Medication
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH)
- Probiotics
- CoQ10
- Polyphenols (especially from chocolate with a high cocoa content)
Therapy
To re-cap:
- Decide, today, that your health is your new #1 priority above all else.
- Reach out for help to friends and family.
- Build a team of helpers and professional healers to help you along in your journey.
- Regularly do nothing. Simply rest.
Self-care
- Sleep Problems – Valerian Supplements
- Lack of Energy – L-Carnitine or CoQ10
- Mood Problems – Lysine and Folic Acid
- Joint Pain or Muscle Pain – Vitamin D, Omega-3 Supplements
Nutrition
Natural Treatment Options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Essential Fatty Acids. ...
- Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. ...
- Coenzyme Q10. ...
- Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) NADH is a naturally occurring molecule formed from vitamin B3 (niacin) that plays an essential role in cellular energy production.
What helped you with chronic fatigue syndrome?
How can I recover from chronic fatigue syndrome?
What is the best medicine for chronic fatigue?
What are some natural remedies for chronic fatigue?
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What are the two criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome?
There exist two specific criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of CFS: (1) severe fatigue lasting six months or longer and (2) the coexistence of any four of a number of characteristic symptoms, defined as mild fever, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, headache, sleep disorders, ...
Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cured?
There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Treating these symptoms might provide relief for some patients with ME/CFS but not others.
What is the best treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
There's no specific medicine for treating ME/CFS, but medicine can be used to relieve some of the symptoms. Over-the-counter painkillers can help ease headaches, as well as muscle and joint pain. A GP can prescribe stronger painkillers, although they should only be used on a short-term basis.
How do you find out if you have chronic fatigue syndrome?
Signs and symptoms may include:Fatigue.Problems with memory or concentration.Sore throat.Headaches.Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits.Unexplained muscle or joint pain.Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing.Unrefreshing sleep.More items...•
What is the best doctor to see for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Doctors might refer patients to see a specialist, like a neurologist, rheumatologist, or a sleep specialist, to check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These specialists might find other conditions that could be treated.
What organ system does chronic fatigue syndrome affect?
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (my*al*gic + en*ceph*a*lo*my*eli*tis) (ME), commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a serious, debilitating, chronic disease that affects multiple body systems, including the nervous system, the immune system, and the body's production of energy.
Does chronic fatigue syndrome show up in blood tests?
With blood samples from 40 people — 20 with chronic fatigue syndrome and 20 without — the test yielded precise results, accurately flagging all chronic fatigue syndrome patients and none of the healthy individuals. The diagnostic platform could even help identify possible drugs to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.
Does CFS get worse with age?
It is possible that individuals with CFS may lose vitality over time due to worse physical functioning as it becomes more challenging for them to do functional tasks as the illness progresses.
What blood tests should be done for fatigue?
A Fatigue Blood and Urine Test Panel includes a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP-14), Complete Blood Count with Differentials, Iron with Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Sedimentation Rate, Westergren (SED), Urinalysis, Complete with Microscopic Examination.
Which is worse CFS or fibromyalgia?
They're both considered central sensitivity syndromes, with both involving fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Chronic fatigue syndrome (also called myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS) is more often tied to immune-system abnormalities than fibromyalgia. And fibromyalgia is generally more painful than ME/CFS.
What antidepressants are prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome?
The most common types of antidepressants prescribed for ME/CFS are SSRI/SNRIs and tricyclic agents. 8 .
What is the best way to reduce fatigue?
People also use it to attempt to reduce fatigue and increase energy. Massage, Reiki, and other bodywork: Gentle massage may help with relaxation, lowering anxiety and improving sleep. Qigong: This is a traditional Chinese practice to improve the movement of energy (qi or chi) through the body.
What is the best patch for pain?
Some of the common ones are Capzasin ( capsaicin ), Tiger Balm (camphor and menthol), Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate), BiOFREEZE (menthol USP), and Salonpas patches (camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate). Because they only work where you put them, rubs and patches are best used for localized pain. Always use them as directed.
How to relax your feet?
You can take a warm or cool bath or just soak your feet. Epsom salts added to bath water is a traditional folk remedy used by many. Heat is a great option for relaxing tight muscles, especially for people who are frequently cold and may have a hard time warming up.
How to help someone with chronic illness?
You may benefit by seeking psychological counseling to help address the emotions and stress that come with having a chronic illness that greatly impacts your lifestyle. In addition to seeing a therapist, you may find attending a support group beneficial.
Can fatigue cause you to overheat?
Heating and Cooling. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome experience temperature sensitivity and have a tendency to overheat and have trouble cooling down. There are many cooling products available, as well as heating products. You can take a warm or cool bath or just soak your feet.
