Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Possible! In a socially and technologically advancing world,…
In a socially and technologically advancing world, fatigue is a byproduct of the stress and hectic pace of life that comes with this progress.
Chronic fatigue has today become a syndrome, and when it becomes chronic, that is, persistent, it is considered a disease.
A person may experience physical (weakness, exhaustion), emotional (excessive sensitivity, lack of motivation), and mental (attention disorder, forgetfulness) fatigue. The most basic symptom seen is a lack of desire to start or continue a task.
Causes of chronic fatigue;
-
Stress, trauma, and depression
-
Past infections
-
Dysbiosis
-
Anemia
-
Cardiovascular diseases
-
Rheumatic diseases
-
Liver and kidney diseases
-
Metabolic syndromes
-
Sleep apnea
-
Overeating
-
Unhealthy and unbalanced nutrition (excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and ready-made packaged foods)
-
Hormonal dysfunction (hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, adrenal gland problems, menopause, andropause)
-
Decreased nutrient absorption
-
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies
-
Allergies and intolerances
-
Constant exposure to electrosmog
-
Wounds, insect bites, or scars that can disrupt the body's integrity
-
Oxidative stress and increased free radicals
-
Long-term exposure to toxic and chemical substances (air pollution, heavy metals, chemical solvents, dyes, excessive medication use, amalgam fillings, radiation, etc.)
-
Prolonged work in enclosed spaces and staying inactive
-
Drinking too little water, consuming too much tea and coffee
-
Smoking and alcohol consumption
-
Poor-quality sexuality
Each of the causes listed above means stress for the body. Fighting against these burdens, that is, against stress, leads to changes in cell metabolism. In a normal healthy individual, our cells obtain the energy they need daily from food and from the oxygen that meets the cell. This energy conversion takes place in the mitochondria, known as the cell's power plants.
In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, this energy production cannot occur fully, and quality oxygen is needed along with very specific micronutrients. However, the source of oxygen is also important. In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, it is important to provide the body with all the nutrients it needs and to regularly refuel with oxygen. A common feature of patients experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome is that their mitochondria do not produce the necessary energy.
As a result, the body falls outside its normal balance, both physically and mentally.
How is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosed?
Due to the presence of many possible symptoms together and the complexity of the clinical picture, diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome remains very difficult. Various criteria catalogs are used to make a diagnosis. The most commonly used are the "Canadian Consensus Criteria" and the "International Consensus Criteria."
According to the Canadian Consensus Criteria, the following complaints must be present for a diagnosis to be made, primarily:
-
Fatigue: Persistent, recurring physical or mental fatigue that significantly reduces the person's activity level.
-
Post-exertional malaise and fatigue: after performing exercise that the person has always done, complaints of exhaustion, weakness, and pain persist for more than 24 hours.
-
Sleep disorders such as constant desire to sleep and inability to wake up in the morning
-
Pain; widespread body pain
-
In addition to the symptoms noted above, the person is accompanied by concentration disorder, mental fog, and movement disorders.
According to the Canadian Consensus Criteria, a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis includes, in addition to the above, at least two additional symptoms:
-
Autonomic symptoms: Cardiac arrhythmia, palpitations, dizziness, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome
-
Neuroendocrine symptoms: Loss or increase of appetite, abnormal weight changes, low body temperature, sweating
-
Immunological symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, sore throat, hypersensitivity to medications and foods
According to the Canadian criteria, complaints must have been present for at least six months. The International Consensus criteria are very similar to the Canadian criteria, but a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome can be made if complaints begin over a shorter period.
The severity of chronic fatigue syndrome varies greatly from person to person. While some patients have a milder form of the disease, others are so severely impaired that a normal daily life is barely possible.
What treatments are available for chronic fatigue?
Since the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (chronic fatigue syndrome) are still unclear, therapy is mainly based on individual symptoms and tries to relieve symptoms.
There is no unity in the modern medical approach regarding the ideal treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. To date, there is no treatment proven effective for this condition.
Given the wide variety of complaints associated with chronic fatigue, treatment must be personalized. Therapy can include both medical and non-medical measures. The primary goal of treatment is to relieve the person's symptoms.
