Are you one of the unfortunate cases of that cursed chronic fatigue syndrome. I can’t begin to appreciate how dreadful your life may be.

The question I have for you is this: are you doing any kind of exercises. Are you even attempting any?

Many doctors and specialists consider exercise as an important and effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. People with chronic fatigue syndrome are trapped in a downward spiral. You suffer from extreme exhaustion and muscle pains, which results in the need to have as much rest as you can get.

However, having too much rest leads to a sedentary lifestyle which has several detrimental effects to the body. Decreased physical activity leads to muscle wasting and loss of bone mass. But regular exercise can help stop that downward trend and replace it with more positive cycle.

Exercise has a number of benefits. Starting a regular exercise routine leads to increased performance and strengthened muscles. This, in turn results to a more optimistic outlook.

Research has also revealed that exercise helps combat anxiety and depression. This may be the result of a combination of the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers) and the sense of fulfillment at being able to improve the body’s functions. Exercise even helps strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome should first consult their doctor to determine if they are fit and ready to perform any form of physical activities such as exercise.  To embark on an exercise program without ascertaining if the patient is ready for it can be very dangerous.

Sufferers of CFS can then start with gentle exercise routines that will be slowly and gradually increased in intensity and frequency. A physical therapist can also be hired to develop an exercise program that is custom-made for the patient and his particular condition.

It is quite important that a physical therapist or even just a family member, be with you while doing your exercise routines. This would help prevent excesses that would end up discouraging you from continuing your program.

Some good exercise routines for people with chronic fatigue syndrome include swimming, walking, rowing machine, and riding a stationary bike. Activities that worsen fatigue and the other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome should be avoided. These include aerobic exercises, weightlifting, playing basketball or any violent sport.

Meanwhile, stretching and other relaxation exercises such as yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and more are helpful in stimulating lymph flow and producing a sense of well-being without overexertion.

For an exercise program to be effective, it should become a regular activity. Ideally, a person should exercise daily. When starting an exercise program, the duration and frequency can be as little as five minutes per day or even less. Every week, the duration can be increased by increments of several minutes. The patient can progress from five minutes to a full hour or more of exercise per day within a few months.

The patient must exercise caution at all times to prevent overexertion, which can lead to worsening of the symptoms of chronic fatigue. Overdoing exercise when the patient isn’t feeling well can lead to an overall performance decline.

If the patient overexerts himself, this will inevitably result in several days of muscle pain, which necessitates rest. When this happens, the patient might relapse into that downward trend of non-activity and sedentary lifestyle.

Recent studies have revealed that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have a rather distorted perception of muscular activity.  They might not be able to determine how much exercise they have already done or when it is time to stop and rest.

Seeing that the goal of exercise is to regain muscle strength, it is very important to get the advice and approval of a doctor or specialist before starting on an exercise program.

I wish you every success with your exercise efforts.
Understanding Chronic Fatigue
http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

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The definition of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is this. It’s a disorder characterized by extreme and prolonged exhaustion.

Several other symptoms are also apparent, such as flu-like symptoms, muscle and joint pains, headache, sore throat and others. After all these years, the exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown. It may be years before the individual can recover from this terrible ailment.

Sometimes, the CFS victims suffer recurring bouts with CFS through their lifetime. Because the exact cause of CFS is yet to be determined, there is no known cure for this illness yet.  Non-drug treatments and medications are primarily to relieve the many symptoms of CFS.

Exercise is one of the non-drug therapies presented by doctors, as a treatment for CFS. However. medical opinion is still divided on whether exercise can actually help improve or worsen the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Some doctors believe that mild exercise can be helpful in overcoming CFS. Others warn against any form of aerobic activity that can aggravate CFS.

Exercise can be a problem for patients of CFS because strenuous physical activity can worsen the symptoms. You could develop worse muscle pain, fatigue and tenderness of the joints. While exercise is important in maintaining health and wellness, it can become dangerous for people with chronic fatigue.

But a recent study released through the British Medical Journal has revealed that proper patient education on chronic fatigue syndrome combined with a supervised exercise program can help improve the symptoms of CFS.

Still, people with CFS typically find it difficult to perform basic activities such as walking let alone rigorous physical activities such as aerobic exercise. During an onset of chronic fatigue, the patient may be bedridden. They usually feel better after some time and may attempt to do regular exercise. That’s a mistake, and the patient may relapse because of this.

