What is chronic fatigue syndrome (low energy)?
Chronic fatigue may be caused by a mixture of infections, with several pathogens involved. Environmental pollutants and contaminants also contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome by reducing immune response. Chronic fatigue acts like recurring systemic viral infection. Viruses often go undetected because their symptoms mimic simple illnesses likecolds, the flu, or mononucleosis.
Fatigue is sometimes difficult to describe. You might feel like you don't have any energy and are tired all the time. Many people comment, "I am tired of being tired." Do you feel generally tired all the time, find yourself napping constantly, falling asleep while watching television, losing interest in family, friends, and things you used to like to do? If you feel exhausted even when you have not been completing mentally or physically-challenging tasks, you might suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. If you think you might have chronic fatigue syndrome, see your doctor or health care provider.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
The stress of work, family, and financial obligations can take its toll on anyone. At times depression or anxiety are the real issue, and not fatigue. If you are concerned about your fatigue, talk to your doctor. Sleep plays a huge factor in fatigue as well. Restful sleep is necessary for health. Even though many people say that they get 7-8 hours of sleep per night, the real issue is not the amount but the quality of your rest. If you are constantly waking up during the night or having your sleep interrupted, you may be fatigued because you are not getting proper sleep. Why do we wake up during the night? Physical causes are estimated at 20-60% and emotional causes are the other 40-80%. Other factors might include:
• hepatitis, Epstein-Barr Syndrome
• fungal infections
• carbohydrate sensitivity
• magnesium deficiency
• heavy metal toxicity
• digestive dysfunction
What can I do to help with my chronic fatigue syndrome?
If you think you might have chronic fatigue syndrome, talk to your doctor. Also consider avoiding the following:
• sugar-laden foods
• caffeine
• dairy foods
• over-the-counter energy drinks with caffeine, guarana, ephedra, or bitter orange
References
Bland, Jeffrey. Your Health under Siege: Using Nutrition to Fight Back. Brattleboro, VT: S. Greene, 1981. Print.
Keville, Kathi, and Peter Korn. Herbs for Health and Healing. Emmaus, Penn.: Rodale, 1996. Print.
Santillo, Humbart, and Deborah Kantor. Food Enzymes: The Missing Link to Radiant Health. Prescott, AZ: Hohm, 1993. Print.
Werbach, Melvyn R. Nutritional Influences on Illness: A Sourcebook of Clinical Research. New Canaan, CT: Keats Pub., 1990.