Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
This disorder is characterized by attacks of unexplained and disabling tiredness over a period of more than six months. The condition has been previously known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) , chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, post-viral fatigue syndrome, Epstein –Barr virus yndrome, persistent virus disease, neurasthenia and ‘yuppie flu’.
This illness is especially likely to strike those who are energetic, busy, responsible and successful. One theory is that many of these people push themselves too had, reducing their resistance to infection and other stresses, which can effect the level of the stimulating neurotransmitter serotonin.
About four out of five people with chronic fatigue syndrome are women, and the condition most often strikes people in their 20s and 30s. Diagnosis is made by excluding other disorders, such as infectious mononuleosis, that could account for the symptoms. Chronic fatigue syndrome can be disabling as well as lengthy , lasting months or even years , with symptoms varying in severity. Relapse is common, but many sufferers retain only minimal symptoms within five years, and others make a complete recovery.
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown . sometimes it follows a viral infection (with the flu viru or with the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis); however, some experts think such infections are coincidental or the result of lowered immunity in the early stages of the syndrome. Recent research has found that people with the condition have higher than normal levels of melatonin, a hormone produced by the lineal gland and thought to influence daily body rhythms. Other suggested causes include pesticide or lead poisoning, and a low oestrogen level.
Psychological factors are often significant. One in two sufferers feels depressed, and one in four has some other mental health problem, but it is unclear whether this is a cause or an effect of the disorder. While studies have shown that the strongest risk factors for the condition are depression, anxiety and stress, there are also an understandable result of the experience of having the illness, especially if it lasts for months or years . mind and body are intimately linked by hormones, neurotransmitters and other body chemicals whose levels can be altered by both ‘physical and ‘mental’ illness.
Symptoms
Besides overwhelming weariness, chronic fatigue syndrome can cause headaches, nausea, sleep problems and weak, aching or twitchy muscles. Symptoms experienced by sufferers can include poor concentration and memory, difficulty keeping warm, and swollen lymph nodes (‘gland’) . other possible symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are dizziness, slurred speech, sore throat, fainting, breathlessness, and abnormal sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smells.
Prevention
Improve your lifestyle with a good diet and regular exercise. Try to reduce sources of stress in your life , and learn and practice more effective stress-management strategies, especially if you’ve already had one or more episodes of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment
Experts recommend a graduated program of physical exercise. People who are depressed as well may benefit from cognitive-behavioural ther. This attempts to help you change the way you think about your illness and deal with your symptoms.
Rest and exercise: When your symptoms are at theirs worst, a daily rest is essential, perhaps, in the form of an afternoon nap. However, since too much rest can lead to loss of muscle bulk and therefore increased weakness , you should step up your physical activity gradually when you feel well enough. Start with gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming. As you get better, increase the intensity and duration of exercise, but stop before you feel tired. If your symptoms come and go , take particular care to rest as soon as you feel them coming on . with luck , this preventive measure will shorten the duration of an attack.
Stress management: Reduce stress by asking others to limit the demands they make on you, and learn to say no when necessary. Listening to relaxation tapes or practicing gentle yoga postures and breathing techniques on a regular basis can have a calming effect.
Diet: A healthy diet can boost your immunity and enhance your ability to manage stress effectively. Avoid eating too many foods containing added sugar , especially if your appetite is poor. A reliance on sugary foods can lead tto a succession of rapid peaks in your blood-sugar level, with each peak being followed by a dip below normal that can make you feel tired. Cut down your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, and make sure you drink plenty of water fluids.
Sensivity to one or more foods may coexist with chronic fatigue syndrome and make the symptoms worse. If you suspects a food sensitivity , take steps to discover any foods that may provoke symptoms, and then avoid them . common trigger foods include milk , wheat , and fermented foods, such as vinegar, cheese, pickles and soy sauce.
Stimulating oil- add one tablespoon of fresh rosemary which can relieve fatigue to a bottle of olive oil. Use this fragrant oil for cooking or for salads.
Instant relaxation
Sit comfortably with your eyes closed . take slow, regular breaths and focus mind on a peaceful scene. Let any intrusive thoughts pass through your mind.
Botanical boosters- Many herbs enhance the immune system and increase resistance to stress . among the best for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome are Echinacea, cleavers and liquorice.
Supplements: some people believe that vitamin supplements have a positive effect on this disorder, though there is little scientific evidence to support this . If you want to try bolstering your immune system and energy in this way, take an antioxidant supplement containing vitamins A, C and E, as well as selenium, coenzyme Q’10 , vitamin B complex, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Or choose a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. Fish oils may help some sufferers.
Herbal remedies
- Drink teas made from a combination of Echinacea, vervain and cleavers. Take a cup daily for at least six weaks. It may be necessary to continue the treatment for several months.
- St John’s worts is often helpful because of its antidepressant properties.
- Liquorice has an antiviral action andcan increase the body’s level of cortisol, a natural hormone that helps us deal with stress. Take liquorice root tea according to the supplier’s instructions. If you feel better after six weeks or so, gradually reduce your intake of liquorice tea and start taking daily small dose of ginseng and astragalus for up to three months. Both ginseng and astragalus have antidepressant and restorative capacities.
- Evening primrose oil may be of benefit.
Caution: for safety concerns
Aromatherapy
- Inhale the scent from a handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops of lavender oil when you need to relax and recover from stress.
- Take a relaxing warm bath to which you have added two drops each of geranium, lavender and sandalwood oils, and one of ylang ylang oil.
Portable pick- me- up
Inhale the scent of a hand-kerchief springled with a few drops of rosemary oil when you feel mentally and physically exhausted ( avoid in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy).
- To help lift your spirits when depressed, each morning and evening inhale the vapours from handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops taken from a mixture of 20 drops of clary sage and 10 drops each of rose attar and basil oils. Avoid clary sage and basil oils during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Flower essences: These remedies are specifically intended to alleviate the mental and emotional problems that accompany conditions affecting both mind and body, such as chronic fatigue syndrome. They are specially useful if you feel depressed or find it difficult to take an interest in anything. One reason for their effectiveness may be the need to identify emotional concerns before choosing a remedy. Identifying a solution, yet many people in distress-and perhaps particularly those most likely to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome-bury, ignore or otherwise avoid their difficult emotions, which can prolong the healing process. Choose one or more of the following remedies.
- Banksia Robur: for loss of drive and enthusiasm, and not feeling yourself.
- Clematis : to increase alertness.
- Rescue Remedy: to counter the aftereffects of sudden stress, especially if you are feeling faint and shaky.
- Wild Rose : for apathy.
- Willow : for resentment towards the limitations imposed by this illness.
Homeopathy: the following remedies are often to treat fatigue and exhaustion.
- Arnica: for when you’re feeling stressed by overworking or being too busy in other ways.
- Eupatorium: for aching muscles and other flu-like symptoms.
- Ignatia: for stress leading to depression and disturbed sleep.
- Rhus toxicodendron: for aching muscles and flulike symptoms, especially if worse at night.
- Sepia: for tiredness accompanied depression, tearfulness and the inability to cope.
Countering negative emotions
In chronic fatigue syndrome both physical and psychological symptoms are generally present . flower essences and essential oils may lift your spirits and help you overcome emotional difficulties that obstruct physical recovery.
When exhaustion and other symptoms don’t improve with home remedies, or symptoms interfere with work, sleep, relationships and other important aspects of life or you suffer a significant relapse after a long period of doing better. Get medical help immediately.
See also-DEPRESSION, FATIGUE, INFLUENZA, MUSCLE ACHES AND STIFFNESS.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
