Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by prolonged fatigue associated with a wide range of accompanying symptoms. It has also been called post-viral fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue.

CFS can affect people of any age. However, it is most common between the ages of 25 and 45. It is estimated that about 150,000 people in the UK have CFS, with women affected more often than men.

To be diagnosed with CFS, an adult must have severe chronic fatigue for at least four months with no other medical condition identified as the cause. They must also have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Muscle pain
• Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours

Other symptoms that may occur include:

• Abdominal pain
• Alcohol intolerance
• Bloating
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry eyes or mouth
• Earaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Jaw pain
• Morning stiffness
• Nausea
• Night sweats
• Psychological problems, such as depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks
• Shortness of breath
• Skin sensations
• Tingling sensations
• Weight loss

In general, the symptoms of CFS are not improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.

Since it is not known what causes CFS, it is difficult to prevent. There is no evidence to support the view that CFS is a contagious disease and there is no precise identified cause.

It is believed that a person's genes may make them more susceptible, and that viral infection, stress, depression, or a major life event (for example bereavement, job loss) may act as triggers for CFS to develop in susceptible individuals.

There is no specific treatment for CFS either. However, medicines can be prescribed to relieve the symptoms: for example, painkillers may be given for muscle pains and headaches, and antidepressants for depression.

Behavior therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counseling, relaxation therapy, and graded exercise may help. Reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, rest periods, pacing and support groups also help many people with CFS.

One theory holds that a nutritional deficiency may be a contributing factor causing CFS, so it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Diet can be used beneficially to strengthen the ailing immune system of people suffering from chronic fatigue. It is now recognized that a well-balanced diet should be part of the treatment for all chronic illnesses. Chronic fatigue syndrome is not primarily a dietary disorder. But as in other debilitating illnesses, people suffering from CFS fail to consume a nutritious diet. This leads to dietary related complications.

• Support and enhance immune function.
• Support and enhance liver detoxification.
• Support and enhance gastrointestinal health.
• Support and enhance adrenal function.
• Identify and address food sensitivities.
• Identify and address any metabolic abnormalities.
• Identify and treat nutrient deficiencies.

• Identify stressors and learn to manage them through relaxation, meditation, counseling, etc.
• Work to address the mental and emotional components of chronic fatigue syndrome which can be both a cause or an effect of the illness.
• Learn and implement diaphragmatic breathing techniques.
• Correct posture, if this is an issue.
• Participate in regular, low intensity exercise.
• Work to support optimal sleep hygiene.

• Drink plenty of pure water.
• Eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
• Eliminate refined sugar and other refined carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates suppress immune function.
• Consume a diet of whole, preferably organic foods with an emphasis on lean vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds and of course green smoothies.
• Pesticide residues have been found to be higher in chronic fatigue syndrome patients, therefore choosing organic foods is important.
• Increase dietary antioxidants through consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially blueberries.
• Focus on getting adequate high quality protein and fiber, both of which stabilize blood sugar.
• Identify and eliminate food intolerances. One study found that of chronic fatigue syndrome patients who eliminated wheat, milk, benzoates, nitrites, nitrates, food colorings and other additives from their diet, 90% reported improvement in severity of symptoms.

• Botanical medicines to support adrenal function such as Eleutherococcus senticosus Ashwaganda, Rhodiola, and Glycyrrhiza glabra. [Glycyrrhiza should not be taken by people with high blood pressure without physician supervision.]
• Herbal medicine may be used to support immune function. This may include herbs such as Astragalus, Cordyceps, Schisandra, Reishi Mushroom, or others.
• Many herbal medicines have multiple effects. A physician trained in herbal medicine can select an herbal formula which will have the broadest impact on the symptoms and causes of chronic fatigue syndrome for a particular patient.
• Antioxidant botanicals
• Oligomeric proanthocyanidins. (OPCs). Protect against lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.
• Ginkgo Biloba. Powerful antioxidant. Increases brain blood flow. Neuroprotective. Improves memory and cognition.
• Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry). Neuroprotective. Antioxidant.

Homeopathy is a highly individualized gentle form of medicine which can be effective for chronic fatigue syndrome. It is necessary to have a complete homeopathic interview with a trained homeopathic physician for selection of the proper remedy.

By TTS Cofounder Omid Jaffari