Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness that produces settle and often disabling fatigue and exhaustion, accompanied by pain in various parts of the body It can last for months or years. Its cause is unknown; it may be caused by many factors, including a nuanctioning immune system, chronic infection, allergies. and others.
CONVENTIONAL APPROACH
The allopathic medical community does not agree on what chronic fatigue syndrome is or even that it’s a real Usually; therefore, conventional treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms and ignores possible causes.
DRUG TREATMENT
Commonly used medications include
- analgesics (painkillers), including aspirin and acetaminophen, for head-aches and various pains
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, that can also relieve pain
- antihistamines, which can improve breathing and may induce sleep
- henzodiampines to encourage sleep
- antidepressanb
- antivirals
SYMPTOMS
- Extreme tiredness
- Headaches
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shun-term memory loss and reduced concentration .
- Pain in the joints, muscles, or lymph nodes
- Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES
Chronic fatigue syndrome may puzzle conventional doc-tors, but a patient has many options in alternative therapies. In fact, naturopathic physicians, with their broad range of therapeutic options, may be the best qualified practitioners for these patients.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
Nutritional therapy’s approach to chronic fatigue syndrome is twofold. It works to strengthen the health, in particular the immune system, and eliminate any dietary items that might be causing or aggravating the condition.
The most basic prescription is to eat an unrefined whole-foods diet, high in complex carbohydrates and fiber and low in sugar, fats, and protein (especially from animal sources). Adding raw garlic to the diet is also suggested for its potential to fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Eliminating caffeine because of its negative effects on the adrenal gland is also important.
An investigation into any food allergies or sensitivities that may be aggravating the symptoms is also recommended. An elimination diet will identify any culprits. In an elimination diet, frequently eaten foods and common food allergens (such as milk) are avoided for approximately two weeks. Foods are then reintroduced one at a time, making note of any change in symptoms. Foods that bring on or worsen symptoms should he avoided.
Specific supplements can support the activities of the immune system and adrenal glands and are, therefore, frequently prescribed to people with chronic fatigue syndrome. These include vitamin C, beta-carotene, pantothenic acid (vitamin Bs), zinc, magnesium (especially mixed with matte acid), and adrenal extract.
An overgrowth of the yeast Candila albicans has been linked to some cases. This yeast normally lives in the body, but certain factors (such as repeated treatment with antibiotics) cause it to multiply beyond healthy ranges. A diet free of sugars, including corn syrup, honey, dairy products (lactose), and fruit, is typically part of the program to treat yeast overgrowth. Products with baker’s yeast, alcoholic beverages with brewer’s yeast, and other aged or ferment-ed foods are also to be avoided. Adding an antifungal sub-stance such as garlic, caprylic acid, or grapefruit seed extract may also be useful.
Here’s a sample nutritional prescription for chronic fatigue syndrome: Take a high-potency six-a-day multiple vitamin and mineral supplement and two adrenal extract tablets three times a day. Magnesium and make acid (150 mg elemental magnesium) three times daily is also good, but check the amount of magnesium in the multimineral supplement.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture stimulates the body to heal and protect itself from disruptive forces—from viruses and poor diet to stress. Treatment for chronic fatigue typically focuses on points along the meridians (energy channels) of the kidney, liver, lungs, and spleen, which control aspects of the immune system. Tiny needles are inserted in points on these meridians to replenish or disperse the flow of energy, or qi, bringing it to its ideal level.
In devising a personalized treatment, the acupuncturist looks beyond the symptoms to understand the health of the entire person. An acupuncturist will diagnose the problem with a physical and a medical history. Acupuncture treatment is often coupled with herbal therapy; dietary changes, and exercises.
An acupuncturist or naluropathic physician can perform acupuncture. For your first visit, be prepared to discuss in detail your symptoms and your general health, diet, and lifestyle.
OTHER THERAPIES
Ayurvedic Medicine—Treatment includes dietary changes, herbal therapy, and stress-reduction techniques.
Detoxification, Fasting, and Colon Therapy—Fasts, spe clad diets, and colonic irrigation can cleanse from the body toxins that are weakening it.
Herbal Medicine—Echinacca, goldenstal, licorice, astra plus, panax ginseng. Siberian ginseng, and hypericum an he effective.
Homeopathy—Specific remedies must be tailored to the individual.
Yoga—Exercises and breathing techniques can give the body energy and reduce stress.
