Relief of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – What Triggers Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

 

Click Here to Find Out the Holistic Guide to Combat Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

Relief of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Risk Factors for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

 

When a child regularly feels down and does not exhibit an interest in playing or going to school, it may already be signs of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This is a complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue and is not improved by bedrest. It may even be worsened by strenuous physical activities or excessive mental exertion. 

 

Children with CFS usually functioned at a much lower level of strength even before the onset of the illness. A child suffering from CFS may also show signs of general weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory or poor mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertion fatigue that lasts for more than 24 hours.

 

To better understand this mysterious illness that afflicts thousands if not millions of children around the world, a team of researchers conducted a study to determine the connection between this specific illness to stress and emotional abuse. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), childhood trauma increases the child or adults' risk of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by three to eightfold.

 

A separate study based on the data from the Swedish Twin Registry shows that stress is a triggering factor for the said fatigue syndrome. It also shows that emotional instability is a significant CFS risk factor, although genetic and family factors also determine whether this personality trait leads to excessive and regular fatigue.

 

Researchers from CDC support the hypothesis that CFS represents a disorder of adaptation that is promoted by early environmental factors such as lack of nutrition and emotional support --- which, later on, leads to failure to adequately respond to physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

 

In their separate study, researchers Karolinska Institute have found that stress is a significant risk factor for chronic fatigue-like illness, the effect of which may be buffered by genetic influences. Emotional instability recorded 25 years earlier among research subjects has been associated with chronic fatigue through genetic mechanisms contributing to both personality style and expression of the disorder.

 

The study was culled from a community-based sample of more than 56,000 residents of Wichita, Kansas. At the time of the study, they had identified 43 people with ongoing CFS. For the study, they compared these people to 60 matched people without fatigue. A key finding was that severe childhood trauma was linked to a higher risk of CFS. There was an eightfold higher risk of CFS with childhood sexual abuse, a 5.9-fold higher risk of CFS with childhood physical neglect, a 4.6-fold higher risk of CFS with childhood emotional neglect, a 4.3-fold higher risk of CFS with childhood physical abuse and a 2.9-fold higher risk of CFS with childhood emotional abuse.

 

These studies also suggest that CFS is part of a spectrum of disorders that are associated with childhood adversity. In adulthood, these disorders frequently manifest or worsen in relation to acute stress or challenge. These disorders might reflect the brain's inability to adapt or compensate in response to challenge, leading toward maladaptive responses and ultimately disease.

 

Other studies made on more than 19,000 twins born in Sweden revealed that emotionally instability was linked to a 72% higher risk of CFS symptoms. Emotional instability is a personality trait and tends to result in low self-esteem and feelings of anxiety, depression, and guilt.

 

In conclusion, emotional instability is a serious risk factor for CFS, whether a person with this personality trait actually gets CFS depends on unknown genetic and family factors. Thus, emotional instability is an indirect risk factor for CFS, while stress is a direct risk factor.

 

Virgin Coconut Oil for Relief of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

 

For centuries, coconut oil has been considered a vital source of food for health and general well-being.   In tropical countries where coconut palm trees abound, locals have long been benefitting from this so called “Tree of Life”. 

 

Research shows that virgin coconut oil, like mother's milk, is rich in lauric acid which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties needed for good health and well-being.  Like all things pure and natural, the virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconuts unlike other commercial grade oil which came from dried coconut meat of copra.  Virgin coconut oil has an important role in finding cure and remedy for many of the illnesses brought upon by unhealthy lifestyle and the refined diet of modern living.

 

According to research, coconut oil has the highest source of saturated fats and medium chain fatty acids which is necessary to increase metabolism and are more easily digested than fats found in other oils.  And because the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil are absorbed quickly by the tissues and converted into energy, people suffering from chronic fatigue would gain a great deal of benefit when they take coconut oil in their diet.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome used to be considered as an imaginary ailment.  But nowadays, it has been affecting women between 30's and 50's and has become a problem of growing concerns among 3 million Americans and 90 million people worldwide.