Muscular activity causes lactic acid to be produced in the muscles. This chemical by-product leads to fatigue. Research says that exercise can worsen the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome because it sets off production of excess lactic acid in the muscles. Recent studies reveal that people with CFS actually produce twice the amount of lactic acid than people without chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers believe that their findings suggest a link between chronic fatigue syndrome and an error in the body’s energy metabolism.

Researchers are also looking at a link between chronic fatigue and low levels of potassium electrolytes. A deficiency in potassium supply usually causes chronic fatigue. The bulk of the body’s potassium supply is in the muscle tissue as well as the brain, blood and internal organs. Studies have revealed that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have actually less total body potassium compared to healthy people of the same weight and age.

On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle can also cause a whole range of health problems for people with CFS. These include loss of bone mass, muscle wastage or atrophy, and increased vulnerability to obesity and cardiovascular disease.  People with chronic fatigue syndrome should have a gentle approach to physical activity.

Be advised that there should only be minute increases in the frequency, intensity and duration of the exercise program, to prevent any detrimental effects to the health and well-being of the chronic fatigue syndrome patient.

Personally, I do not have CFS even though I am crippled with hip that needs replacing, along with both my knees. With all this, I sometimes feel some of the symptoms of CFS, such as depression. So I really do feel for you people that suffer from CFS.

I wish you total recovery, which may happen if you’re careful about your exercise regimen, along with other attempts you make to correct other symptoms. Good luck.

Fred Farah

Understanding Chronic Fatigue
http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com/conquer-chronic-fatigue-syndrome

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Patients of CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome respond differently to various treatments. Some of them recover after drastic changes in lifestyle, some of them are more responsive to pharmacological treatments. Here are some chronic fatigue treatment options, the most common treatment modalities to which CFS patients are subjected and to which most of them respond well.

Self-Care/Management Techniques
Some patients can facilitate self-care treatments. This can be done by monitoring the level and pacing of activities such that prolonged and extreme levels of exhaustion are prevented. This can also be done by preventing the urge to rest. Since CFS is not relieved through rest, regardless of the duration, health care professionals do not advise the patients to rest excessively.

Some form of physical activity must be maintained. This is oftentimes recommended by the physician. When trying to manage the symptoms of the disorder by yourself, it is best to keep the pacing and the level of the activities under control. Otherwise, symptoms may occur at a more debilitating rate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological therapy that delivers relief of symptoms but not necessarily cure. This helps the patients understand their conditions and can therefore better guide them in forming their beliefs, perception and attitudes towards the syndrome. It is believed that through a more accurate depiction of the condition, the patient can better respond to the symptoms and they can cause lesser inhibition of the recurrence of their symptoms.

Graded Exercise Therapy
This therapy involves the introduction of incremental changes in the patients’ levels of activity. While concrete evidence are yet to be established, many experts believe that integration of activities is very important in managing the disease.

Under this therapy then, the patient will have to monitor his own activities and exercises. As the therapy progresses, he moves to higher intensities until he gets back to the doing activities he normally participated in prior to the onset of the condition.

Pharmacological Treatments
Managements of the conditions through pharmacological treatments can involve the following medications:

Antidepressants are primarily used to manage mood swings and secondary depression. Low dosage antidepressants, on the other hand, are helpful in managing sleep disturbance and pain.

Autonomic nervous system stimulants are used to help improve concentration and short-term memory which are greatly affected by the disorder.

NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are prescribed to CFS patients to relieve them from muscle and joint pains.

Anxiolyticagents are used to target symptoms of anxiety.

CAM or Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The use of dietary supplements in managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is central in alleviating the symptoms of CFS. According to some pilot studies, supplements of Carnitine, essential fatty acids, Magnesium and polynutrient supplements have shown strong indications of symptom reduction among patients.

Because the origins of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not yet fully understood, treatment options are more directed to managing the symptoms and not really in curing the disorder. The main objective in producing relief from symptoms is to reinstate the conditions of the person as well as his well-being prior to the onset of the disorder.

As a result, majority of sufferers do not fully recover and even if they do, they recover gradually. For people who expect better and faster recovery, frustrations often ensue which for most of the cases, worsen the condition.  It is therefore recommended to undergo a treatment at a very slow but well-managed pace.

