To the average overworked, overstressed American, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) doesn't sound like a disease. It sounds like reality. But people with CFS aren't just tired. Their exhaustion is so severe and persistent that normal activity is impossible. Chronic fatigue won't go away afetr a good night sleep. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has declared chronic fatigue syndrome a legitimate disease that doctors should take seriously. Dr. Harvey Moldofsky of Toronto says doctors are starting to see genetic differences in people with the syndrome and correcting them may be the basis for new drugs. Chronic fatigue is most often triggered by an acute illness like glandular fever.
Australian researchers have identified a cluster of genes linked to chronic fatigue syndrome which may help finally explain the mysterious condition. The team from the University of New South Wales, Sidney, Australia, sifted through more than 6 million pieces of DNA information in people who developed chronic fatigue. Thirty-five genes have been found to link to the symptoms of CFS.
A U.S. study suggests valganciclovir, a drug often used in treating diseases caused by human herpes viruses, may help with chronic fatigue syndrome. The findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Virology
The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is described as varying combination of symptoms, one of which is recurrent fatigue. Other symptoms include mild fever, recurrent sore throat, painful lymph nodes, muscle weakness, muscle pain, prolonged fatigue after exercise, recurrent headaches, neurological or psychological complaints, sensitivity to bright light, forgetfulness, confusion, inability to concentrate, excessive irritability, depression, sleep disturbance (hyperinsomnia or insomnia.
Many research studies have focused on identifying infectious agent as the cause of CFS, but they still don't know what causes CFS. Because the disease appears to weaken the immune system, scientists suspect a virus that impairs the immune system.
Michael Murray, N.D., says that magnesium, Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and NADH (Niacinamide adenine dinucleotide) show some clinical evidence of effectiveness in treating CFS, but there are also some studies showing no effect. Magnesium and NADH are considered safe. Ginseng does not appear to cause serious side effects at recommended levels. Get your doctor's approval for taking these herbs and minerals.
Consult Your Health Care Provider When:
- You suffer unexplained tiredness that lasts for at least 2 weeks.
- You notice other symptoms such as muscle pain, fever, nausea and depression.
The complaints of tiredness, inertia and exhaustion could be heard from anywhere, is it a workplace, school, executive office or home. Many people ignore fatigue as an outcome of overwork, but according to experts, the fatigue is often is a predecessor to illness.
FOOD THERAPY
Coffee and caffeine-based drinks are major villains in the fatigue syndrome. Caffeine stimulates practically every organ in the body by way of adrenal glands and the pancreas to respond. The "high" created is temporary. Overstimulation of the adrenal glands leads to many other diseases. Include plenty of vitamins and minerals in your diet, as well fresh fruits and vegetables.