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by prolonged and extreme tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions.  Such fatigue is so severe that it keeps one from getting involve in regular activities.  Thus, CFS may cause possible social isolation as well as lifestyle restrictions.

 

Researchers are still in a quandary as to the cause of this condition.  However, some quarters suspect that it could be caused by a virus called Epstein-Barr or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), though no definite viral cause has been identified.

 

According to research, CFS may be caused by inflammation of pathways in the nervous system.  This inflammation seems to act as immune response.  CFS may develop when a viral disease is complicated by a problem with the body's immune response.  Different factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetics may also play a role.

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a distinct disorder with specific symptoms and physical signs, based on ruling out other possible causes. The number of persons with CFS is unknown.

 

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be similar to those of common viral infections such as muscle aches, headache, and fatigue often developing within a few hours or days and lasting for six months or more.

 

Main symptoms:

 

·         Fatigue or tiredness – a kind of exhaustion that has never been experienced before by the patient to this extent before (new onset) which lasts for at least six months and not relieved by bed rest

·         Fatigue that is so severe it restricts activity (serious fatigue develops with less than one-half of the exertion compared to before the illness)

 

Other symptoms:

 

·         Fatigue lasting more than 24 hours after an amount of exercise that would normally be easily tolerated

·         Mild fever (101 degrees F or less)

·         Sore throat

·         Lymph node tenderness in the neck or armpit

·         muscle weakness all over or multiple locations, not explained by any known disorder

·         Muscle aches also known as myalgas

·         Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping an adequate amount of time

·         Headaches, different from previous headaches in quality, severity, or pattern

·         Joint pain, often moving from joint to joint (migratory arthralgias), without joint swelling or redness

·         Forgetfulness or other similar symptoms including difficulty concentrating, confusion, or irritability

 

Once you experience persistent, extreme fatigue, with or without other symptoms of this disorder, contact your professional health care provider. Other more serious disorders can cause similar symptoms and should be ruled out.

 

With coconut oil now considered as a functional food, modern medicine is looking at it as a powerful tool against disease of the immune system as well as chronic fatigue syndrome.  Many research has been undertaken on its effectiveness, and further studies are currently underway on the outstanding nutritional value of coconut oil.

 

To find out more about relief of chronic fatigue syndrome, watch this video - Complete Guide on How I Cured ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

 

This article is from the Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom. It consists of a strategy filled with guides on sleep, pain, depression, anxiety, diet, exercise and fitness plans, diet plans and packed with 369 healthy and delicious recipes

 

To find out more about this program, visit the website - Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom

 

Living with Fibromyalgia – How Can I Live with Fibromyalgia Pain?

 

Click Here to Find Out the Holistic Guide to Combat Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

Living with Fibromyalgia

 

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and painful condition that is extremely hard to diagnose. The main symptoms are constant pain and stiffness in the musculoskeletal parts of the body, soft tissue tenderness and sleep disturbances leading to extreme tiredness. The pain is mostly felt in the neck, back, pelvic girdle and hands, though any other parts of the body may be affected.

 

This disease is very hard to diagnose because so many of the symptoms are similar to other problems like chronic fatigue, rheumatism and arthritis. Doctors must rely a great deal on their patients’ description of symptoms.

 

Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia Test

 

There is a manual standardized test that can be given to discover if there is pain at specified points of the body. If 11 out of 18 of these specified points are tender, and the patient has had pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least three months then Fibromyalgia is certainly suspected.

 

A compounding problem is that these symptoms can come and go from week to week. Numbness, tingling and burning may also be present and the pain can be affected by emotional stress, trauma and also by weather conditions such as humidity and cold. Too little or too much activity can also play a part in the amount of pain experienced.

 

Sometimes fibromyalgia can be triggered by an illness or injury, but it is also thought to be genetic. New research has shown that it may be caused by an interpretive defect of the central nervous system that causes abnormal pain perception.