Is there a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is no standard treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, there are many options for managing symptoms and improve quality of life, including lifestyle changes, stress management, therapy, and medications. With the help of a doctor ...
Sleep Problems
Many people with ME/CFS have some kind of sleep disorder. Getting a good (or at least better) night’s sleep could help you feel less tired during the day.
Stimulants
Some people are prescribed stimulants, like the ones used to treat ADHD. These medicines help ease fatigue and problems with memory and concentration. But they are tricky for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Help for Your Joints
If ME/CFS gives you muscle and joint pain, your doctor might suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.
What is group therapy for CFS?
Like CBT, group therapy offers the opportunity to share your experience with someone who cares. The difference is that you can listen to and learn from the experiences of others who are also suffering from CFS. This will help normalize the experience, and provide insight into other ways to deal with the illness.
How to overcome CFS?
1. Rebuild your ability to concentrate. A common characteristic of CFS is an inability to concentrate on verbal, written, or visual information. Following directions, multitasking, or performing an action which requires a series of steps may become difficult or impossible.
How many people have CFS?
CFS has a low diagnosis rate, but approximately 1 in 250 people are afflicted with it. Doctors without a thorough understanding of CFS may misdiagnose it as depression, general anxiety disorder, or a psychosomatic illness.
What is the condition that leaves you exhausted?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating condition which leaves the afflicted individual with an ongoing feeling of exhaustion. Persons with CFS may be unable to perform even mundane activities which under normal circumstances present no problem.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help you better cope with CFS. By talking through the experience, giving it meaning, and discovering what may have triggered your CFS, you may be able to mitigate or better manage your CFS symptoms.
What is the best medication for CFS?
Antidepressants have shown some promise in alleviating CFS. These medications can reduce pain and improve quality of sleep in addition to treating the depression that often accompanies CFS. [5] Klonopin, a prescription drug, can help concentration and remove the veil of “brain fog” often experienced by those with CFS.
How to treat a swollen thigh?
These can help relax muscles and ease pain. Cold treatments include applying ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables to areas causing pain. Do not apply cold treatments for more than 15–20 minutes to a single location.
What are some ways to help with ME/CFS?
Some people with ME/CFS might benefit from trying techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation, massage, and movement therapies (such as stretching, yoga, and tai chi). These can reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. Top of Page.
How to help a patient with chronic illness?
Strategies that do not involve use of medications and might be helpful to some patients are: 1 Professional counseling: Talking with a therapist to help find strategies to cope with the illness and its impact on daily life and relationships. 2 Balanced diet. A balanced diet is important for everyone’s good health and would benefit a person with or without any chronic illness. 3 Nutritional supplements. Doctors might run tests to see if patients lack any important nutrients and might suggest supplements to try. Doctors and patients should talk about any risks and benefits of supplements, and consider any possible interactions that may occur with prescription medications. Follow-up tests to see if nutrient levels improve can help with treatment planning. 4 Complementary therapies. Therapies, like meditation, gentle massage, deep breathing, or relaxation therapy, might be helpful.
What are the problems that can be caused by ME/CFS?
Depression, Stress, and Anxiety. Adjusting to a chronic, debilitating illness sometimes leads to other problems, including depression, stress, and anxiety. Many patients with ME/CFS develop depression during their illness. When present, depression or anxiety should be treated.
What to do if you have chronic pain?
Doctors may first recommend trying over-the-counter pain-relievers, like aceta minophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. If these do not provide enough pain relief, patients may need to see a pain specialist. People with chronic pain, including those with ME/CFS, can benefit from counseling to learn new ways to deal with pain.
What are some ways to help with memory problems?
Memory aids, like organizers and calendars, can help with memory problems. For people with ME/CFS who have concentration problems, some doctors have prescribed stimulant medications, like those typically used to treat Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Can ME/CFS patients do aerobic exercise?
Any activity or exercise plan for people with ME/CFS needs to be carefully designed with input from each patient. While vigorous aerobic exercise can be beneficial for many chronic illnesses, patients with ME/CFS do not tolerate such exercise routines.
Can ME/CFS go away?
However, for people with ME/CFS, not all symptoms may go away.
How long does tiredness last with CFS?
The severe and chronic tiredness lasts for more than 6 months and other medical conditions have been ruled out. Number of symptoms. Four or more symptoms of CFS are present. A specific treatment for CFS has yet to be proven effective.
What is the term for tiredness that lasts for years?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by profound tiredness, regardless of bed rest. Its symptoms may worsen with physical or mental activity. CFS can happen suddenly and last for years. The condition affects more females than males.
What are the symptoms of CFS?
However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Sensitivity to light. Headache. Tender lymph nodes. Fatigue and weakness. Muscle and joint pain.
Why is CFS not known?