Medication for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
All medications to be used for chronic fatigue syndrome should be taken under medical supervision. Pain relievers can be effective in relieving pain. In chronic (bacterial) infections, those affected are treated specifically with antibiotics. If chronic fatigue syndrome is also linked to an underlying depression, treatment with antidepressants can be beneficial.
If a vitamin or mineral deficiency can be demonstrated, this can be compensated for by changing eating habits or with special dietary supplements.
Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In general, doctors recommend sticking to a regular daily routine for the treatment of chronic fatigue. Ideally, support should also be sought from new behavioral therapies that largely relieve symptoms in daily life. It is important to avoid both physical and psychological stress as much as possible. Doctors follow a multi-stage procedure to gradually increase a person's performance and reintegrate them into daily life.
In most cases, relaxation exercises such as autogenic training or meditation have also proven to be effective methods for treating symptoms. Relaxation exercises can also help those affected by sleep disorders.
In the case of chronic fatigue syndrome, it is important not to avoid physical activity. It is important to start with gentle, not-too-long movement exercises and not to overdo it. Initially, light stretching exercises along with five minutes of daily exercise and exercises that improve your range of motion are generally sufficient. You can then gradually increase your sports activities according to your own capabilities. Many patients can rid themselves of their symptoms this way.
How Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treated in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation clinics specializing in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome generally offer those affected regulation medicine and holistic treatments to improve their overall condition. In cases of chronic fatigue, rehabilitation generally aims to identify the true triggers of the fatigue syndrome and eliminate them. It simultaneously regulates nutrition, regulates gut flora, aims to cleanse the body of toxins in the connective tissue, and focuses on eliminating the person's symptoms.
What can be used in the fight against fatigue?
Banana: An extremely rich fruit in terms of folic acid, potassium, and vitamin B6. Potassium prevents cramps and is good for fatigue.
Pomegranate: Strengthens the body. Strengthens the heart. Those with stomach and intestinal disease, small children, and pregnant women should not eat too much.
Broccoli: A wonderful vegetable that protects us against cancer and extends our life. Since it contains a large amount of calcium, it is a perfect match against bone loss. Eliminating mineral and iron deficiency, broccoli is a storehouse of vitamins.
Tomato: A vegetable with cancer-protective properties that slows mental and physical aging. Contains vitamins C and E. Tomato is a rich source of potassium and contains very little salt.
Rosehip: A friend of the eyes due to its very high vitamin richness. Provides vitality to the body. 100 grams of rosehip contains as much vitamin C as a crate of oranges. A good remedy for rickets, an effective blood purifier.
Cabbage: Among the vegetables known to be effective against cancer. Contains plenty of vitamin B, C, E, and potassium. Particularly effective against breast and uterine cancer.
Yogurt: Important for the regular functioning of the digestive system. Balances blood sugar with its filling property. Also revitalizes the immune system.
Onion and Garlic: Reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Onion reduces the risk of developing stomach cancer; garlic reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. Substances found in garlic's active compound prevent cell damage, protecting the body against premature aging.
Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts: Contain vitamin E and have high antioxidant properties.
Coenzyme Q1-NADH: A support with good results particularly in cases of fatigue accompanied by depression.
Coenzyme Q10: Reduces fatigue by increasing energy production in the mitochondria, the cell's energy production center.
Magnesium: Provides significant benefit in chronic fatigue syndrome accompanied by muscle pain.
B Group Vitamins: Vitamin B12 in particular can be beneficial. This group of vitamins are supports that boost the immune system and increase blood cell production.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency causes a general state of fatigue in a person. It is a vitamin that must definitely be supplemented, especially in the winter months.
Ginkgo Biloba: Regulates circulation — even used partly for brain-related issues.
Vitamin C: Supports the adrenal gland, strengthens immunity, increases tissue healing.
Licorice Root: The use of licorice root extracts as fatigue support is very old. Supports the adrenal gland. Those with hypertension issues should use it with caution.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Used very widely all over the world in fighting depression, thanks to its nourishing and strengthening effect on the nervous system.
Echinacea and Astragalus: In those with long-term fatigue problems, especially when accompanied by immune system problems, these two herbal supports can be beneficial.
If your fatigue does not resolve within two weeks despite these supportive products and recommendations, it would be beneficial to consult a physician. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease with a treatment.