"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Supplements That Can Help"

It is a seriously debilitating condition characterized by tremendous fatigue, that doesn't lessen with bed rest. There are a number of ways this condition can be treated, but this page focuses on several herbs and supplements that can help.

Although researchers have studied this condition for almost 20 years, the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown.

Recent research has centered on the endocrine, immune and nervous systems, and the role they may play in developing CFS.

There may be a genetic link, however, although further research in this area is needed.

Another theory is that a virus causes it, but that has yet to be proven.

Previously, researchers thought that the Epstein-Barr virus played a role in the development of CFS, but here again, researchers have failed to definitely confirm this.

However, scientists are not ruling out viral infections, as CFS’s symptoms frequently mimic that of a viral infection, such as chronic infectious monunucleosis.

• Allergies
• Depression
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Yeast Infection

• A relapse of symptoms after physical or mental exertion
• An inability to get a restful nights sleep
• Difficulty remembering things or concentrating
• Muscular pain
• Pain in several joints
• Headaches that are of a new type, pattern or severity
• Developing a sore throat and a tender neck or armpit lymph nodes

Diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome is done by excluding all other illnesses sharing some of the same signs and symptoms. It is generally more difficult for physicians to diagnose this condition, as it is symptomatically similar to many other conditions.

Your doctor will typically exclude other circumstances or conditions before considering a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, including:

• There is some some other identifiable medical condition that could cause fatigue, including hypothyroidism or sleep apnea
• Having a relapse of a previous illness, such as cancer, that could cause fatigue
• A past or present diagnosis of depression
• Alcohol or substance abuse problems
• Being excessively obese
• Any medications that could cause fatigue
• A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
• A diagnosis of systemic lupus

Your doctor will take blood and urine tests to identify any possible causes of your fatigue.

People of every age group, race and socioeconomic group can have CFS.

However, women are four times as likely to develop this condition as men. This doesn't necessarily mean that females are more likely to develop it; it just might mean that they are more likely to report their symptoms to their doctor than males.

According to research, it is most prevalent in individuals in their 40s and 50s. But it can occur in children, especially teenagers.

Coenzyme Q10 - Coenzyme Q10 helps cells to function normally and produces energy. I recommend taking 60 to 100 mg daily.

L-carnitine - Take between 500 to 1000 mg three times daily for eight weeks to help support energy production in your cells.

Magnesium - 300 to 1000 mg of magnesium each day may help reduce fatigue and boost energy. Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea, but when taken in combination with calcium, calcium helps to prevent this state.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil capsules, 1000 mg three times daily with meals, may also help counter fatigue.

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, 200 mg twice daily.

Vitamin B12 - take 2500 to 5000 mcg of B12 by injection every two or three days for several weeks, to help increase energy levels.

Vitamin C - take 500 to 1000 mg three times daily for eight weeks to help with energy production on a cellular level.

Ashwaganda - is a powerful tonic that may help increase strength and stamina. Take 25 mg three times a day.

Cat's claw - Cat's claw has anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulating qualities. Start with the dosage of 250 mg a day, gradually increasing it over a period of four weeks into you reach 1000 mg three times daily.

Echinacea - take 200 mg twice a day to stimulate the immune system.

Essential oils such as jasmine, peppermint and rosemary calm the nerves and may be used in aromatherapy.

Ginseng - 100 to 300 mg two times a day to increase energy levels.

Goldenseal - Use goldenseal to help control developing infections, such as a sore throat. You should not take goldenseal for more than one week at a time.

Kava kava - Kava kava is a herb that helps to alleviate anxiety associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Be advised that when taken in large amounts, it can cause drowsiness.

Licorice - Licorice is often used to stimulate the adrenal glands, so try taking 200 and 400 mg three times daily for 6 to 8 weeks. You should not use it if you have edema, high blood pressure or heart failure.

Pau d'arco - Add 1 teaspoon full of liquid Pau d’arco to one cup of water, drinking this mixture 2 to 3 times daily. You should limit your intake of this mix to no more than two weeks.

St. John's wort - St. John's wort has antiviral qualities, and is a good treatment for mild depression.

Valerian - Valerian helps to improve sleep.

Originally, CFS was considered a psychological illness, but research confirms that it is actually a real physical illness, albeit one that's not totally understood.

It can become so debilitating that you have little energy to perform activities of daily living. I recommend you get medical intervention, but with the proper diet, and the herbs and supplements mentioned above you should see improvement.