Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue (CF, CFS)
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/or 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.
Chronic Fatigue is associated with viral infection. 70% of those suffering from Chronic Fatigue, also have Fibromyalgia. 50% of those individuals also have Irritable Bowel/Bladder Syndrome. Every person suffering from CFS has food sensitivities!
Causes of Chronic Fatigue
EMFs (electromagnetic energy fields), Seasonal Disorder, Epstein Bar Virus (having a history of Mononucleosis), Viral Meningitis, Viral Hepatitis, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Surgery, Illness (past history of severe Flu, Chicken Pox, severe or recurrent Herpes (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 to do with the 'muscle' and 'head'), Yuppie Flu and PVFS (Post Virus Fatigue Syndrome). ME is characterized by often having swollen glands and sore throat, but not necessarily.
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.
Spiritual/Psychological causes of Chronic Fatigue: 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, relationship or work. Boredom and lack of direction could be part of the picture.
Associated Chakra(s): 1st Chakra and 5th Chakra
Associated Energy Meridian(s): The Triple Heater (thyroid and adrenals)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an Immune System Response to Stress
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. There is a a very complex interaction between the neurological, endocrine (lots and lots of body chemicals, including hormones) and immune system. These complex interactions are effected by physical and emotional stress, and illness.
In those with ME, which is a little different than CFS, but included under CFS's umbrella, there are abnormalities in the central nervous system including the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for regulating sleep, temperature and appetite.
CFS & Fibromyalgia Are Similar!
CFS and Fibromyalgia often overlap. In many cases it can be a struggle to figure out which you are dealing with, as symptoms are similar. In fact, Fibromyalgia and ME also have the same symptoms, with ME listing a few more symptoms that Fibromyalgia usually does not have, but may.
However, with CFS, it is the fatigue that rules and with Fibromyalgia it is the pain that makes one tired, and often depressed. In both instances, the muscles do not react to exertion normally. The person with CFS or FS has very limited muscle energy (largely due to lactic acid build-up and oxygen deprivation). Once their bit of energy has expired, that is it! They have to rest and recharge, if they can. There is just no more to give.
All-Natural Therapies for Chronic Fatigue
Rule Out Possible Causes
Currently, there are no specific treatments for CFS. It is important that you, first, rule out Diabetes/Hypoglycemia, Lupus, Hormonal Disorder, AIDS, Sclerosis, Anemia, Depression and Haemochromatosis (iron overload), as these conditions have the same symptoms as CFS. Also, check for Candidas, Hypothyroidism and Mercury Poisoning (usually from dental fillings).
Reduce and Avoid EMFs EMFs are the electromagnetic energy fields from appliances, microwaves, televisions, computers, cell phones and towers and every other electronic device and wire we can think of. What we term Microwave Sickness the Russians call Radiowave Sickness. This kind of sickness is not found in countries with minimal technology. Paul Doyon, Associate Professor, Kyushu University states that microwaves (and other EMFs) decrease norepinephrine, melatonin, dopamine and acetylcholine levels in the brain. EMFs also cause damage to mitachondria (our 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. Avoid Food Allergens The only way to find out which foods you may have a sensitivity to is to be allergy tested. In the meantime, you might try eliminating typical foods that can cause symptoms of CFS, such as dairy, red meat, eggs, gluten, cheese, sugar and yeast. The very foods we need to eliminate are often the foods we eat most often. Increase Your Serotonin Levels There is also a decrease of 5-HT in the blood, which is a precursor to serotonin. Without enough serotonin, an important brain chemical, we become anxious, depressed and often phobic, which are often symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For a list of foods to boost Serotonin, visit the TCL Anxiety & Phobias web page. Stay Away From Harsh Chemicals Begin swapping out your current household cleaners for more earth friendly ones. If they are friendly to the earth, they will be friendlier to you, and not send you reeling from fumes or relapsing with body aches. Household, and other chemicals, increase toxicity of the blood and body fluids, leading to dis-ease. The TCL e-book, Energy Wellness Recipes, contains recipes for cosmetics, hygiene, cleaning products, pet snacks, medicinals and more! Balance Your Physical and Intellectual Activities Reduce stress that is caused by an unbalanced lifestyle. Sometimes we humans can be all head and no heart, or all heart and no brain. The best thing you can do besides putting good things in your body and resting is to manage your time better to reduce stress. If you have been ignoring or over-indulging some part of your life (exercise, friends and family, play, the arts, romance, work, etc.), get involved in creating a better balance for yourself. Are You Depressed? Try taking Fish Oil or Krill Oil supplements. These supplements contain fatty acids that your brain needs to function properly. many people taking Fish Oil supplements report feeling less anxiety and increased enthusiasm for things they once enjoyed. Talk with your doctor if you have had a history of heart problems, are on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. Do you feel you must take an antidepressant? Please talk to your doctor about your sensitivities and if you decide to take an antidepressant, request to start out with the lowest dose. Highly Sensitive People are extremely sensitive to drugs and chemicals. A smaller dose may be more appropriate. Speak with your doctor about being highly sensitive. If your doctor doesn’t agree, won’t listen, or you get the feeling your doctor is ignoring you, find another doctor. This is your life and you have the right to be in the hands of someone who is knowledgeable and caring. The purpose of an antidepressant is to keep serotonin around longer. Serotonin is a brain chemical that creates calm and feel good emotions. The TCL e-book, Anxiety & Phobias (Depression too!), offers a list of natural ideas, foods and supplements on how to increase serotonin. Exercise to Relax & Increase Your Energy It is helpful to exercise even though you have little energy to spare. Without exercise you will lose muscle. Muscles burn calories. Without them, your metabolism will slow down, meaning you will have to eat less in order not to gain weight. Eating less will only make you more tired, cranky, and anxious. And, less muscle tissue will make you weaker and have less energy as well. It is a vicious cycle. Nobody wants to exercise when they are already exhausted. However, saggy, tired and toxic muscles do nothing to alleviate fatigue. In fact, if you suffer from CFS, you may only be a couple of steps away from having Fibromyalgia as well. They often overlap (and then it will hurt to exercise!). No running, bouncing or sweating here. Just simple, relaxing exercises that can nullify stress and keep your body toned. For information on how to design an exercise plan to stay fit without causing more pain, visit the TCL Exercise for HSPs web page. May Love & Energy Be Yours!
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