 

Treating Fibromyalgia Symptoms

 

Once the condition has been diagnosed, there is much the patient can do to relieve the symptoms. Certainly the advice of a medical health-care provider should be sought and followed, but there are many alternative treatments that offer relief from the symptoms and most doctors agree that sufferers of fibromyalgia should put into place a multi-faceted treatment regimen that includes nutrition, exercise, dietary supplements, acupuncture, aroma-therapy, relaxation techniques and even the use of hot-cold therapies and humor to aid in pain relief.  

 

Over the counter pain relief medication such as ibuprofen can be used, while low doses of anti-depressants from the doctor can certainly help the sufferer to get better sleep. Lidocaine injections into tender pain points may also be needed for relief. Gentle exercise and stretching will prevent the muscles from wasting away and is also beneficial in reducing pain and stiffness

 

Fibromyalgia Help and Support

 

Because living with a chronic illness such as FM can be so debilitating, sufferers need emotional support as well as physical. Joining a fibromyalgia support group can provide helpful insights into the disease, while counselling sessions with a trained professional can open communication with friends and family who often cannot understand the extensive disabilities caused by fibromyalgia.

 

If you are a fibromyalgia sufferer, it is important to keep a hopeful attitude even in the face of debilitating pain, because this disease does tend to improve over time and there are always new and different treatments being discovered.  

 

The Difficulties of Living with Fibromyalgia

 

It's not easy to live with fibromyalgia.  It is not easy due to the fact that, like myself, you have no knowledge about how you are going to feel when you wake up in the morning.  One day there's pain beyond belief and the next you can feel as if you are walking on clouds, no pain and a day full of activity.  

 

My day normally starts with about 20 minutes of trying to stretch out my muscles and have them functioning normally again.  Then I have to pick up my little girl from her bed, and that can be a painful experience.  After that it's time to change her diaper, and that is also a huge problem for me as my fingers normally are not working properly.  Fortunately, my daughter has learned already to be patient with me.   After about half an hour it's time to try out clothes and see if it's going to be a good day or a bad one.  A bad day is a no tight clothes day.  Then it's breakfast time but normally I can't eat breakfast due to stomach problems also caused by my fibromyalgia. 

 

Then the day goes on.  If I have the strength, I will try to go out and do the shopping and also take out my kids.   The worse thing about fibromyalgia is that one gets so tired.  The pain can be so hard that nothing works and even if you have had a good night's sleep, you can wake up feeling as if you have never slept at all.  It takes control over every little thing you like to do.  One day I have all the strength I can ever use and the next day I have no strength at all. 

 

Fibromyalgia takes all the good in you, and makes you feel horrible if you do more than your body can take.   I remember once I was at a dance, felt pretty good that evening and had no pain whatsoever.  The day after the dance I could not get out of bed, I had to call for help.  I have also had to have home assistant, and help with almost everything for some periods of my illness.  It's been so bad that I haven't even been able to take my kids out to play.  

 

The weather is also a big problem for almost everyone with fibromyalgia. For me that means that when the temperature is between 0-15 degrees Celsius, I'm in severe pain.  Those days, I can do hardly anything, and that means for me about 6 months a year.   There are a few things that you, who don't have this illness can do:

 

1.   Remember that even if someone has fibromyalgia, it doesn't mean you can see it.  We have no evidence on our bodies that prove our illness and too often we get to hear that we are lazy, and "How can you be ill, it doesn't show".  Those words hurt.  Because we have often had to fight a battle with our doctors to make them realize that we have fibromyalgia and prove it to far too many people.  

 

2.   Also think about the fact that sometimes even a soft touch can hurt, so don't pat us on the back saying "you'll get better!".  It's an illness that is there for life.  

 

3.   Don't make demands on us, because what we can do today, we might not be able to do tomorrow. 

 

This is just a little about fibromyalgia and I will probably write much more about it.

