Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Annie Sawyer, Ph.D.

 

The most common complaint I encountered in my practice was the so called CFS or patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Half of them were already treated for depression and half of them were told- they were anemic. One of the blood tests your doctor may perform if you have CFS is to measure your hemoglobin and red blood cells by means of a simple blood test. 

•              Hemoglobin carries the oxygen that helps the body's cells to make and utilize energy. Low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells are a synonym of CFS. There are many reasons and diseases that can cause anemia as a primary disease or as a secondary symptom. 
•              Iron, vit.B12 and folic acid do contribute to the formation and function of our hemoglobin and red blood cells, so their plasma and tissue levels must be also monitored.
•              There are other nutrients like: zinc, copper, amino acids, vitamin B6 and vitamin C which are equally essential for the execution of this vital process. 
•              There is a hormonal level panel array of blood tests that can also help discovering the other possible reasons of your constant tiredness. 
•              All the above nutrients assist with the manufacture of serotonin and melatonin which prevent you from becoming depressed and allow you to enjoy a good  night sleep.  

In other words if you are fatigued you need to do the following:

A/ Cleansing & Detoxifying Your Body

B/ Proper Nourishment must be assured.

C/ Balancing Your Body's PH.

D/ Enhancing Mind/ Spirit/ Body Connection- relalxation techniques, biofeedback, meditation, Tai Chi, Tai Bo, Hatta Yoga, etc. 

E/ There are plenty of adaptogenic herbs like: Ginseng, Ashwagandha( Ayurvedic herb), Cordyceps (Chinese medical mushroom), Rodiola Rosea, Guarana, Royal jelly, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax Ginseng, Green tea, Coenzyme Q10, D-ribose, vitamin C, vit D3, Calcium/ Magnesium in 2:1 ratio, and vitamin B complex can help allot.

CFS is the most obvious result of lack of sleep. Research has shown that chronic sleep dysfunction can also play a role in the development of serious health risks such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and memory loss.

Dietary Formulas that may help are:

•     L-theanine – an amino acid that helps prompt calming "wakeful relaxation" alpha-wave brain activity

•     L-glutamine – an amino acid that's been shown to improve mood and reduce hostility

•     Taurine – an amino acid that helped regulate stress tolerance in animal studies

•     Niacin – a key nutrient for energy metabolism and DNA repair

•     Vitamin B6 – plays a key role in neurotransmitter synthesis and cell metabolism

•     Folic Acid – supports cognitive function and emotional wellbeing

•     Vitamin B12 – crucial for elevated, peaceful moods and memory (stores of this vitamin are depleted by the stress hormone cortisol)

•     Pantothenic Acid – enhances adrenal function and balances release of stress hormones

•     Magnesium Oxide – boosts vasomotor control and facilitates healthy neurotransmission, which helps manage anxiety and stress