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

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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

Fibromyalgia Information and Treatment – Is Fibromyalgia a Form of Arthritis?

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

What is Fibromyalgia?

Sometimes referred to as "fibro" and "the invisible disease," fibromyalgia is a very debilitating that can strike anyone.  Approximately three to six percent of the U.S. population suffers from this condition, which causes sufferers chronic pains and aches.  The chronic pain and fatigue associated with this disease causes sufferers a general discomfort and a loss of the ability to function normally.

The earmarks of fibromyalgia are muscular aches and pains, stiffness of joints, and general fatigue.  Most who suffer from fibromyalgia are faced with disturbed sleep, making it almost impossible to get a good night's rest.  This only makes the general aches and pains of the disease that much worse.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia causes widespread, chronic pain.  No area of the body will remain untouched by the effects of fibro, though the pain is most commonly found in the back, shoulders, neck, and hands.  Those who suffer from fibromyalgia have complained of a tingling or burning sensation, and numbness.   Many who have been struck with fibro have experienced sensitized skin and nerve pain.

Other symptoms of fibro include impaired memory and concentration, anxiety, depression, dizziness, ringing in the ears, terrible headaches, and irritable bowels and bladder. Fibromyalgia most commonly causes sufferers a general, overall fatigue brought on by general pain, muscle ache, and sleeplessness.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disease that is the focus of much intense scientific study.  There are many theories about the causes of fibro, and in many cases, it is the result of some trauma that sufferers have experienced.  But there is much still unknown about this horrible disease, and modern medicine has still to pinpoint the cause of fibromyalgia.  There is no known method of prevention.  Scientific research indicates that some people may be genetically predisposed to fibromyalgia, but nothing has been accurately proven.

Is There a Cure for Fibromyalgia?

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. In fact, as there is much still unknown about this disease and as there are no accurate tests for fibromyalgia, it is very hard to be diagnosed with this disease.  Many doctors remain largely unfamiliar with the effects of fibro, and many doctors remain steadfast that fibromyalgia is not a true disease or physical ailment.

However, as awareness of fibromyalgia grows, new treatments are being explored.  Sufferers of fibro have more options today, and as scientists learn more there is great hope that a true cure will be discovered in the future.

What Treatments are Available to Those Who Suffer from Fibromyalgia?

Over-the-counter pain medications can help to relieve some of the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia.  Most doctors will prescribe pain medication and antidepressants to those who suffer from fibro and prescribe a light exercise regime to keep muscles loose and limber.

Daily stretching exercises, like yoga, can help alleviate some of the muscle pain associated with this disease.  Holistic methods and medicines are very popular with fibromyalgia sufferers.  Proper diet and nutrition are very important to those who suffer from this disease, and there is a focus on eating healthy and treating the body very well.

As fibromyalgia causes sleeping problems, doctors have stressed the importance that those who have been diagnosed with fibro get plenty of healthy sleep.  Plenty of sleep will lessen the fatigue and exhaustion that those with fibromyalgia almost constantly feel and alleviate some of the pain in the muscles and joints.

What's Next?

With no known cure, and no way to reverse the effects of fibromyalgia, sufferers are forced to live with the disease for the remainder of their lives - or until a cure is found.  Treatment must remain strict, and diet and exercise programs followed explicitly.  Those who suffer from fibromyalgia will not be able to function at any high-level capacity.  They will not be able to engage in strenuous activities, or even to hold a full-time job in most cases. 

But by maintaining treatment and living inside the realm of their physical capacity, those who suffer from fibro greatly reduce the pain that they experience.  When more is understood about this disease, and scientists are able to come up with a comprehensive cure, perhaps fibromyalgia will finally be wiped out.

Fibromyalgia Information and Treatment – Characteristics of Fibromyalgia Treatments

Fibromyalgia is a serious neurological condition that causes pain in the musculoskeletal system. People who suffer from fibromyalgia also feel pain in the tendons, ligaments and the areas of the joints. Another characteristic of fibromyalgia is a pronounced state of fatigue that takes over the entire body. The symptoms of fibromyalgia resemble those of rheumatoid arthritis and due to this fact, fibromyalgia may be misdiagnosed.

