Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often called by other names, such as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis can have Central Nervous System (CNS) abnormalities; it falls under the "CFS" umbrella but differs slightly from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The hypothalamus regulates sleep, temperature, and appetite.

CFS is associated with Yuppie Flu, Post-Virus Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), swollen lymph nodes, and muscle complaints, and often follows several life-changing stressors, such as a death in the family, employment problems, or some trauma. Doctors diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome when symptoms persist for more than 6 months or recur after initially disappearing. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often recover from an initial cause, whatever that is. However, symptoms recur under emotional or physical stress, much like the herpes virus does, making for a disheartening cycle of recovery and flares.

70% of those who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also have Fibromyalgia Syndrome. 50% of those individuals also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Irritable Bladder Syndrome. And everyone suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome appears to have food sensitivities. It's my thought that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is simply a symptom, rather than a condition, of a mitochondrial dysfunction, which is at the basis of nearly all fatigue-related disorders. For holistic alternatives for these conditions and more, tap here.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Fatigue (more than pain)
• Malaise
• No energy
• Trouble sleeping (falling asleep or staying asleep) or the inability to feel refreshed after sleeping
• Brain fog and impaired memory
• Tender lymph nodes and sore throat (not always)
• Muscle and joint pain
• A "different" kind of headache
• Extreme sensitivity to medications and chemicals (see Histamine Intolerance)
• Dizziness and Vertigo

Possible Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, such as Candida, SIBO, Epstein-Barr Virus (Mononucleosis), Viral Meningitis, Viral Hepatitis, severe flu, Chickenpox, severe or recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus infections, or other severe illnesses. HHV-6 is a human herpes virus that targets the brain and produces a specific protein found in the brains of individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), not in those without it. This suggests that treating biofilms may be part of the solution to managing CFS. I discuss biofilms in relation to Herpes Simplex Virus here.
• A disrupted circadian rhythm and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• EMFs (electromagnetic energy fields)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Surgery
• Leaky Gut Syndrome
• Depression
• Metabolic Acidosis
• Anemia (iron deficiency)
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction (also associated with muscle weakness, loss, and chronic pain).
• Histamine Intolerance 
• Parasites
• Inflammation

The Mind/Body Connection

You may feel resistance in some area of your life. Perhaps you're unhappy or dislike your current situation, relationship, or work. Boredom and lack of direction could be part of the picture.

Spiritual Insights

• Associated Chakras: 1^st and 5^th Chakras 
• Associated Aura Color Personalities: Red and Blue Aura Color Personalities
• Associated Energy Meridian: The Triple Heater (thyroid and adrenals)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Vs. Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FS) often overlap and may be Myofascial Pain Syndrome,  another condition altogether, such as Nervous System Dysregulation. It can be challenging to determine which one you are dealing with, as the symptoms are similar. FS and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) share similar symptoms, with ME exhibiting a few additional symptoms that FS typically does not. One thing is sure. Fatigue is the major complaint in CFS. Pain is the major complaint in FS. In both instances, the muscles do not respond normally to exertion, indicating an energy issue at the cellular level.

Holistic Alternatives for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are no specific medical treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and most holistic practitioners suggest the following healthy approaches. However, they may not help with your fatigue at all. If this is true for you, again, you may be dealing with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Get Your Natural Circadian Rhythm Back

Your circadian rhythm is as old as time. People are meant to be awake during the daylight and asleep at night. In the modern world, this is almost unheard of. We wake way too early (or too late) and go to bed way after dark. Many vital tasks happen in the body at night while you sleep. If you aren't sleeping like a caveman (or cavewoman), you're missing out. 

Blue light (and Green) triggers the brain to wake up. Darkness triggers hormones to help you fall asleep. Blue and green light from TVs, computers, and cell phones keeps the brain alert and prevents it from falling asleep, which negatively impacts the body's functions. Get your natural circadian rhythm back. Also, see How Can I Get a Good Night's Sleep?

Reduce Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs)

EMFs are electromagnetic energy fields. EMFs from appliances, microwaves, televisions, computers, cell phones, and towers (as well as every other electronic device and wire you can think of) contribute to chronic fatigue by interfering with the human electromagnetic energy field and causing mitochondrial dysfunction.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Begin swapping out your current household cleaners for more earth-friendly ones. Earth-friendly cleaners won't send you reeling from fumes or cause you to relapse with body aches. Chemicals increase the toxicity of the blood and body fluids, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Balance Your Physical and Intellectual Activities

Reduce stress caused by an imbalance between physical and intellectual activity. Creating a better balance can improve your energy level unless you have mitochondrial dysfunction.

Manage Feelings of Depression

Are you taking or considering an antidepressant for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The purpose of an antidepressant is to keep serotonin around longer, which supposedly eases Depression. Serotonin is a brain chemical produced in both the brain and gut that promotes calm and "feel-good" emotions. However, doctors don't really know how antidepressants work, and recent studies have shown serotonin may not have as much to do with Depression as previously thought. It might be better to eat foods that create peace of mind and avoid those that encourage it (sugar comes to mind). When you eat foods that support peace of mind, you're also feeding your mitochondria. If your mitochondria aren't functioning correctly, it can cause low energy and Depression. 

Exercise to Relax & Increase Your Energy

Exercise is beneficial, even when you have little energy to spare. Without it, you will lose muscle. Muscles burn calories. Without them, your metabolism will slow, meaning you will have to eat less to avoid gaining weight. Eating less will only make you more fatigued, irritable, sad, and hypersensitive (FISH). Less muscle tissue causes less energy. It can become a downward cycle. However, with a dysregulated nervous system, some forms of exercise that push you hard can backfire and leave you more exhausted. If you have trouble recovering after working out, try gentler exercises, such as walking, stretches, and yoga. 

Avoid Allergens

Food allergens can cause fatigue. Foods that can cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms (in some people) include dairy, red meat, eggs, gluten, cheese, sugar, and yeast. Allergens cause inflammation. This can be from the foods you eat, Leaky Gut, or environmental allergens. Chronic inflammation in the body causes fatigue. An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation. However, when you live with herpes, I suggest an anti-HSV diet that manages arginine, highly inflammatory items, and histamine-forming foods.

Eat a Variety of Plant-Based Foods

Avoid eating sugary foods and caffeinated beverages to help you re-energize. Instead, eat a diet rich in genetically appropriate nutrition, including a variety of plant-based foods.

Consider the Following Supplements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Consider taking omega-3 fish oil or krill oil supplements, or eat wild-caught fish two or three times each week. However, talk with your doctor if you have had a history of heart problems, are on blood thinners, are on an antidepressant, or have a bleeding disorder before using these supplements or increasing these foods in your diet.

Increase your serotonin levels by supplementing with tryptophan or 5-HTP. Without enough serotonin, an important "feel-good" brain neurotransmitter, you can become anxious and depressed, which are overlapping symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.