Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment
02/23/2010
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment
By Jan Hartman
Alternative medicine offers a different approach to treating
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Many of these treatments offer
relief from the symptoms of CFS.
The Diagnosis - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
The medical profession has defined the following two criteria
for for chronic fatigue syndrome:
Severe, debilitating fatigue for six months or longer, with an
exclusion of other medical conditions. Coexisting with this
fatigue, at least four of the following symptoms:
sore throat
tender lymph nodes
multi-joint pain without swollenness or inflamation
muscle pain
headaches not experienced before in pattern or severity
awakening from sleep and not feeling rested.
These symptoms must not have been experienced before chronic
fatigue. They also must have recurred or persisted for at least
six months.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Causes What Causes Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome?
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known and there
are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose and identify this
disability. Different causes may trigger CFS, such as stress,
viral infection, nutrient deficiency, hormone imbalances and
toxins.
Viral Infection
Chronic infection with viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus,
cytomegalovirus, and human herpes virus 6, might contribute to
the development of chronic fatigue syndrome in some people.
Immune Dysfunction
Immunologic malfunction is thought to be involved in chronic
fatigue syndrome. The inappropriate production of inflammatory
cytokines is this immunologic malfunction. This results in
incorrect excessive amounts of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite to
be produced which produces fatigue.
Hormone Imbalances
Some studies have found that people with chronic fatigue
syndrome have lower levels of the hormone cortisol, which is
secreted by the adrenal glands. Low levels of cortisol may
increase inflammation and activate immune cells. Thyroid
disorders have also been blamed in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Natural Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
At the present time there is no known treatment for chronic
fatigue syndrome. This leads sufferers of chronic fatigue
syndrome to seek out complementary and alternative treatments.
Chronic fatigue Syndrome can be treated by a number of natural
medications:
1.) L-Carnitine Carnitine is found in nearly all body cells. It
is responsible for carrying long-chain fatty acids into
mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of cells. It allows
these fatty acids to be changed into energy.
Medical studies have found that carnitine levels in the body
are decreased in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Improperly low levels of carnitine has been linked with muscle
fatigue, pain and poor ability to exercise. Other studies
performed have not found a relationship between low levels of
carnitine and the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Additional L-carnitine supplements are usually tolerated well.
High doses of L-carnitine can cause indigestion and diarrhea. A
rare side effect that has been observed with L-carnitine use is
seizures in patients with or without pre-existing seizure
episodes.
2.) Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) is a substance naturally
present in the mitochondria. Mitochondria is the
energy-producing nucleus of our cells. Co Q10 is involved in the
production of ATP. ATP is the fundemental energy source of body
cells. Co Q10 is also an antioxidant.
3.) Ginseng Ginseng is an herb that has been used in Asia for
many years to improve energy levels. Studies have shown that it
increases energy. Researchers have also discovered that ginseng
enhances cellular immune function.
4.) Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) NADH is a
naturally occurring molecule formed from vitamin B3 that is
necessary for production of energy at the cellular level.
5) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA is a hormone secreted by
the adrenal glands and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and
testes. DHEA can be converted into other steroid hormones in the
body, such as estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels affect
memory, sleep, and mood. Studies have shown that DHEA-s levels
are not normal in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. DHEA
therapy is not recommended unless lab tests show there is a
deficiency. Treatment should be closely supervised by a
qualified doctor. The long-term safety of DHEA treatment is not
known.
6) Essential Fatty Acids Essential fatty acids have been used
in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Viruses diminish
the capacity of cells to make 6-desaturated essential fatty
acids and adding additional essential fatty acids corrects this
condition.
7) Traditional Chinese Medicine Chinese medicine has found that
chronic fatigue syndrome may be related to the following
syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine:
essence deficiency
spleen qi deficiency
kidney yin deficiency
kidney yang deficiency
8) Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India. Treatment for
chronic fatigue syndrome with Ayurveda methods would be to rid
the body of toxins with a detox program. Ayurvedic herbs will be
used, such as triphala, lomatiumashwagandha, amla, bala,
triphala, and lomatium. These herbs are combined depending on
the patient's constitutional type or dosha. Your Ayurvedic type
recommends certain foods you should eat to maintain good health.
Other natural treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome involve
ingesting probiotics, magnesium, beta-carotene, vitamin C,
melatonin, glutamine, licorice, folic acid, whey protein, and
tyrosine.
About the Author: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a
complicated medical condition that causes severe fatigue that
becomes worse with physical activity. CFS fatigue symptoms do
not improve with rest. Please visit us at
http://www.squidoo.com/Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Treatment-1 for
more detailed, free information.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=482488&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies
By Jan Hartman
Alternative medicine offers a different approach to treating
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Many of these treatments offer
relief from the symptoms of CFS.