Because the cause of CFS is not known, it’s hard to know what might put someone at risk for getting the condition. However, certain factors are seen more often in people with CFS. These factors include: Gender. CFS happens up to 4 times more often in women than in men. Age.
Is there a cure for chronic fatigue syndrome?
There is currently no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Dealing with the severe fatigue can be very challenging. It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to find treatments that help you. Some people find counseling or support groups helpful.
How to fight fatigue?
Lifestyle changes and self-care can also help reduce fatigue. Remedies for fighting fatigue on a day-to-day basis include: Practicing yoga. Yoga has been found to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality in people who have overcome cancer. Getting enough sleep.
How to help with fatigue from a crash?
If you can connect your fatigue to a lack of sleep, improving your sleep hygiene may help clear up the fatigue. Maintaining a well-balanced diet. Crash diets can negatively affect sleep, causing fatigue. Eating foods that nourish the body and regulate the mood may lessen fatigue. Making time for exercise.
How to reduce fatigue from cancer?
Lifestyle changes and self-care can also help reduce fatigue. Remedies for fighting fatigue on a day-to-day basis include: 1 Practicing yoga. Yoga has been found to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality in people who have overcome cancer. 2 Getting enough sleep. If you can connect your fatigue to a lack of sleep, improving your sleep hygiene may help clear up the fatigue. 3 Maintaining a well-balanced diet. Crash diets can negatively affect sleep, causing fatigue. Eating foods that nourish the body and regulate the mood may lessen fatigue. 4 Making time for exercise. Although being fatigued can make it difficult to find the energy for exercise, physical activity can improve sleep and increase energy. It is recommended that people who have fatigue gradually increase their physical activity level. 5 Taking some time alone. For introverts, spending the bulk of their time with others can be draining, and this may lead to fatigue. People who are energized by alone time may need to spend some time in a solitary activity such as taking a walk, reading, or listening to music to reduce fatigue. 6 Talking to a friend. Extroverts and others who gain energy from spending time with loved ones may find that doing so makes them feel less fatigued. 7 Staying hydrated. Drinking more water while cutting down on alcohol and caffeine consumption may lead to a boost in energy levels.
How to treat CFS?
However, it is often treated with a combination of antidepressants, physical therapy or exercise, and counseling. Some people find their CFS symptoms improve when they take sleep medication, antidepressants, or antianxiety medication, but these have not found to cure the condition. Therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome often addresses ...
How does chronic fatigue syndrome affect mental health?
Therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome often addresses the psychological and mental health effects of the condition and may help people learn to manage it. If the anxiety and/or depression that accompanies CFS also developed independently from it, mental health treatment may help resolve the anxiety or depression and may reduce the overall impact ...
How to get rid of fatigue from alone time?
People who are energized by alone time may need to spend some time in a solitary activity such as taking a walk, reading, or listening to music to reduce fatigue. Talking to a friend. Extroverts and others who gain energy from spending time with loved ones may find that doing so makes them feel less fatigued.
How to help someone with CFS?
Cognitive forms of therapy may help people learn skills for managing intense pain. Massage, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques may help people manage chronic pain caused by CFS on ...
Why do some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome?
Potential triggers include: Viral infections. Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after having a viral infection, researchers question whether some viruses might trigger the disorder.
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
Signs and symptoms may include: Fatigue. Problems with memory or concentration. Sore throat.
How long does fatigue last?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can't be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. Other characteristic symptoms include: Sleep that isn't refreshing.
Can chronic fatigue cause immune system issues?
The immune systems of people who have chronic fatigue syndrome appear to be impaired slightly, but it's unclear if this impairment is enough to actually cause the disorder. Hormonal imbalances.
Can fatigue syndrome be diagnosed at any age?
Age. Chronic fatigue syndrome can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects young to middle-aged adults. Sex. Women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome much more often than men, but it may be that women are simply more likely to report their symptoms to a doctor.
Can chronic fatigue be diagnosed?
Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of factors. There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Alternative Medicine
Preparing For Your Appointment
Specialist to consult
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
- There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Symptoms can mimic those of many other health problems, including: 1. Sleep disorders.Chronic fatigue can be caused by sleep disorders. A sleep study can determine if your rest is being disturbed by disorders such …
Over-The-Counter Therapies
- There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment focuses on symptom relief. The most disruptive or disabling symptoms should be addressed first.
Prescriptions
- Many alternative therapies have been promoted for chronic fatigue syndrome, but there's not much evidence that they work. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may be sensitive to medications, including herbal products and supplements. Treatments that are expensive or potentially harmful should be avoided.
Therapy
- If you have signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. It can be difficult to absorb all of the information provided during an appointment, so you might want to arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you. Having someone else hear the information can help you later in case there's something you …
Complementary Medicine