What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome also known as Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems. Currently, over 1 million Americans suffer from this debilitating illness that manifests with a lack of energy and motivation. People with ME/CFS are often not able to do their usual activities; they have severe fatigue and sleep problems. Surveys of adults in the US and Europe suggest that 20% to 30% experience significant fatigue. ME/CFS can affect anyone, including children. Women are 24 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with CFS and often develop it between their mid-20s and mid-40s.
Common Symptoms Associated With CFS
The symptoms of ME/CFS are similar to the symptoms of some other illnesses. The severity of symptoms can vary from day to day, or even within a day. These include:
• feeling extremely tired all the time – you may find it very hard to do daily activities
• still feeling tired after resting or sleeping
• taking a long time to recover after physical activity
• problems sleeping, such as waking up often during the night
• problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
Other symptoms may include;
• muscle or joint pain
• headaches
• flu-like symptoms
• fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations)
Common Causes of CFS
• Prior trauma – Physical or emotional stress affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). Patients with ME/CFS commonly report physical or emotional stress before they become ill.
• Previous infection – People with ME/CFS often have their illness begin in a way that reminds them of getting the flu. This has made researchers suspect an infection may trigger ME/CFS.
• Genetic predisposition. – Members of the same family sometimes have ME/CFS. Studies done in twins and families suggest that both genes and environment might play a role in ME/CFS.
What Are the Risk Factors?
1. Age – ME/CFS can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects young to middle-aged adults.
2. Gender – Women are diagnosed with ME/CFS much more often than men.
What Are Some Methods Used to Diagnose CFS?
Diagnosis is based on ruling out other possible causes. A diagnosis of ME/CFS must include:
• Absence of other causes of long-term (chronic) fatigue
• At least four ME/CFS-specific symptoms
• Extreme, long-term fatigue
There are no specific tests to confirm the diagnosis of ME/CFS. However, there have been reports of people with ME/CFS having abnormal results on the following tests:
• Brain MRI
• White blood cell count
What Are Some Complications of CFS?
• Depression
• Inability to take part in work and social activities, which can lead to isolation
• Side effects from medicines or treatments
What Are Some Treatment Options For CFS?
There is currently no cure for ME/CFS. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Treatment includes a combination of the following:
i) Sleep management techniques
ii) Medicines to reduce pain, discomfort, and fever
iii) Medicines to treat anxiety (anti-anxiety drugs)
iv) Medicines to treat depression (antidepressant drugs)
v) Healthy diet
What are some dietary Food Sources of B6 vitamins?
Avocado
Eggs
Salmon and tuna
Shell fish
Chickpeas
What are some dietary Food Sources of B12 vitamins?
Seafood: Sardines, salmon, clams, tuna, and trout
Spinach
Eggs
Self-Care Tips:
Different people may require different therapies to manage their symptoms. Some with CFS may have functional vitamin deficiencies and may likely feel better with vitamin supplementation. Below is a list of some foods and supplements to consider.
Magnesium
Magnesium supplement shows promise in its role as an energizer. It is a cofactor in over 300 body processes, one of which is energy production and is therefore considered a critical player in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. People treated with magnesium supplementation show improved energy levels, better emotional state, and reduced pain.
Vitamin B6 and B12
B vitamins supplementation is essential in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. B vitamins work together to support healthy metabolic functioning, hormone production and vitality.
B6 is also known as pyridoxine and is one of the 8 B vitamins that helps your body develop and function properly. B6 is water-soluble so unused portions will be excreted from the body through the urine. B6 also supports the immune function by decreasing inflammation, improving nerve function, and assisting with the detoxification process in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. RDA of vitamin B-6 is ~1.5 mg.
Vitamin B6 rich foods include wild tuna and salmon, sweet potatoes, hazelnuts, garlic and cooked spinach.
B12 is a common supplement for increasing energy. B12 can boost energy, reduce depression, prevent against neurological degeneration and protect against some types of cancers. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause numerous malfunctions that directly contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome. Despite this fact, approximately 40% of Americans have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine in combination with other herbs. Astragalus has been promoted as a dietary supplement for many conditions to include chronic fatigue syndrome, as it is thought to boost the immune system, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Oral doses of 5 to 60 grams per day for up to 4 months seem to be safe.
Garlic
Garlic is also considered as a supplement that may treat chronic fatigue. Garlic produces symptomatic improvement in persons with physical fatigue, systemic fatigue, and other symptoms of stress in the body. Garlic works to increase energy levels, and improve physical stamina. Long term use of garlic appears to resist disease, restores energy, and reduces fatigue. Garlic has been shown to promote exercise endurance and also plays a major role in balancing a stressful life and a fatigued body.
Generally eating two cloves of raw garlic appears to be adequate.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker 2022. All Rights Reserved