However, unlike people with physical illnesses, the people with fibromyalgia seem to be in perfect health. Although the pain reported by people with fibromyalgia is present, it occurs on the premises of abnormal brain activity. People who suffer from fibromyalgia have a very sensitive nervous system and a low tolerance to external stimuli. Increased nervous excitability is considered to be the cause of the intense, recidivating pain experienced by people with fibromyalgia.

Statistics indicate that more than 3.7 million Americans are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This is a disturbing fact, as modern medicine hasn’t yet discovered a specific cure for this type of neurological disorder. In fact, although scientists have established a connection between abnormal brain activity and the symptoms of fibromyalgia, the exact causes responsible for the development of the disorder remain unknown.

In present, fibromyalgia treatments are solely focused on ameliorating its symptoms, instead of overcoming its causes. Although most fibromyalgia treatments can ease the muscular pain and discomfort characteristic to all people with the disorder, these symptoms seem to reoccur on a regular time basis. This is due to the fact that fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder and therefore it needs ongoing treatment.

Fibromyalgia treatments mostly consist of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (used solely for their analgesic properties). However, apart from intense pain, many people with fibromyalgia complain about having trouble sleeping and feel a pronounced state of fatigue throughout the whole body. Therefore, in some particular cases, fibromyalgia treatments may include sedatives in order to correct the patients’ sleeping problems.

As a consequence of the fact that modern medicine is unable to trace the actual causes of the disorder, the symptoms of fibromyalgia can only be corrected by prescribing a certain treatment for each individual symptom. Therefore, the majority of fibromyalgia treatments consist of many types of medicines that target different aspects of the disorder.

Other physical symptoms of fibromyalgia are migraines, lack of concentration, body weakness, decrease of the short-term memory, accelerated heart rate, nausea, abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting and diarrhoea.

When patients are confronted with these symptoms, the fibromyalgia treatment includes medicines appropriate for each particular problem. Fibromyalgia can even cause depression and in this case the fibromyalgia treatment will include anti-depressives.

The multitude of fibromyalgia symptoms requires a multitude of fibromyalgia treatments. Due to this fact, many people who follow ongoing medication either develop increased tolerance to drugs and need higher doses (especially in the case of analgesics and sedatives), or they start feeling even worse than before due to the side-effects of the fibromyalgia treatment.

However, there are other forms of fibromyalgia treatments that can relief the symptoms of the condition without relying on drugs. These fibromyalgia treatments involve kineto-therapy and massage therapy.

By stimulating the trigger points on the body (the places where the pain is the most intense) and through the means of therapeutic massages, the muscular pain and fatigue can be diminished. Medical experts strongly recommend these forms of therapy instead of ongoing fibromyalgia treatments that involve drugs.

To find out more about fibromyalgia information and treatment, watch these 2 following videos –

Life with Fibromyalgia | Symptoms |Diagnosis | Treatment

Fibromyalgia: Living with chronic pain - BBC Stories

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

Arthritis Pain Relief – What are the Best Herbs for Severe Arthritis?

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

Arthritis Pain Relief - Arthritis, Joint Pain, Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Muscular Ache: Herbal Approach

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. According to Ayurveda arthritis is primarily a vata (air) disease which is due to accumulation of toxins in the joints and is known as amavata. This can be caused by poor digestion and a weakened colon, resulting in the accumulation of undigested food and the build-up of waste matter. Poor digestion allows toxins to accumulate in the body, and problems with the colon allow the toxins to reach the joints.

Symptoms: Fever Immense pain & stiffness in affected muscles in case of chronic muscular rheumatism. Pain or tenderness in a joint which is aggravated by any movement or activity, such as walking, getting up from a chair, writing, typing, holding an object, throwing a ball, turning a key. Excruciating pain and stiffness in the joints in case of chronic articular rheumatism.

The following are a few simple cures that might just help relieve you from the pain of arthritis. Try any of them to see what works for you.

Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water taken twice a day is good for curing arthritis.

Two teaspoons of juice from fresh leaves of bathua, drink every day on an empty stomach for 2-3 months.

Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps cure arthritis.

Taking alfalfa tea twice a day makes a good cure.

Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey dissolved in a small glass of warm water taken once or twice a day brings relief.

Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar to get some relief from pain.

Two parts pure olive oil and one-part kerosene makes a wonderful liniment to bathe afflicted joints.