The Diagnosis - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
The medical profession has defined the following two criteria
for for chronic fatigue syndrome:
Severe, debilitating fatigue for six months or longer, with an
exclusion of other medical conditions. Coexisting with this
fatigue, at least four of the following symptoms:
sore throat
tender lymph nodes
multi-joint pain without swollenness or inflamation
muscle pain
headaches not experienced before in pattern or severity
awakening from sleep and not feeling rested.
These symptoms must not have been experienced before chronic
fatigue. They also must have recurred or persisted for at least
six months.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Causes What Causes Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome?
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known and there
are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose and identify this
disability. Different causes may trigger CFS, such as stress,
viral infection, nutrient deficiency, hormone imbalances and
toxins.
Viral Infection
Chronic infection with viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus,
cytomegalovirus, and human herpes virus 6, might contribute to
the development of chronic fatigue syndrome in some people.
Immune Dysfunction
Immunologic malfunction is thought to be involved in chronic
fatigue syndrome. The inappropriate production of inflammatory
cytokines is this immunologic malfunction. This results in
incorrect excessive amounts of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite to
be produced which produces fatigue.
Hormone Imbalances
Some studies have found that people with chronic fatigue
syndrome have lower levels of the hormone cortisol, which is
secreted by the adrenal glands. Low levels of cortisol may
increase inflammation and activate immune cells. Thyroid
disorders have also been blamed in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Natural Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
At the present time there is no known treatment for chronic
fatigue syndrome. This leads sufferers of chronic fatigue
syndrome to seek out complementary and alternative treatments.
Chronic fatigue Syndrome can be treated by a number of natural
medications:
1.) L-Carnitine Carnitine is found in nearly all body cells. It
is responsible for carrying long-chain fatty acids into
mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of cells. It allows
these fatty acids to be changed into energy.
Medical studies have found that carnitine levels in the body
are decreased in people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Improperly low levels of carnitine has been linked with muscle
fatigue, pain and poor ability to exercise. Other studies
performed have not found a relationship between low levels of
carnitine and the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Additional L-carnitine supplements are usually tolerated well.
High doses of L-carnitine can cause indigestion and diarrhea. A
rare side effect that has been observed with L-carnitine use is
seizures in patients with or without pre-existing seizure
episodes.
2.) Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) is a substance naturally
present in the mitochondria. Mitochondria is the
energy-producing nucleus of our cells. Co Q10 is involved in the
production of ATP. ATP is the fundemental energy source of body
cells. Co Q10 is also an antioxidant.
3.) Ginseng Ginseng is an herb that has been used in Asia for
many years to improve energy levels. Studies have shown that it
increases energy. Researchers have also discovered that ginseng
enhances cellular immune function.
4.) Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) NADH is a
naturally occurring molecule formed from vitamin B3 that is
necessary for production of energy at the cellular level.
5) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA is a hormone secreted by
the adrenal glands and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and
testes. DHEA can be converted into other steroid hormones in the
body, such as estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels affect
memory, sleep, and mood. Studies have shown that DHEA-s levels
are not normal in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. DHEA
therapy is not recommended unless lab tests show there is a
deficiency. Treatment should be closely supervised by a
qualified doctor. The long-term safety of DHEA treatment is not
known.
6) Essential Fatty Acids Essential fatty acids have been used
in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Viruses diminish
the capacity of cells to make 6-desaturated essential fatty
acids and adding additional essential fatty acids corrects this
condition.
7) Traditional Chinese Medicine Chinese medicine has found that
chronic fatigue syndrome may be related to the following
syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine:
essence deficiency
spleen qi deficiency
kidney yin deficiency
kidney yang deficiency
8) Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India. Treatment for
chronic fatigue syndrome with Ayurveda methods would be to rid
the body of toxins with a detox program. Ayurvedic herbs will be
used, such as triphala, lomatiumashwagandha, amla, bala,
triphala, and lomatium. These herbs are combined depending on
the patient's constitutional type or dosha. Your Ayurvedic type
recommends certain foods you should eat to maintain good health.
Other natural treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome involve
ingesting probiotics, magnesium, beta-carotene, vitamin C,
melatonin, glutamine, licorice, folic acid, whey protein, and
tyrosine.
About the Author: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a
complicated medical condition that causes severe fatigue that
becomes worse with physical activity. CFS fatigue symptoms do
not improve with rest. Please visit us at
http://www.squidoo.com/Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Treatment-1 for
more detailed, free information.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=482488&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies
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