The state of total exhaustion or fatigue has been given many names such as Burnout, Royal Free Hospital Disease, Epidemic Neurasthenia, Yuppie Flu, Post Viral Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalitis (ME), Fibromyalgic Syndrome and Glandular Fever but the most commonly used term for the condition is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is caused by a number of factors such as physical and emotional stress, a weakened immune system, poor nutrition or an overload of toxins. There is no single cause for the cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which is why modern medicine has found it difficult to prescribe a solution.
It is important to distinguish between serious fatigue and tiredness and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome typically display the following symptoms.
- Long-term chronic fatigue of at least six months duration and following even minor exertion
- Fatigue that is not improved after rest
- Confusion, poor concentration, inability to think clearly
- Poor memory, especially short-term memory
- Mood changes, elation and depression, irritability and frustration
- Headaches
- Difficulty with normal sleep patterns; insomnia and falling asleep during the day
- Muscle and joint pains
- Increased allergies and infections
All of these symptoms may not appear at once and their severity will not be all at the same level but if action is not taken the number and level of symptoms will increase.
It can take time to recover from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as it has typically taken some time for the state of total exhaustion to build up and overwhelm the body. However, it is possible to improve with a comprehensive and dedicated action plan of recovery.
External Factors
- Identify environmental causes of distress and remove them
- Test for toxic metals and treat accordingly
- Stop using antibiotics, drugs and the contraceptive pill
Internal Health
- Improve the digestive tract and repair the intestinal area
- Detoxification of your system and liver support
- Improve diet and nutrition; vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (EFA's), amino acids, antioxidants
Associated Health
- Treat candidiasis and other unwated organism illnesses
- Test, treat and avoid food allergies or other allergies
- Check and treat any other existing health problem or illness
- Investigate immune therapy
- Investigate endocrine therapy
- Improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Investigate sleep therapy and improve sleep patterns
- Take mild, regular exercise
Mental Health
- Investigate psychological treatment
- Investigate cognitive therapy
- Learn and practice stress management
If your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is mild you will hopefully see a good response from taking action. If you have been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for an extended period it may take some time to improve but it is important that you stick with it and take the time reach normal function once again.
If you have been through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) you must be careful not to push yourself that hard ever again, as it can be easy to recur yet become even more difficult to treat the seond time around.
Look after yourself as much as possible for the rest of your lifetime.
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