To feel tired is quite normal in one’s everyday life. Most people feel very tired after strenuous sports activities, for example. These instances of fatigue only happen when we overexert ourselves. Have a good sleep, or relax watching TV, and you get back to normal.

It’s quite different however, for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Extreme fatigue for them means feeling exhausted day and night and for many weeks and even months. They don’t officially get classified as having chronic fatigue until they have these symptoms for a long period of time, usually over six months and more.

Although the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is difficult to know, it is believed to be related to viral infections. People suffering from CFS frequently exhibit symptoms such as flu, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint aches, etc.

Viruses appear to be incurable, and even drugs such as antibiotics can’t cure them. Consequently, no one has yet discovered a cure for chronic fatigue syndrome.

For those suffering from viral infections, they can combat these viruses by boosting their immune system. Because chronic fatigue syndrome relates greatly to viral infection, boosting the immune system using natural remedies is an important treatment. It has been shown to relieve some of the symptoms, if not all of them.

These natural remedies are highly recommended to patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome:

1.) Exercise regularly – Adding exercises and other physical activities into your daily routine can do wonders for you. Having CFS doesn’t mean all you need to do is rest all day. People with CFS are usually lethargic and easily tired. To fight the lethargy, keeping the body active is important. Doing 15-30 minutes of mild exercise and another 30 minutes of vigorous physical activities such as aerobics, tennis, swimming and brisk walking can help your body function better and your heart healthier and stronger.

Stretching and other relaxation exercises can also help you manage stress, which intensifies chronic fatigue. However, before you start any exercise routine, consult your doctor and ask for his advice.

2.) Eat more high-quality protein foods, such as fish and soy products. Nuts and chicken are good sources of quality protein that are low in saturated fat. Chicken and fish are also good sources of omega 3, 6 and 9. All
these help maintain a good healthy body, and without any special effort.

3.) Your diet should consist of more vegetables and fruits. A nutritious and balanced diet is an excellent way to maintain health and combat illnesses. By eating more green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits, your body is nourished with vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.

4.) Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day helps flush out your inner system, and drinking 8-10 glasses of water helps cleanse the body and keep it hydrated.
Our body is 70% water so make sure to keep it cleansed.

5.) Do you like eating garlic and onions? I don’t like either one, especially raw onions. Yet I am in the minority, as most people love them both. Which is good, because onions and garlic are known for their virus-inhibiting abilities. They can be taken either raw or cooked.

Supplements that contain garlic and onion can also be taken as an alternative if you don’t like the taste of these two healthful bulbs. I have had the garlic pills and there is no taste to them at all.

6.) Herbal supplements are great in fighting CFS.
There are several herbal medicines you can take to help you manage chronic fatigue syndrome. Echinacea root is known as an immune system booster. It is available in available in several formats, even as tea.

Ginseng root is believed to restore vitality and increase energy. In Asian countries, it is even known as an aphrodisiac. I would believe the first part, but an “aphrodisiac”… I don’t know.

Licorice, pokeroot and golden seal are also helpful in combating chronic fatigue syndrome.

These supplements are covered more fully in another blog post “Herbal Remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”. You can find it at http://understandingchronicfatigue.com/herbal-remedies-for-chronic-fatigue-syndrome

Work with your doctor and specialist to evaluate which
of these herbs could work for you. You have nothing to lose except excessive fatigue.

Fred Farah

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