). Add vitamins and minerals for good measure. I suggest an alkaline diet.
EMFs are the electromagnetic energy fields from all appliances, microwaves, televisions, computers, cell phones and towers and every other electronic thing we can think of. What we call 'Microwave Sickness' the Russians term 'Radiowave Sickness'. This kind of sickness is not found in countries with minimal technology. Paul Doyon, Asociate Professor, Kyushu University states that microwaves (and other EMFs) decrease norepinephrine levels in the brain and melatonin, dopamine and acetylcholine levels as well. EMFs also cause damage to mitachondria (cells) resulting in oxidative damage and decreased flow of oxygen to the brain, a major factor for those with CFS. This causes CFS symptoms such as brain fog, concentration problems and dizziness. EMFs cause the adrenals to excrete more cortisone and adrenaline leading to Adrenal Burnout (see above). There is also a decrease of 5-HT in the blood which is a precursor to serotonin. Without serotonin we become anxious and depressed, also a part of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Stay away from household cleaning chemicals. I know, I know. What are you to use? Begin swapping out your current household cleaners for more 'earth' friendly ones as you run out. If they are friendly to the earth, they will be more friendly to you, and not send you reeling from fumes or relapsing with body aches.
The best thing you can do besides putting good things in your body and resting is to manage your time better to reduce stress. Balance your physical and emotional activities.
If you feel you must take an antidepressant, please talk to your doctor about your sensitivities and request a very, very low dose.
Note! The reason for avoiding EMF's, house-hold and other chemicals and reducing stress is that all of these things increase the acid levels in your body fluids.
CFS & FMS Are Very Similar!
CFS and Fibromyalgia often overlap. In many cases it can be a struggle to figure out which you have, or if you have both. Symptoms are similar and treated much the same way. Refer to Fibromyalgia (below).
However, with CFS, it is the fatigue that rules and with Fibromyalgia it is the pain that rules and makes one tired. In both instances, the muscles do not react to exertion like a normal person's would. The person with CFS has very limited energy in their muscles (largely due to lactic acid build-up) and once this has expired, that is it! They have to rest and recharge, if they can. There is just no more to give.
For more on how to exercise properly with CFS or FS, click 'here'.
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