 

Watch this video - Living with Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia ruined my life...how I manage

 

Living with Fibromyalgia - Where to Find Special Fibromyalgia Support Groups

 

When dealing with something like fibromyalgia, it is important to have a support system of some sort in place. Finding support for a unique condition like that, though, is sometimes difficult. If you know where to look, though, and you know how to research the organizations, you soon discover where to find special fibromyalgia support groups. Here are a few tips that may help you in your search so that you can share your experience, share the experience of others, and learn how to get support through supporting others.

 

A great place to start your search for where to find special fibromyalgia support groups is online. The internet is a wealth of knowledge and many of these support groups add to that by having their own websites. The best way to find them is to start with a search engine.

 

Finding a fibromyalgia support group is really no different than finding anything else online. Start by searching for fibromyalgia and a location. You will, in most every case, get back several responses that fit your search. So, your next step then would be to make a decision on which support group best works for you.

 

The internet will not only tell you where to find special fibromyalgia support groups, but also how to get in contact with them. Once you have found a group online that seems to fit your need and schedule, you should contact them. Talking to a representative of the group can often give you a feel for whether or not it is going to be a good fit for you.

 

The internet is not the only place suited to help you with where to find special fibromyalgia support groups. Another fantastic resource for you is the local hospitals. If you call the hospital and ask, most all of them will have support groups for all sorts of conditions and situations. They should be able to give you information on special fibromyalgia support groups that will fit your schedule. They should be able to tell you when the groups meet, where they meet, and how to get into contact with them.

 

So, if you are not “computer savvy” and still needs to know where to find special fibromyalgia support groups, then contact your local hospital and they should be able to help you. If not, they should be able to direct you to another organization that certainly can.

 

Finally, if all else fails, then you can find where to find special fibromyalgia support groups by contacting Fibro-Friends. This is a group that supports and advocates for those who have fibromyalgia. They can help you find support groups, organizations, and other contacts in your area so that you do not have to be alone.

 

Knowing where to find special fibromyalgia support groups can be a big part of dealing with it. By going online, through your local hospital, or talking to Fibro-Friends, you can get the support system you need to deal with this condition day in and day out.

 

This article is from the Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom. It consists of a strategy filled with guides on sleep, pain, depression, anxiety, diet, exercise and fitness plans, diet plans and packed with 369 healthy and delicious recipes

 

To find out more about this program, visit the website - Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes Symptoms and Treatment – Is CFS a Disability?

Click Here to Find Out the Holistic Guide to Combat Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes Symptoms and Treatment – Chronic Fatigue -- The Facts You Should Know

There is significant concern about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as CFS. In fact, there are criteria patients must meet in order to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Receiving the diagnosis may be difficult for some patients because the guidelines for diagnosing are very specific.

The fatigue must have been present at least six consecutive months and the corresponding symptoms must have developed after the fatigue. A clear definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, its symptoms, and treatment options will help sufferers get a clearer understanding of the syndrome.

What is Chronic Fatigue?

The basic definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome does not make sufferers feel much better. The syndrome is unexplained and is marked by weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, lethargy, trouble sleeping, and even fever and swollen lymph nodes. There is no known cause for the fatigue that is present in an individual that has no relation to over-exertion and is not rectified by rest.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have been discussed. However, there is a very long list. There are a variety of symptoms that patients are very aware of and then there are other symptoms only doctors seem to notice. Regardless, when the symptoms are present for a period of time for no apparent cause and seem to have no remedy then Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a frequent diagnosis.

Some of the frequent symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:

- Muscle Aches  

- Persistent Fatigue

- Intermittent Fatigue

- Depression

- Tiredness

- Headache

- Swollen Lymph nodes

- Depression

- Memory Loss

- Weakness

- Difficulty Concentrating

- Achy Joints

Frequently Chronic Fatigue Syndrome begins during periods when individuals have been sick, under a tremendous amount of stress, or for no apparent reason at all. Many individuals have noted that after bouts with the flu, mono, a cold, bronchitis, hepatitis, and other similar illnesses CFS arises.

