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General Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Sometimes fatigue is a good thing.
Body builders push their muscles to the point of fatigue so
they'll develop bigger and stronger. Playing with children or
grandchildren yields a feeling of pleasant fatigue at day's
end. And it's very satisfying to rest your fatigued body after
a day of planting your garden, painting your house, moving furniture
into your new home or running a marathon. But if you find yourself
unable to get out of bed in the morning when your major exertion
was walking the dog or washing your car the day before, fatigue
isn't a good feeling. It's a problem.
But you definitely aren't suffering alone. Recent surveys show
that in our fast paced world, fatigue is one of the
most common reasons that people look for help through their
health professional or alternative therapies, and the
factors that contribute to fatigue are as varied as the millions
of people suffering from it. Stress, depression,
anemia, allergies, addictions, digestion and colon
problems, menopause, obesity,
premenstrual
syndrome, auto-immune disorders, auto-intoxication and a
host of other ailments can contribute to your body's shut-down,
say experts. Or, simply it could be that you are not getting
enough sleep. If you experience fatigue from missing a night's
sleep or spending a hard week on a project, you'll probably
recover with a little extra rest. But if the fatigue lingers
and seems hard to shake off, you may want to consider some additional
remedies for your problem.
Most people experience many different
fatigue factors in their daily life, such as too much stress,
inadequate sleep, viral infections and exposure to toxins. However,
the single biggest offender in the recipe for fatigue is poor
nutrition,
says Jesse A. Stoff, M.D., a physician in private practice in
Tucson and author of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hidden Epidemic.
'Poor nutrition plays a huge role in fatigue on many different
levels,' says Dr. Stoff. 'Most people are eating highly processed
foods, foods that are grown in depleted soil and refined foods
that have no nutritional value left. All these things leave
you deficient in the nutrients you need for optimal health and
energy.'
Even if the source of your fatigue isn't solely a nutritional
deficit, a poor diet can contribute to your downward spiral,
says Dr. Stoff. 'You feel down, so you reach for a quick pick-me-up
like sweets or caffeine, which not only has no nutritional value
but actually depletes nutrients from the body. Before you know
it, you're feeling worse.'
Nutrition related fatigue can be helped through a complete
change to a whole foods diet, which uses foods in their
natural, living state, with all the valuable nutrients and enzymes
intact. These foods provide fiber, which is needed to prevent
constipation
and reabsorption of toxins from the intestines, a very common
cause of fatigue. Unrefined foods also provide enzymes,
the spark plugs of good digestion. Without enzymes, vitamins
and minerals are inadequately absorbed. But these guidelines
are not a remedy for everyone. If you have been battling fatigue
so crippling that everyday tasks are impossible, you must see
a health practitioner. You might be suffering from a flu-like
viral disease called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which requires
special attention. (See further CFS info later in this article)
Anemia is another source of fatigue (common
symptoms of anemia include pale skin and mucous membranes).
Many medications have side-effects that cause fatigue. Low blood-sugar
levels will cause recurring bouts of fatigue. Depression, boredom,
stress and nervous tension from anxieties also create symptoms
of fatigue, which can often be assisted by a few lifestyle changes.
Infections, especially flus, are accompanied by fatigue, and
long periods of bed rest may be necessary for the body to recover.
Fatigue can be a sign of virtually any illness. Intense fatigue
may signal problems such as diabetes, cancer, liver
problems, rheumatoid arthritis, an under-active thyroid,
allergies or low blood pressure.
'Pure vegetable oil' used by most restaurants usually refers
to shortening or corn oil. The fried foods made from it are
high in peroxides and other toxins, leading to damage of the
cardiovascular system, including elevated cholesterol. Avoid
shortening, lard, margarine and beef tallow (melted and clarified
animal fat). An increased intake of fiber significantly
reduces the impact of
toxins found in many commercial foods. Most people
do not consume anywhere near the amount of fiber they need daily
for optimal health. To ensure adequate fiber consumption, supplement
your diet with high-quality
psyllium, apple pectin and oat bran. Make sure you're not
taking individually or within a formula, stimulating laxative
herbs like senna or cascara sagrada. These may be taken occasionally
when severely constipated, but they should not be taken on an
ongoing basis as their only purpose is to stimulate the lower
bowel, which eventually weakens the peristalsis muscle and promotes
dependence for bowel function.
Essential fatty acids and
amino acid deficiencies can come about due to mal-absorption
caused by digestive enzyme
deficiencies (which puts tremendous stress on our system leading
to fatigue).* Amino acids are necessary for all the neurotransmitters
responsible for optimal brain and nervous system function. Essential
fatty acids are important components of all body cells and particularly
vital for the health of the nervous system.
Fatigue is often caused by a number of dietary deficiencies.
B
vitamins should be taken over long time periods (even more
importantly, add B vitamin rich foods to your diet, which are
easier to absorb than supplements) to increase endurance and
levels of energy. Extra vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands.
Additional vitamin
B12 is important for those who have low stomach acid (the
elderly are often low in B12). Sublingual (under the tongue)
B12 is absorbed more effectively than tablet or capsule form.
Many people with fatigue are more susceptible to colds, to combat
this problem eat vitamin
C rich foods and take a high-quality vitamin C supplement
with bio flavonoids to help support the immune system.