Add one tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before sleeping.

One raw clove of garlic every day is very beneficial. This clove can be fried in ghee (clarified butter) or castor oil. Take for 2 months.

Guggulu is very helpful in curing arthritis. Eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.

Exercise the afflicted joints in a tub full of hot water.

Drink carrot juice, cucumber juice, eat cooked vegetables and/or vegetable soups, and drink coconut water for a healthy body & massage your joints daily to cure arthritis.

On an empty stomach eat 2-3 walnuts or some coconut.

Avoid mental tensions that lead to stress.

Lose weight, if necessary, to get close to your ideal weight. If you weigh less, there is less weight on your joints and less pain.

Effective and Proven Results For - Arthcare Oil (Anti Inflammatory and Muscle Relaxant Herbal Massage Oil):

Arthcare Oil is the best natural solution for your problem, manufactured under the guidance of renowned MD Ayurveda Specialist doctor. Arthcare is an anti-arthritic herbal oil which not only gives a sure relief in rheumatic arthritis but also strengthens the bone tissues, the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfortable movement of joints and muscles. It is a powerful antioxidant and increases the energy level.

Arthcare penetrates the body tissue faster than any other ointment because of its strong anti-inflammatory action. It removes stiffness and improves mobility of limbs. It brings relief from backaches, muscular strains, rheumatic pains, joint pains etc. Body massage with Arthcare oil, relaxes an asthmatic person.

Arthcare is a scientifically proven Ayurvedic formulation containing the herbal combination of well- known traditional herbs described above. Within few minutes of application, you will feel relaxed from pain. For Best Results Take 2 Arthcare Capsules twice a day and massage the affected area with Arthcare Oil 2-3 times a day.

Herbal Remedies:

The use of herbs is a time-honoured approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. The following have been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis:

Shallaki also known as boswellia (Boswellia serrata), comes from a tree that yields gum when its bark is peeled away. In clinical trials, promising results were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. Researchers found that standardized Boswellia extract significantly reduced swelling and pain and usually reduced morning stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Ashvagandha (Withania somniferum) is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat "rheumatism," high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. Because of all this, it's sometimes called the "Indian ginseng."

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) may be among the best-studied of the four. Research suggests ginger root inhibits production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. In an uncontrolled 1992 Danish study, 56 patients who had either RA, OA or muscular discomfort took powdered ginger. All of those with musculoskeletal pain and three-fourths of those with OA or RA reported varying degrees of pain relief and no side effects, even among those who took the ginger for more than two years.

Herbal oils are applied to the arthritis to loosen stiff joints, restore mobility, remove pain, inflammation or swelling, nourish tissues and relieve pain. The experienced hands dipped in the pleasantly warmed oil will travel all over the body with pressure.

Arthcare not only increases blood circulation but also gives a sure relief for rheumatic arthritis, spondylosis, paralysis, muscular disorder, slipped disc, asthma and tuberculosis. Brings in relief from stress, strain and tensions. It is also very good for toning of one's muscles and nerves. Get instant relief within minutes of application of oil.

Advice:

Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate): Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti- arthritic properties and it can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important of the essential minerals in the body, and it is commonly deficient in the American diet. A New England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis.

Dosage and Directions: Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Bathe for thirty minutes, adding hot water as necessary to keep the temperature warm. Do this daily as often as you'd like.

For more ideas on arthritis pain relief, watch this video - Arthritis Pain Relief - Arthritis Exercises- Joint Pain Relief

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

Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome – How Do You Deal with Adrenal Fatigue?

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

Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome - Adrenal Fatigue and How to Beat It

Your adrenal glands are two tiny pyramid-shaped pieces of tissue situated right above each kidney. Their job is to produce and release, when appropriate, certain regulatory hormones and chemical messengers.

Adrenaline is manufactured in the interior of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla. Cortisol, the other chemical from the adrenal gland, is made in the exterior portion of the gland, called the adrenal cortex. The cortex also secretes androgens, estrogens, and progestins. Cortisol, commonly called hydrocortisone, is the most abundant -- and one of the most important -- of many adrenal cortex hormones. Cortisol helps you handle longer-term stress situations.