Understanding Chronic Fatigue
http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

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There are numerous meditation methods for you to try and those who are skeptical about it should simply keep an open mind. For those who are really interested, you have to do some research to find out which is the best for you. To help you along the way, here are a few that can be done with the help of an expert.

The first is called Meditation by Walking which is very popular among monks. This activity is far different from the rest because it combines physical activity with mind conditioning in order to relieve stress immediately.

In order for this to work, you just have to find a place where you can walk like a circular path or a track. The reason why is because you want to follow a pattern in order to help your mind rest.

Of course, you will still have to breathe and walk at a slow pace. You might get distracted especially if there are other people on the track and when this happens, simply acknowledge it and continue what you are doing.

The next is called prayer meditation which is in fact the most popular form. The nice thing about this is that you do not have to go to Church or sing any hymns. You simply sit down, close your eyes and just relax.

Is meditation only for relaxing? The answer is no. Sometimes, this is used to help an athlete before a big event or by doctors to help cure patients. This is known as visualization meditation and you let your mind focus on an object or that goal which you wish to reach. This is effective when you finally settle in a very comfortable position

Another meditation method is called candle meditation. Here, you basically light a candle and then focus on the flame. For the next few minutes or so, you will block out everything else in the world and put all your concentration on the flickering flame.

Meditation on your own is not for everyone. This is why you can get guided meditation by listening to a prerecorded session. There are CD’s that play soothing music, while there are others that are narrated by a professional.

If you are not happy with your life or need time to reflect on your own, another meditation method is mirror gazing. Here, you simply gaze into your image and think about how your life is like. You can do this standing up or sitting down.

For those of you who cannot sit still, Yoga meditation may be what you are looking for. This is because aside from being an exercise designed to improve your flexibility, it can also provide relief for pain and gives the person a feeling of pleasure.

As you can see, there are many meditation methods to choose from. In fact, doctors now call this an alternative form of therapy and if this has worked for others, it could possibly do some good for you.

Which meditation method should you try? Well, why not try several, one week at a time, and see how things go. You can write in a journal what you experience and then come to the conclusion as to which has the most effective impact on you. From there, you will know which one among those mentioned may become part of your daily routine.

Understanding Chronic Fatigue
http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

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At first glance, you would think that the term “chronic fatigue” says it all. In medicine, any disease, disorder or illness that has the word “chronic” attached to it means that they persist for more than 6 months, either recurring or not. However, chronic fatigue means more than that.

While it seems pretty straightforward, there is actually so much more to this disorder (or disorders) than what its name suggests. It could mean anywhere from persistent headaches, flu-like symptoms or fatigue that goes on for weeks and months. Some even have to suffer for over a few years. Some never really fully recovered.

Patients normally have to suffer from flu-like sickness that does not subside from medications or rest. Also, there is some degree of debilitating exhaustion that limits one from functioning well. Many patients describe this exhaustion as being worn out even before getting up in the morning. In fact, chronic fatigue is not resolved simply by taking a nap or a longer sleep.

The reverse is often true- the lesser activities a patient performs, the higher are the chances that the illness will get worse. With chronic fatigue, a person is also constantly plagued with foggy thoughts and unstable concentration. As if to make it much worse, the person also simultaneously feels joint and muscle pains, disturbed sleep, sore throat, and general sense of absurd health.

But that is not the end of it. For some, these symptoms develop psychological stress that in turn develops anxiety, depression and irritability. These conditions pose great risks of becoming full-blown disorders if appropriate interventions are not administered.

The sad fact is, people who are affected with chronic fatigue syndrome used to be very healthy, very active individuals. They used to lead very normal lives that were free from any of the aforementioned symptoms. This makes one wonder how a perfectly healthy person – in fact one who probably had led a very active, if not exceptionally energetic life – turn into someone who is perpetually sick? Good question, but one that is difficult to answer.

There are actually no clear answers as to why chronic fatigue syndrome develops in one person and not to another. Current studies and clinical evidence however suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome can develop after contracting a serious infection or after experiencing extreme levels of stress. Having said that, there are numerous medical cases that purport to these theories, so to speak.

