How To Manage Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue – we all feel it from one time or another and there are many reasons why we just want to crawl into a wee cosy space and have a quick nana nap. Stress from a job, stress from kids, stress from finances, or just plain old stretching your physical resources can cause “normal” Fatigue. There is a “tired” where a quick caffeine drink or similar can help give you that must needed pick me up or there is t….i….r….e….d where unfortunately no amount of stimulants helps and in fact makes you feel worse, with constant brain fog and usually unfortunately low immune function, perhaps body aches and other health concerns.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), is the name given to a group of symptoms mostly associated with severe on-going fatigue, pain, inflammation, low immune function and sleep abnormalities which impact upon a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities.

What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue

• Severe fatigue not associated with physical exertion that is apparent for at least 6 months
• Brain fog or poor concentration
• Poor sleep, insomnia or waking feeling unrefreshed
• Muscle and/or joint pain
• Headaches
• Sore throat, on-going colds or low grade infection, tender lymph nodes
• IBS or other gut issues
• Food or other environmental allergies/intolerance’s
• Depression

Fortunately there are many recent investigations into the mechanics of Chronic Fatigue giving clues as to what might actually be going on. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the key-factors – that means the powerhouse of every cell of the body where nutrients are absorbed and broken down to make energy – do not actually work as well as it should. Imagine that? Every single cell of the body not working effectively?!

Emerging science has worked out that the mitochondria do not only just function to make energy but depending on the cell location (brain, muscles, skin…anywhere!) then they have their own unique ways of protecting themselves from danger/damage as a way of protecting the overall organ those cells are involved in.

Whew weeeee! That’s pretty technical

I know… but get this, the modern world we line in is now known to have a damaging effect on the cells and their mitochondria. And this is where science is trying to work out the damage that is being caused, the why’s and the ow to fix it!

Just as the symptoms are varied, the causes of Chronic Fatigue are often varied. Chronic low grade infection may be a risk factor as are viral infections such as glandular fever or meningtitis which may be a risk factor such as gut issues, depression and body pain these factors may also be the root cause of Chronic Fatigue.

Emerging science has worked out that inflammation is a key driver to causing mitochondrial dysfunction and of course we now know that inflammation is associated with many of our chronic health conditions. Stress is another known risk factor which promotes inflammation in the body also.

There is also some very new research around how gut bacteria can ultimately help protect us from things like Chronic Fatigue or promote it depending on what our micro flora is like.

Chronic Fatigue is not contagious, it does have some sort of genetic predisposition and may occur to someone of any age. 

How To Treat Chronic Fatigue?

The jury is still out on how to treat Chronic Fatigue, simply due to the fact that the cause and symptoms are so varied.

In my personal experience in clinic, getting to the root cause is key, looking back at a person’s health history will give some clear indication of why a person may have some of the symptoms. As with any road to recovery or better health outcomes, nutrition is absolute foundation to improving long term health.

A diet that has reduce or no processed foods, that is high in vegetables from all the colours of the rainbow, some amount of in season organic fruit, good quality protein and most importantly healthy dietary fats will ensure that the body is getting the right range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytochemicals/antioxidants that are SO VITAL important for the cells of the body.

Which Supplements Can Help Support Chronic Fatigue?

Supplements certainly help to support the foundation of healthy nutrition and I have used some with great success in clinic. There are many to try but here is a list of some that are definitely worth considering:

Co-Enzyme Q10
One of the key nutrients that helps to produce energy within the mitochondria. It is also a really great antioxidant so great for heart health, general muscle health, skin health, etc etc!
I suggest going for a direct Ubiquinol source as this does not need converting in the body, however Ubidecarenone source is also okay so long as it comes with co-factors (other nutrients) to help increase its absorption and utilisation into the cells.

– Nutra-Life CoQ10
– Go Healthy Q10 Ubiquinol

B-Vitamins
B Vitamins with Ginseng, Withania or other adaptogenic herbs: B Vitamins are vital for energy production so would be another great supplement to have. Using B Vitamins with adaptogenic herbs which are herbs that help to support adrenal function – that is stress – will ultimately help with energy.

– KNH Advanced B Complex

– KNH Stress Less

– Nutra Life Korean Ginseng

– Clinicians Stress & Energy Support

– Nutra Life Super B

Turmeric
Turmeric is a well known natural anti-inflammatory, the list of positive benefits is endless. THis is one to certainly consider where there is ongoing muscle and/or joint pain associated with Chronic fatigue.

– Good Health Turmeric 15800 Complex

– Turmeric Curcumin 1400 Complex

– Clinicians Turmeric Liposomal

Turmeric with natural analgesics: This is actually one of my personal top considerations alongside CoQ10. Pain is often a big factor with Chronic Fatigue and getting on top of the pain so that a person can actually start to do some gentle exercise to help with overall body health can often be hard. Natural analgesics will help to block the pain messengers and so further support the function of Turmeric. Look for ingredients such as Willow Bark, Jamaica Dogwood or Boswellia.

– Ethical Nutrients Pain Relief

– Artemis Arthro Ease Liquid

Magnesium
Another essential nutrient, this time a mineral for energy production. It may also help to relax the muscles often tensed up with stress associated with Chronic Fatigue. It may also help some for sleep.

– KNH Magnesium Citrate

– Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Powder

Immune Supplements
Essential to help support the function of the immune system. Look for zinc vitamin C, Echinacea, thyme, propolis, olive leaf, garlic and vitamin D.

– Ethical Nutrients Mega Zinc Powder

– Clinicians Sunshine Vitamin D3

– Comvita Olive Leaf Support

– Kiwiherb Antioxidant Echi-berry Immune Support

– Manuka South Extra Strength Propolis

– Nutra Life Ester-C Advanced Immune 

– Artemis ViroGone

Probiotics
Another absolute essential, especially if there has been a history of gut issues or use of probiotics. There is a great emerging evidence to support the use of probiotics for long term health.

– Clinicians Multiflora Digest

– Nutra Life Probiotic 50 Billion

If you ever have any questions on Chronic Fatigue, pop in store and speak to our friendly staff who can help you find the right product for you, or head to our online chat box where we can also help you out.

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