In addition to helping you handle stress, these two primary adrenal hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, along with others similarly produced, help control body fluid balance, blood pressure, blood sugar, and other central metabolic functions.

In the heightened nervous state of adrenal burnout, the body overproduces adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones. Constant stress and poor nutrition can weaken the adrenal glands. Eventually, this causes the adrenal glands, the front line in the stress reaction, to show wear and tear and become depleted. This frequently leads to impairment in the thyroid gland, which can cause a further decline in energy level and mood and is one of the reasons why many people have thyroid glands that don’t work well.

When stress continues over prolonged periods of time, the adrenal glands can deplete the body's hormonal and energy reserves, and the glands may either shrink in size or hypertrophy (enlarge). The overproduction of adrenal hormones caused by prolonged stress can weaken the immune system and inhibit the production of white blood cells that protect the body against foreign invaders (in particular lymphocytes and lymph node function).

Adrenal dysfunction can disrupt the body's blood sugar metabolism, causing weakness, fatigue, and a feeling of being run down. It can also interfere with normal sleep rhythms and produce a wakeful, unrelaxing sleep state, making a person feel worn out even after a full night's sleep.

Common Causes of Adrenal Stress

•           Anger

•           Fear / Worry /Anxiety

•           Depression

•           Guilt

•           Overwork/ physical or mental strain

•           Excessive exercise

•           Sleep deprivation

•           Light-cycle disruption

•           Going to sleep late

•           Surgery

•           Trauma/injury

•           Chronic inflammation

•           Chronic infection

•           Chronic pain

•           Temperature extremes

•           Toxic exposure

•           Malabsorption

•           Maldigestion

•           Chronic illness

•           Chronic-severe allergies

•           Hypoglycaemia

•           Nutritional deficiencies

Testing for Adrenal Health

In order to determine the health of your adrenal glands you need to have a simple blood, urine, or saliva test such as the Adrenal Stress Index performed by your practitioner. Cortisol levels can be checked throughout the day by saliva or in the am by blood. DHEA, and Epinephrine, are some other indicators of adrenal function. The information provided by testing can help to determine the most appropriate type of treatment.

Associated Symptoms and Consequences of Impaired Adrenal Functioning

•           Low body temperature

•           Weakness

•           Unexplained hair loss

•           Nervousness/Panic Attacks

•           Difficulty building muscle

•           Irritability

•           Mental depression

•           Difficulty gaining weight

•           Apprehension

•           Hypoglycemia

•           Inability to concentrate

•           Excessive hunger

•           Tendency towards inflammation

•           Moments of confusion

•           Indigestion

•           Poor memory

•           Feelings of frustration

•           Alternating diarrhea and constipation

•           Osteoporosis

•           Auto-immune diseases/hepatitis

•           Lightheadedness

•           Palpitations [heart fluttering]

•           Dizziness that occurs upon standing

•           Poor resistance to infections

•           Low blood pressure

•           Insomnia

•           Food and/or inhalant allergies

•           PMS

•           Craving for sweets

•           Dry and thin skin

•           Headaches

•           Scanty perspiration

•           Alcohol intolerance

Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome – Treatment

Lifestyle changes such as:

Eating steadily, all day long. Skipping meals is one of the worst things you can do for your body. When you're hungry, your blood sugar drops, stressing your adrenal glands and triggering your sympathetic nervous system. That causes light-headedness, cravings, anxiety and fatigue. Another drawback to skipping meals: The resulting low blood sugar can affect your ability to think clearly and shorten your attention span.

Skipping breakfast is particularly bad, as it is a sure-fire way to gain, not lose, weight. If you start each morning with a good breakfast and "graze" healthfully every two to four hours, your blood sugar will remain steady throughout the day. You'll feel more rested and energetic. Eat protein with every meal. Eat Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice. Avoid sugar, junk food, white pasta, white rice, white bread.

Absolutely NO Caffeine. Coffee/Sodas over stimulates your adrenals and they deplete important B vitamins.

Coffee does not give you energy; coffee gives you the illusion of energy. Coffee actually drains the body of energy and makes you more tired, because of vitamin and adrenal depletion. 

Exercise to relax. Walking, Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, or stretching. No vigorous or aerobic exercise, which depletes the adrenals.