Unfortunately, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome persists for months, sometimes coming and going and other times constantly affecting the patient. Other illnesses begin to clear up after a few days or weeks, but Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sticks around with no clear cause.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causes Symptoms and Treatment – Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue

Doctors find it very difficult to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The reason why is because so many of its symptoms are symptoms of other illnesses. This is why many doctors like to see patients with the same symptoms that began after the fatigue for at least six months before giving a diagnosis.

Obviously, sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome find the lack of an early diagnosis difficult to bear on top of their symptoms. However, doctors like to rule out diseases like Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as other diseases, before diagnosing Chronic Fatigue.

Additionally, researchers and doctors are becoming more aware of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and are more likely to make an earlier diagnosis based on fewer symptoms than ever before. That is not to say that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is easy to diagnose, because it is not. However increased awareness and new definitions are helping doctors and patients of Chronic Fatigue each and every day.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - What Causes This Mysterious Illness?

For the thousands of individuals who currently suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), the causes of this mysterious illness remain a mystery.  Reputable medical institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control have launched research efforts into discovering the reasons why some individuals contract CFS and what can be done to alleviate the symptoms.

Originally termed “yuppie flu” by the media, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was thought to be caused by the Epstein Barr virus, or mononucleosis.  In the late 1980's, it appeared that the only individuals who suffered from yuppie flu were the young, upwardly mobile, urban professionals who, because of their busy lifestyles, of course were tired! 

With further investigation, medical professionals discovered that many other individuals were suffering from the unexplained symptoms of this illness.  Even though the medical community has published studies that bolster the reality of this illness, sufferers continue to find that the “yuppie flu” designation still prevails.

Many individuals who suffer from CFS have reported that they became ill with a virus before later noticing the symptoms now attributed to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Researchers now believe that a virus, although not responsible for CFS, may cause damage to the neurological system of the individual who later suffers from symptoms of CFS. 

During the course of what may well be a relatively harmless virus, areas of the brain may sustain damage which then results in the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  For some reason, this damage may be permanent or transient - or at least the symptoms caused by the damage may be. 

Some individuals who suffer from CFS find that their symptoms may lessen or completely disappear in time, and still others find that they may experience a “remission” of sorts, only to have the symptoms reappear at a later time.

This “Brain Injury” theory is the most prevalent at this time and appears to provide the most rational explanation for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to date.  As the control center of the body, the brain, when unable to function normally, can cause a host of mysterious symptoms that are unexplained by any known medical illness. 

Further research into the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should provide the answers to why some individuals suffer from this brain injury and others do not.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are varied and include alternative as well as prescription alternatives.

Some of the alternative care management options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include avoiding stress and undertaking light exercise. Other treatment options that work for some individuals include massage, aquatic therapy, chiropractic therapy, yoga, self-hypnosis, tai chi, and even acupuncture.

Psychotherapy has also proven helpful to sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because it helps sufferers learn to cope with their symptoms.

Prescription treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have not been approved by the FDA. There are however other prescription medications that are used to treat the symptoms presented with Chronic Fatigue. Frequently, the primary use of the medicine is secondary, and its side effects are what benefit Chronic Fatigue sufferers.

Medicines like antifungals, antidepressants, antivirals, cardiac drugs, antihistamines, immunoglobulins, corticoids, anti-inflammatories, and anti-convulsants among others are frequently prescribed to CFS sufferers.

Do You Have CFS?

If you are worried you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or have some of the above stated symptoms for months on end, then you should make an appointment with your physician. It is a good idea to keep a journal of your symptoms, when they began, and if new ones appear. This will help your doctor make the proper diagnosis and help receive some relief from your symptoms sooner.

To understand more about chronic fatigue syndrome causes symptoms and treatment, watch these 2 following videos:

Stanford Unravels the Mysteries of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Unexplained Health Issues, Chronic Fatigue, Pain, Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, MS, Lyme Disease

This article is from the Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom. It consists of a strategy filled with guides on sleep, pain, depression, anxiety, diet, exercise and fitness plans, diet plans and packed with 369 healthy and delicious recipes

To find out more about this program, visit the website - Get Your Health Back – Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Freedom