There are, for example, valid estimates where 96% of people who develop chronic fatigue used to actively exercise prior to the onset of the disease. Majority of the patients were also at the prime of their lives when they developed the disease. It is not surprising therefore that this disorder is coined as the “yuppie disease”, because it occurs at the time when a person is supposedly healthy and full of life.

After the onset of the disease, the lives of these people are changed drastically. They get stuck in their beds and quit their jobs because it is very taxing to get up. They had to abandon their roles and obligations because they do not have even enough energy to take care of themselves. In fact, they had to live a very sedentary and weak life because they are exhausted all the time.

Indeed, life for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers is very difficult to deal with. In my case, at my age I often get a few days extreme fatigue. Sometimes I develop that “I don’t cafe” feeling.

But I am one of the lucky ones, as my hi spirits always comes back. Thank God for that.

Understanding Chronic Fatigue

http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

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How are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome controlled? To start with, they are no longer restricted to changes in lifestyle, medications and behavioral therapies. Actually, there are current treatment models that make use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Alternative medicine is developing into an attractive treatment option. For the longest time now, conventional treatments have not guaranteed absolute success, or even any reasonable measure of success. So as a result, more and more people are trying complementary and alternative treatments, and having some measure of success.
Here are some of the most common complementary and alternative treatments used in relieving patients from the symptoms of CFS.

Ginseng
In Asia, ginseng is a popular herbal treatment for fatigue as well as in increasing energy which is basically what patients of CFS need. It turns out, the claims around this ancient energy booster herb hold water even when tested through contemporary research. Based on the study conducted by the University of Iowa, ginseng is among the more reliable and effective herbs for CFS. An independent study conducted in California further proved that ginseng is a powerful herb for treating CFS.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
In a pioneering study conducted among chronic fatigue patients, it was proven that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly known as NADH, helps in providing extra energy for CFS patients.

Carnitine
Carnitine, a substance found in almost all living cells, has the main function of transporting fatty acids to the powerhouse or the mitochondria of cells. This substance, in a way, is instrumental in the production of cellular energy. Carnitine supplements are helpful to CFS patients since it is found out that among these people, Carnitine levels are very low which is linked to some types of pain, muscle fatigue and decreased tolerance to physical exertion. Supplementation, therefore, can help fix low Carnitine levels.

Carnitine supplements, in general, work well with patients of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However high dosage of these supplements may lead to side effects such as diarrhea, rashes, increased appetite and body odor.

Coenzyme Q10 or Co Q10
This is another compound that is found in the energy-producing organelle of the cells- the mitochondria. It is known to play roles in the production of ATP, a chemical compound which produces energy used during muscle contraction.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a type of hormone that is released by the adrenal glands. Small quantities of DHEA are also found in the testes and the ovaries where it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. This hormone plays a great deal in the regulation of sleep, moods and memory. Among patients of chronic fatigue syndrome, this hormone is found in abnormally lower levels. Supplements are therefore needed to normalize these levels. However there are downsides to using DHEA supplements.

Since this hormone is converted into testosterone and estrogen, conditions that are controlled by these hormones may be affected. It is therefore very important that DHEA supplements are used only with doctor’s prescription and supervision.

The substances discussed above are potentially helpful in relieving the symptoms of CFS, especially the fatigue factor. However, it should be remembered that although these come from natural sources, the “natural” factor does not guarantee that the substance is safe. These substances can potentially interfere with other medications and may pose serious danger to the health of individuals who are taking them without sufficient professional assistance.

Work with your doctor, or specialist in trying these remedies.

Other options are truly safe. Have you tried acupuncture. I did only once and did not enjoy it. But one session is hardly a fair test. It does work for a lot of people.

Other safe therapies work on keeping your stress levels down. These include breathing therapy, relaxation therapies, movement therapies.

It’s important that you research the many differing options. I know, you are too tired to do that. So have someone do it for you. The benefit you may derive from trying some of these therapies is immeasurable.

So, get it done!

Fred Farah

More information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Understanding Chronic Fatigue Blog
http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

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If it’s important to you to know how chronic fatigue is diagnosed, then here is the place to find out.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, otherwise known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, is a disorder that literally cripples you with extreme fatigue that lasts many months and even years. It usually comes as a package of symptoms that range from muscle and joint pains to the inability to perform even the slightest activity.