Avoid alcohol, processed foods, and tobacco.  Nicotine in tobacco initially raises cortisol levels, but chronic use results in low DHEA, testosterone, and progesterone levels.

Reduce stress; learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation.

Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome - Helpful Supplements

The use of small amounts of natural adrenal hormone (hydrocortisone) to bring slightly low adrenal function up to its proper normal daily range is often helpful.

Take a daily multivitamin to provide nutritional support to the adrenal gland.

Vitamin C 1,000-3,000 mg a day

L-Theanine 100-400 mg a day

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) 300 mg a day 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), no more than 1000 mg of glycyrrhizin

Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome - Caffeine Addiction and Chronic Fatigue Recovery

In spite of being a constituent in products commonly used for energy, caffeine over-stimulates the adrenal glands, which only causes the illusion of an increase in energy due to increasing the hormone adrenaline. Over time, excessive use of caffeinated substances will cause an adrenal addiction and the glands will produce less adrenaline naturally until they no longer produce at all, which will lead to  permanent fatigue since the adrenals are not known to regenerate.

Those addicted to caffeine are on a dangerous downhill slope and need to take decisive action because it will only get harder to recover later. Naturally with everyone having to run around as a ‘human doing’ rather than as a ‘human being’ just to make ends meet in society today, the last thing most people have the energy for is to break a habit.

Breaking habits definitely requires substantially more energy to overcome them than it does to maintain the habit, but almost all of this is mental—a purely mental battle where one generally surrenders to routines rather than muster the strength or courage to break through to a new level.

Mental fatigue is becoming more commonplace and it is a huge factor in the overall energy of the body itself, so even thoughts about change that will require more energy can be tiresome for an individual with chronic fatigue syndrome.

The general response to the thought of quitting caffeine is that it is needed for energy, however admittedly dysfunctional that may be, and it would be too difficult to survive the day without it. So, it is actually the crystallized fear of fatigue that encodes the belief that one cannot overcome it or do without it. However, there is a way to overcome fatigue, particularly chronic fatigue while recovering from long-term caffeine addiction.

Effective caffeine elimination should be done gradually if it is to be a smooth transition without putting the body into shock. A common side effect of strict elimination after extended periods of use is headaches from caffeine withdrawal, which is also a clear sign of the addiction in the body. Generally, a gradual period over a month or two is a reasonable goal to set for complete transition away from caffeinated substances.

The most common culprits for caffeine intake are coffee, tea (excluding herbal teas), sodas, and chocolate, which are not usually issues if enjoyed in moderation. However, when significant amounts are consumed daily, the body is thrown from its natural state of balance within the physiology of its physical and energetic systems.

Contributing factors exacerbated by caffeine addiction as a compounding factor are surface breathing, hormone imbalances, and a lowered immune system. Concentration on these three main areas while weaning off of caffeine can make the transition much smoother for most people. Treatment of a condition is often formulaic, targeting the combination of root stresses responsible for its existence.

Surface breathing is how most people breathe, which is too shallow, and changing breathing patterns requires a conscious effort. It is well worth the discipline to breathe deeply and efficiently because deeper breath oxygenates the blood more completely and facilitates the removal of toxins from the blood stream. Increased oxygenation is a major factor that improves all of the bodily systems, organs, and vital forces necessary for fully functioning holistic health.

Hormone imbalances in the thyroid, pineal and pituitary glands can be contributing factors in fatigue-related issues. The hormones in these glands are easily imbalanced by increased adrenaline in the system, thus their functions are interrupted by continual caffeine consumption. If allowed to continue for long periods of time these imbalances can be completely disruptive to many systems of the body and its energies.

The immune system can be strengthened by the above mentioned breathing exercises to help with the elimination of toxins, however, when the immune system has been suppressed for long periods of time it is necessary to take purifying and immune-enhancing substances to bring the body back into harmonious balance. Getting proper rest, enough vitamins and minerals, and drinking enough water are the cornerstones of restoring the body to health, in addition to taking herbal extracts that have tonic actions on specific systems.

While herbal extracts are a part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle within alternative medicine, they should never be used to the exclusion of qualified care from a licensed physician. Both modalities are important for balance and seeking out a physician that is open to alternative therapies is worth the effort it takes to find one.

Watch this video - How to Overcome Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome | Dr. Josh Axe

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