Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as Myalgic encephalomyelitis is largely unknown by the general public. It is a devastating multi-system disease that causes dysfunction of the neurological, immune endocrine, and energy metabolism systems.
Individuals who have CFS experience extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve after long periods of rest. Stamina for physical and mental health begin to degrade, and these activities can make this fatigue worse. Some symptoms of CFS are fatigue, loss of memory or concentration, headaches, and extreme exhaustion. It is estimated that more than 2 million Americans have CFS, and it is seen more frequently in women than in men. The diagnosis is tricky as it is only diagnosed once similar diseases and conditions have been excluded.
Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
It is believed that Chronic fatigue syndrome can be a result of dysfunction of the immune system or the adrenal system. It is thought that there is a connection with early childhood CFS being sick with a viral infection, which can result in immunological and neurological dysfunction.
In a study by Lou Russo et al., it was found that individuals with CFS have a higher number of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which result in fatigue flu-like symptoms and an increase in natural killer cells. Additionally, more evidence has shown that with defective immune systems, as those with CFS have, have a reduced response of T cells and the presence of Autoantibody.
Here are some ways to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome.
10 Ways to Relieve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Diet and supplements – It’s essential to eat at regular intervals and have a healthy, balanced diet. If you feel sick (nauseous), eating starchy foods, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and sipping drinks slowly may help. If this doesn’t work, medication can be prescribed. Diets that cut out certain food groups altogether aren’t suggested for people with CFS. There’s also insufficient evidence to recommend supplements, such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, or co-enzyme Q10.
Stress management – Stress management is key in reducing the number of flare ups. Doing enjoyable activities and participating in hobbies can be helpful in relieving stress. Verbalizing frustrations and needs can help to decrease stress and improve relationships and mental health.
Relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, rhythmic exercise, and other activities that can be very effective stress reducers. This leads to detoxification of the body, thereby balancing the hormones and relieving the chronic fatigue disorder.
Medications – Many people who have chronic fatigue syndrome are also depressed. Treating your depression can make it more manageable and easier to handle the problems associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Low doses of some antidepressants also can help improve sleep and relieve pain. Working with your physician to find the right medications is important.
Visiting A Clinical Psychologist – Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy. Chronic fatigue syndrome often causes depression so talking through your problems can lead to a better solution.
Mental health: Like psychologists, therapists or counselors can help to work through some of the emotional effects of chronic fatigue syndrome. Working through some of the emotions and struggles associated with CFS can get a sense of control back and improve your outlook.
Visiting A Psychiatrist – A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that diagnoses, treats, and manages medications for people with mental health conditions.
Physical Therapy – Physical therapy can be extremely helpful in managing CFS. Physical therapy can help with strengthening your body, improving the movement and function of the body, and can help reduce pain. Physical therapists work to improve range of motion and teach stretches to help keep the body flexible. They can also help to improve stamina with some endurance therapy.
Personal training and exercise: Working with a trainer can help gradually reintroduce exercise and strengthen the body. Inactive people often begin stretching and light exercise for just a few minutes a day. Gradually increasing the intensity of your exercise over time may help reduce your hypersensitivity to exercise and any adverse effects or increased fatigue after a workout.
Lifestyle changes – Following a routing can help in managing CFS. Sticking to routines helps make sure you eat and adequately nourish your body and that you get essential sleep. Routines and better time management can create space for recreation and hobbies, helping to reduce stress.
Setbacks or relapses – A relapse is when your symptoms get worse for a period of time. They’re a standard part of CFS and can be caused by several factors, such as an infection, an unplanned activity, and stress. Sometimes, however, there’s no apparent cause.
Activity management – Activity management includes setting individual goals and bit by bit, increasing your activity levels. You may be enquired to keep a diary of your current activity and rest periods to form your baseline. Activities can then be added in slowly, increased in a way you find manageable.
CONCLUSIONS:
Chronic fatigue syndrome is likely caused by many factors. Findings to date suggest that physiological and psychological factors work together to cause and perpetuate the disease. The assessment and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome should be multidimensional and made-to-order to the needs of the individual patient.