CFS, or chronic fatigue syndrome, is diagnosed by comparing the symptoms of the sick person against two groups of symptoms which commonly show up among CFS patients.

Obviously, the first sign that your doctor will look for is the persistent fatigue that is unrelated to any other condition and results in utter exhaustion. Tolerance to fatigue among CFS patients is very low, so they get severely exhausted from even the slightest tasks. In fact, it is not uncommon for CFS patients to move from one room in their home to another, and end up feeling totally drained.

Most CFS sufferers will get sick for a few days to several weeks, just from performing minor activities. Chronic fatigue is often mistaken for the flu, as the flu-like symptoms are closely related to CFS.

The second part of the CFS diagnosis is the presence of four or more of any of the following symptoms:

- myalgia or muscle pains,

- arthralgia or joint pains in parts of the body,

- severe head aches,

- persistent sore throat which recurs,

- tenderness of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes,

- impaired short-term memory and ability to concentrate,

There’s an endless number of other symptoms that healthcare professionals look for. They include bloating, abdominal pain, dizziness and nausea. And how about chronic cough, chest pains, shortness of breath, dryness of the mouth and eyes.

Weight loss is understandable as patients don’t even feel like eating, but what a horrible way to diet.

There is often numerous psychological problems  such as depression, anxiety, irritability and panic attacks, diarrhea, alcohol intolerance.

Please realize that all these symptoms can be caused by other ailments, so diagnosis is made only after all conditions that are known to produce these symptoms are ruled out. Unfortunately, health care professionals have difficulty in diagnosing chronic fatigue due to the frequency of similar symptoms from other causes.

Apart from the fact that fatigue is a common result of many diseases, it is also a very common sign of most chronic conditions. CFS also presents no symptoms that are visible and obvious enough for easy identification.

To make diagnosis still more difficult, there are not even any diagnostic or laboratory tests that can help in establishing the presence of CFS. Patients also display varying symptoms and the level of severity that just add to the complexity of diagnosis.

In effect, probably the most important symptom remains the severity of the fatigue, along with the length of time it has endured. After 6 months or longer, it is usually classified as chronic fatigue syndrome.

In addition, through elimination of multiple symptoms being from other factors, most doctors can arrive at a diagnosis:

1. Most doctors look for symptoms of hypothyroidism, a malfunction of the thyroid producing lower levels of thyroid hormones. Other notable conditions that may exhibit symptoms similar to CFS are lupus, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, mononucleosis or kissing disease, depression and diabetes.

2. Believe it or not, the usage of certain medications can result in serious fatigue. There actually are some medications, drugs and substances that can cause physical exhaustion.

3. Recurrence of previous diseases, or illnesses that can produce extreme exhaustion. Cancer is a prime example.

4. Substance abuse, such as excessive alcohol consumption, especially if taken with illegal drugs.

5. Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 45. I know people like this, and they have expressed often being lethargic, or even “dead tired”.  Understandable, just from the strain of the body carrying so much dead weight.

So there you have it. How is Chronic Fatigue Diagnosed? Now you know. It may take a long time for a definitive diagnosis however, and that is due to the numerous conditions that need to be eliminated to pin down the true cause of the chronic fatigue.

Fred Farah

Diet for Weight Loss Blog
http://www/dietforweightlossblog.com

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Coping with chronic fatigue syndrome is very difficult, as it’s a complex illness in which symptoms vary over time. Common symptoms include a decrease in stamina that interferes with daily activities, and difficulties with memory and concentration. There is also loss of independence, loss of job or income source, changes in relationships with family, worries about the illness, and confusing symptoms. And there are the constant medical checkups with health care professionals who may not completely comprehend the condition. 

Along with these symptoms comes the resulting feelings of anger, anxiety, and unresolved emotions from having the illness to begin with.

Often, symptoms include sleep problems, muscle pain, joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, headaches and sore throat. Many patients also list gastrointestinal complaints, depression, and allergies as symptoms.

As there is no known cure at this time, it is essential to develop coping strategies for the various elements it presents to those who suffer from it. Although CFS may have profound impact on patients lives, it is important to find ways to adapt elements of this condition to your lifestyle so as to manage it to the fullest extent possible.

