Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is defined as a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue, cognitive problems, and a variety of flu-like symptoms. Persons with CFS function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of the illness. The degree of severity can differ widely among patients, and will also vary over time for the same patient. The patient may veer between getting unusually fatigued following stressful events, to being totally bedridden and completely disabled. The symptoms tend to wax and wane over time. A number of illnesses have been described that have a spectrum of symptoms similar to CFS. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis. Although these illnesses may present with a primary symptom other than fatigue, chronic fatigue is commonly associated with all of them. It is estimated that there are more than 800,000 Americans suffering from CFS today. This disorder occurs in both sexes and all racial and ethnic groups, but is most common in Caucasian women. Women with gynecologic problems such as irregular menstrual cycles may face an even higher risk than others. There appears to be no difference in severity of symptoms between men and women who already have CFS. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also more often reported in people who are well educated. People in very stressful jobs also may face a higher risk for CFS symptoms.

Symptoms vary between people but may include persistent and profound fatigue, exhaustion, flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever and sore lymph glands, muscle and joint aches, pains and weakness, headaches, nausea, balance disturbances, dizziness, vision problems and sensitivity to light and noise, sensitivity to foods and common chemicals. Symptoms can last from a few months to years. Some people make a gradual recovery, some never fully recover and others become progressively worse.

• Keep your colon healthy with high fiber foods.
• Keep the immune system healthy through proper diet, vitamin, mineral supplements and exercise.
• Make stress reduction a part of you daily routine. Use counseling, relaxation techniques and exercise.
• There is some speculation that hose who exercise regularly and are in good physical condition are more resistant to the Epstein-Barr virus.
• Make sure to avoid exposure to parasites.

The cause of CFS is still unknown. Many factors including brain abnormalities, a hyper-reactive immune system, and a viral or other infectious agent, may play roles in developing and prolonging the illness. Researchers have found the presence of a possible abnormality in the brain system. Known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, it controls important functions connected with CFS, including sleep, response to stress, and depression. A number of studies on CFS patients have observed deficiencies in cortisol levels, a stress hormone produced in the hypothalamus. One central hypothesis for CFS suggests that after a person with cortisol deficiency is exposed to a viral infection or some other physical or emotional stress, the immune system over responds and causes symptoms typical of chronic fatigue syndrome. Other researchers have observed that men with CFS had high levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the brain); such elevated levels in the brain are associated with fatigue. If these hormonal imbalances prove to be typical of CFS patients, the low levels of cortisol and high levels of serotonin may help distinguish CFS from major depression. CFS has been referred to as the “chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome”, because some studies have found many irregularities of the immune system, in which some components appear to be over-reactive, whereas others appear to be under-reactive. Between 55% and 80% of CFS patients have allergies to food, pollen, or other substances, which in turn appear to aggravate the CFS symptoms. People with both allergies and emotional disorders, such as anxiety or depression, are more vulnerable to the effects of the response. It may suggest that a combination of factors, including allergies, stress, and infections, may impair metabolic function by depleting adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This enzyme stores energy in cells, and low levels are common in CFS patients. In many instances, chronic fatigue syndrome starts with a flu-like condition. Because most of the features of CFS resemble those of a lingering viral illness, many researchers have focused on the possibility that a virus or some other infectious agent causes the syndrome. A theory referred to as “hit and run” suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome might be the result of a virus or bacteria that infects the body, causes immune abnormalities, and is then eliminated. It leaves behind a damaged immune system. This could help explain why so many patients report a viral infection before developing chronic fatigue syndrome. Studies are now finding that some people with CFS may also have a condition known as neutrally mediated hypo tension (NMH). It is the result of an abnormality in the central nervous system that signals the heart to slow down and lower blood pressure when a person stands up; blood pools in the feet and legs before circulating back up to the heart, sometimes causing light-headedness, nausea, and fainting. NMH can explain many of the symptoms of chronic fatigue; although the blood pressure condition is most likely life- long and chronic fatigue usually occurs in midlife.

In general, in order to receive a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria: Have severe chronic fatigue of six months or longer duration with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis, and Concurrently have four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, headaches of a new type, pattern or severity, unrefreshing sleep, and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

• Drink six to eight glasses of pure water a day.
• Emphasize whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables and protein sources in the form of legumes, lean white meats and fish.
• Use fresh seeds and nuts and make your own vegetable juices.
• If meals are a problem, use a good protein supplement drink to help boost energy and stamina.
• Proper diet is crucial for anyone with an immune related disease. First aroid all caffeine, white sugar, alcohol and tobacco.
• Make sure you are not suffering from a gluten, shellfish, sulfite or some other food allergy. As in any viral infection, the medical profession often minimizes the importance of susceptibility. Strengthening the immune system is essential to build up resistance to infections from viruses like Epstein-Bart.

• Keep a positive attitude by setting and achieving small goals every day.
• Very mild exercise has been suggested for CFS victims to increase stamina and oxygenate cells. Exercise also helps to facilitate better sleep.
• Get adequate amounts of sleep, including at least one daytime nap.
• Talk to others who share the disease and share your feelings with your family and friends.
• Massage and exercise, in combination with elevation of the extremities, are believed to stimulate the ymphatic system which can, in turn, help strengthen the immune system.
• Make sure to rule out environmental pollutants, Candida, food allergies, parasites or bowel disease as a possible cause of CFS. 
• Stay away from allergens. CFS victims are often more sensitive to allergic reaction since their immune system is compromised.

• Several CFS patients were misdiagnosed where the actual problem was depression, a condition, which can be successfully treated. Depression can cause symptoms of fatigue and must, therefore be ruled out before any treatment plans are initiated.
• Physicians and families do not always understand the problem and the emotional and physical aspects associated with the condition.
• CFS patients may feel sick but at the same time feel as though they do not have a legitimate disease.
• The condition can be incapacitating and easily initiate feelings of confusion, impaired thinking and depression.
• Al parties involved need to educate themselves in order to fully appreciate the magnitude of this disease and its disruption of routine.
• Family members need to be extremely supportive and never assume that anyone suffering from the condition is lazy or unproductive. As the opposite is usually the case.
• Medication can help to relive stress which has been implicated s a major causal factor in immune related disorders.
• Keeping a positive outlook is very important.