Subclinical hypothyroidism or
Wilson's disease can be discovered in cases where body temperatures
are consistently below 98.6 degrees. Fatigue, in this case,
usually responds to natural thyroid hormone precursors like
tyrosine, iodine,
zinc, copper and selenium or to thyroid hormone itself.
Toxic heavy metal excess such as high amounts
of lead, cadmium, aluminum, copper, arsenic and nickel, can
also cause fatigue. Help rid the body of these toxins
by completing a colon
and liver cleanse and by
taking a variety of natural supplements like garlic, N-acetyl-cysteine
or reduced L-glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium.*
But all fatigue remedies are much more effective and long-term
if followed or complemented with inner
body organ cleansing to rid the body of accumulated wastes
and toxins.
Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia due to
endocrine gland dysfunction other than the thyroid (e.g., pancreas,
adrenal, gonadal disease) is often overlooked as a cause of
fatigue. Blood levels of hormones like DHEA, cortisol and progesterone
may also be at sub-optimal levels.
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The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
have often been compared to those of a long-standing flu
and signs of 'constant fatigue' often originate with this
illness. The least physical and mental effort causes exhaustion
and weakness. The body aches with joint and muscle pain.
A weakened immune system allows infections,
low-grade fevers and swollen lymph glands.
Memory and concentration may become poor, and episodes of
anxiety and depression are not uncommon. As with many chronic
illnesses, there are periods of improvement and relapse,
and the disease often lasts indefinitely. It affects mostly
women between the ages of twenty and forty, but anyone can
be affected. It is alternatively known as myalgic encephalitis.
Its thought that the hypothalamus
region of the brain produces insufficient levels of corticotropin-releasing
hormone (CRH) in sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome.
As a result, the body cannot produce enough cortisol, which
is part of the immune system. Not everyone with mild fatigue
and an increased need for sleep suffers from chronic fatigue
syndrome. Periods of undue stress will cause fatigue as
the body tries to cope. Mononucleosis should be considered,
since this viral infection includes many of the same symptoms
of fatigue, weakness and aching. Risks increase with poor
nutrition, including an over-indulgence in alcohol, drugs,
cigarettes, antibiotic overuse, toxic build-up from medications,
pesticides, pollution and amalgam dental fillings.
The effects of long-term stress also plays a role. Research
has also indicated an association between chronic fatigue
syndrome, hypotension and poor muscle cell metabolism. As
mentioned earlier, diet can make a significant contribution
towards strengthening the ailing immune system of people
suffering from CFS. Eating a whole foods diet, consuming
unrefined foods, drinking adequate amounts of purified water
and eating high
fiber foods help boost the immune system, flush out
toxins and alleviate constipation, all a major factor in
preventing fatigue.
Exercise and rest are essential for the
elimination of metabolic waste products. If waste is allowed
to accumulate, organ damage and exhaustion result. Cells
use nutrients during the day, which are replenished during
the night. Active cells that retain their elasticity have
strong cell membranes, which promote easier waste removal.
Try avoiding pep pills, coffee and high-sugar
products (they are very taxing to your system-with a quick
high followed by a quick let down). Take a break or a nap
if you need it, or go to bed earlier to avoid abusing the
nervous system. Constant overexertion or over-stimulation
eventually damages the cellular system and consequently,
the whole body. Sufficient rest and relaxation are of utmost
importance to replenish the body's full strength and stamina.
Chronic lack of sleep can eventually
lead to total exhaustion. To rebuild energy, go to sleep
two hours before midnight.
Try to walk regularly, especially in
the early evening, to relax and unwind nerves.
Sleep with the window open for fresh
air, if weather and quality of air permit. Try to take one-hour
naps when your schedule permits.
Massage and deep-breathing exercises
are excellent to help recharge energy and invigorate the
body.
Try taking a bath before going to bed
for a deep, restful sleep. Add 1 cup of sea salt or Epsom
salts to the bath water. The bath should be very warm and
at least twenty-five minutes long for therapeutic value.
Stress or relationship conflicts can affect you physically,
so try to explore ways to make positive changes to your
current lifestyle.
Mineral deficiencies or imbalances involving
iron,
zinc, copper, selenium, calcium,
magnesium, chromium, manganese, silicon, boron, iodine and
lithium can cause fatigue. You may want to consider supplementing
your diet with a daily chelated
mineral complex.
Chronic parasitic
infestations are not only associated with digestive
problems like chronic
constipation or diarrhea,
but with fatigue and immune system malfunctions of nearly
every type.*
Chronic
candida infection or hypersensitivity syndrome is best
diagnosed and treated by trial therapy with a sugar-free,
yeast-free diet and a natural anti-fungal supplement, such
as garlic or Lactobacillus acidophilus (probiotics).*
A very effective way of treating many
cases of fatigue is to complete an internal colon
and liver
cleanse, which helps to expel
unwanted toxins and byproducts from your body.* It is
also very important to cut down on energy-robbing fatty foods
(fast food, highly processed foods) and increase the
intake of fresh foods (such as whole grain breads,
fresh fruits and vegetables). A non-stimulant metabolism
booster may also help individuals that are suffering from
the over-accumulation of unhealthy fats in their bodies.
And remember, good nutrition, adequate sleep and regular physical
exercise are all very important factors in maintaining consistent
energy levels.
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