To better understand the disease, it is helpful to participate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a form of psychological therapy that brings about relief from symptoms by establishing a positive outlook regarding the condition.  This may sound unbelievable, but CBT has been used for patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

CBT can be prescribed as part of therapeutic process to help patients learn to manage activity levels, stress, and symptoms, and can help them better adapt to the impact of CFS and improve the quality of life by elevating functional levels.

Alternative therapies such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques, massage and healing touch, and movement therapies like stretching, yoga, and tai chi have also been found helpful for some CFS patients in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being.

As we all should, most patients with CFS need to exercise; however, vigorous aerobic exercise is not recommended.  Many with this condition are affected by “post-exertional malaise,” which means that their normal symptoms usually worsen 12-24 hours after strenuous activity that can last for days or even weeks.

Having said that, avoiding activity leads to serious de-conditioning and may worsen other symptoms. Therefore, CFS patients must learn the most effective way to pace activities and focus on interval activities or graded exercises, and start an exercise activity plan slowly and increase its pace gradually. 

In summary, CFS is a condition that, with time, support, and patience, can be managed to effectively achieve relief from symptoms with a plan of balancing daily expectations with gentle exercise.  Without giving up, those with CFS must manage their expectations of success to beat the condition, and should not expect to go too far too fast to “get back to normal.”

Fred Farah

Diet for Weight Loss Blog
http://www/dietforweightlossblog.com

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The cure for just plain drowsiness is achieved by going to sleep. Fatigue, on the other hand, is more serious and sleep alone can never relieve the condition.

Apathy is totally different, in that one just doesn’t give a darn about anything, doesn’t care for the things around you. All three conditions are symptoms of fatigue.

Fatigue is the condition when you are tired all the time, and you lack energy. Chronic fatigue simply means that you are weary and feel exhausted almost all the time. It’s much more serious than just feeling tired.

Chronic fatigue syndrome usually requires medical attention as there can be serious health problems that will often get worse, if not attended to.

Depression is often a catalyst for CFS. Depression displays similar symptoms to CFS, such as low energy levels. Fatigue from depression can last a day or more. The symptoms are similar to chronic fatigue, which usually lasts a lot longer. Even thyroid problems can cause fatigue symptoms.

Sometimes, the symptoms of chronic fatigue are associated with other illnesses, such as diabetes, addison’s disease, arthritis, kidney disease or even renal degeneration. Other illnesses that have similar symptoms are congestive heart disease, lupus, and even cancer. Malnutrition or the opposing eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia may even contribute to your overall “I don’t care any more” attitude.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, why take a chance of getting worse. Go see your doctor or any other specialist that may help you determine your exact condition. You must do this before starting any treatments on your own. Why risk using the wrong medications or treatments.

Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome can be divided into two classes, physical or psychological, which include the following:

• Sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, or sleep-apnea
• Asthma or hay fever
• Hypothyroidism
• Anemia (tired blood)
• non-prescription drugs
• excessive alcohol use
• Never ending pain
• Depression

There are home care treatments which can help overcome many of the chronic fatigue symptoms. Again, be sure to consult your physician or CFS specialist to monitor your efforts.

Here are some things you can try:
Get adequate rest each night.

Eat balanced foods and follow a healthy diet, drink lots of water every day.

Learn to avoid a sedentary daily lifestyle, as it can surely drain the energy right out of you. Force yourself to do simple walking and jogging, as this can stop your regression. When should you walk? Probably when you least feel like it. I know it’s hard, but what the H… you have nothing to lose but your nagging feelings of fatigue.

Staying away from stressful circumstances will help you avoid too much stress. Taking vacations, dealing with relationship problems in a calmer way, taking multivitamins, and avoiding stress-triggering activities are simple yet proven ways to avoid those chronic fatigue symptoms.

It also works if you avoid excessive nightlife activities although I doubt you feel like going out on the town in your exhausted state.

Refrain from too much consumption of nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or drugs. But ask your doctor if stimulants like the caffeine in coffee are good to use, or not. I don’t know the answer, so ask your doctor.

Alternative and Natural Remedies

These remedies are very popular, as they are surprisingly effective. Not the same for everyone though, as some work but rarely all. There are variations for each individual case.
 
I bet you never thought of this one. There are different alternatives available such as having a reflexology massage. It is not only a good way to relax but it also helps improve your blood circulation. It’s certainly not easy to accept that nerves in your upper body are controlled from the toes of your feet. That type of association is why it’s called reflexology.

Acupuncture, made famous by the Chinese for thousands of years, is perfect for the more daring of us. It increases physical and mental strength, a very ideal way to help overcome those symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Just be careful to hire a true acupuncture technician, so they won’t leave some needles sticking out from parts of your body, just from sloppy habits. It happened to me long ago, but only once.

There are other choices that I can’t detail here, such as Meditation, which helps bring in your inner peace. Aromatherapy, is another way of obtaining inner peace.

There are numerous vitamins and supplements that are worth exploring, and are covered in other articles here. Read the following articles, and you will discover names we never heard of before, yet seem to be quite effective.

Combat Chronic Fatigue With Nutrition
http://understandingchronicfatigue.com/combat-chronic-fatigue-with-nutrition

Beat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Natural Remedies
http://understandingchronicfatigue.com/beat-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-with-natural-remedies

Fred Farah

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Do you know anyone who suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Or perhaps you do yourself. Well, imagine a lifetime of CFS, which consists of endless headaches and flu-like illness.

It’s hard to imagine being unable to go from your bed to the kitchen or the bathroom because you’re exhausted all the time. Just picture yourself stuck in your house, and you can’t even go to work to earn a living. Well that, my friends, is the sum of your life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) a disorder of the mind or the body? Actually, it is both. It’s hard to believe just how much the mind is affected. This also means that there could be help with the mind, that would flow to the physical healing as well.

And even worse still, CFS also afflicts the immune system so you can just picture your life if your own immune system is not there fighting on your behalf.

It even lowers one’s threshold to physical activities, thus making you feel worn out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are limited to very minimal activities, it simply means you just can’t hold a job.

With all this, it’s hard to imagine living a normal, healthy life while suffering from chronic fatigue. You ultimately give up hope, and give up trying to find solutions or treatments.

Is there a way for an almost normal life to develop, in spite of being hounded by the CFS symptoms. I believe it to be definitly possible. So here are some things you can try that may limit the negative effects of the disease on yourself and on your life.

One of the most important things you should do is remove the diets that harm your body. It’s so easy to sabotage your health these days by just following the average American’s fast food craze, and by devouring too much processed foods and by eating too many flour- and sugar-based foods. Sugar is the big killer as well as flour, transfat, processed foods, etc. These types of foods account for numerous symptoms of poor health, and even damage your immune system.

Since these foods take up so much space in your stomach, no room is left for foods with high nutrition and being valuable protein. For people suffering from CFS, it is crucial to maintain a certain level of nutrition in the body. So always try to eat healthy foods, as this would lessen some of the biggest problems concerning your condition such as infection and weakened immune system.

Conquer Chronic Fatigue – If you are a sufferer of CFS, you no doubt feel that it’s easier to stay in bed and just not move. Working around the house when you are seriously exhausted is still a must. It is a serious part of your treatments.

Don’t give in to exhaustion and just force yourself to do some activity every day. In time, you will find it easier to exercise and feel less worn out.

Don’t underestimate the power of positive thinking to defeat the illness mentality. I realize it is a lot more convenient to let negative thoughts defeat you, especially when you are told there is no known cure for Chronic Fatigue.

But do try to picture a life free from chronic fatigue and try to keep that image in your mind. Convince yourself that your dilemma is just a state of mind. Amazingly your positive thinking could liberate you from the troubles of your disease, starting with a reduced intensity of your chronic fatigue syndrome.

This technique, which I call positive thinking, is actually a sound psychotherapeutic technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It has proven itself many times over, so here is a serious treatment to work on.

Force yourself to look for techniques that can treat your condition. Even the person living with you can also help you with this, and they could be your most helpful aid to you developing a positive approach that will get results.

There are actually treatment techniques that you can formulate for yourself, but it’s much better to do it with help, including your helper, but most especially with the specialist your should be working with.

Testing different proceedures to weed out the most beneficial ones for you, is a must. I also recommend the following guide that will shorten the search for you. Go read this product review at my blog
http://understandingchronicfatigue.com/overcoming-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-2

Believe me, the cost is insignificant, especially considering the valuable advice you will derive there.

Good luck to you.

Fred Farah

More information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Understanding Chronic Fatigue Blog http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Successfully Using Natural Medicine at  http://fredfarah.com/pro/chronicfatigue.htm

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