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Well Women Guide to CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS relates to tiredness and fatigue that is persistent and not relieved by sleep. It is also referred to as M.E (myalgic encephalomyelitis)and the main symptom, which should not be taken lightly, is persistent tiredness which can be more often than not, disabling in some ways. It can be a condition on it's own or accompany other conditions such as autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia. Around 150,000 people in the UK alone suffer with CFS and as usual, it is mainly suffered by women with onset being at anytime from teenage to mid to late forties. Since the fatigue is not relieved by sleep or rest, exercise and physical activity will exacerbate the fatigue, although the resulting fatigue can appear some hours later or even the next morning. CFS substantially reduces the level of activity. The fatigue is also mental and extremely overwhelming. The tiredness is not like normal tiredness. It is all consuming and also makes you feel depressed and demotivated. Panic attacks can occur too and mood is very much affected. There are other symptoms too and can be all or some of the following such as tender swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, confusion, poor concentration, insomnia and sleep problems, IBS symptoms, persistent sore throat,sensitivity to noise and light, muscle weakness, joint pain, a feeling of having the flu, sore throats, chest pains, palpitations, headaches, forgetfulness, allergies and so on as the list is not exhaustive. You will notice that the symptoms are similar to thyroid fibromyalgia and autoimmune conditions, but CFS can be a condition on it's own and unrelated to the other conditions. However, there is usually some immune response and decline in immune system functioning. Additionally there can be other symptoms such as dizziness, poor balance, feeling very cold or hot or a combination, nausea and food intolerances. There are varying degrees ranging from mild through moderate to very severe. If it is very severe, you are unable to carry out daily tasks and your day may consist of mainly being confined to bed. Severe CFS means being able to carry out simple tasks but sometimes needing to use a wheelchair. Mild and moderate CFS mean being able to carry out varying degrees of tasks depending on the severity at the time. Sometimes you will need to take time off work because a flare up has occured and you need to have plenty of rest, and then the symptoms gradually pass off or reduce. Of course if you also have an autoimmune disease to cope with, this can make you feel very ill when combined with the symptoms of that as well. My own experience of CFS has varied from mild to severe but as I have recovered and improved with the thyroid condition, I would say it is now mild to moderate with it being mild more often than not except when I over do things. When you suffer from autoimmune disease, you can expect the fatigue to be a symptom that occurs regularly, but that will improve in time. However, it will never go away entirely and while some days you will be lively, other days you may be completely drained and overwhelmed by tiredness and this may fluctuate with periods of tireness and periods of feeling fine. The whole thing is very frustrating, especially when you could feel fine for three or four days and naturally do a little bit more than normal only to find yourself completely off your feet the next day. There are many explanations of CFS and it's possible causes. One thing is sure that all autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia sufferers will experince it in varying degrees. Like most of these conditions, the cause is largely unknown although theory has it that it's trigger could be viral although the explanation for the continuation and worsening of CFS is still a mystery. Other theories are: Severe mental stress, hereditary susceptibility, a weakened immune system, trauma being around a lot of electrical equipment, polio vaccine, heavy metal toxicity, food intolerances, adrenal exhaustion candida, and the list of possibilities goes on. Once again environmental issues come into the list of theories as they weaken an already susceptible immune system, together with auto immune issues. Unfortunately there is no test for CFS, although GP's will usually order blood tests for anaemia, thyroid function etc. Another interesting theory is that bacteria from persistent tooth infections and abcesses can spread through the body causing immune dysfunction. The problem is often resolved when the offending teeth are removed and sockets cleaned out of all bacteria and infection. Dental fillings can also be somewhat contributary due to mercury toxcity. I have had tooth problems since my teenage years with many abcesses causing severe pain. I currently have a dormant abcess but it can be felt through my jaw as a large swelling. My blood tests show a constant raised white cell count and have done for many years, the cause of which can not be identified. It is interesting to note that we can often ourselves find many possible reasons for our conditions, but when our suggestions are put to medical professionals, they are brushed off as though we are incompetent toddlers. In the meantime, we have to suffer. Once again, supplements can help as well as a diet full of vitamins and antioxidants and anything that will boost our immune system. As many as 40 per cent of CFS sufferers have a magnesium deficiency What Supplements or remedies could help? Stangely enough, Mistletoe, can help with chronic fatigue as well as menopausal and menstrual problems. It is a calming regenerative herb with many other uses such as normalising circulation, endocrine system, blood pressure and as it is excellent for stress, will help normalise the nervous system and metabolism. It is thought that this ancient plant was poisonous and indeed the berries are. It is the leaves that are used in herbal remedies and are non toxic with many benefits. Zell Oxygen is another dietary supplement that is excellent. It is a liquid taken once a day (30mls) and admitedly tastes foul but makes you feel well quite quickly. Flax seed oil, Evening Primrose oil and Hemp oil CFS sufferers need EFa's as these support the endocrine system Magnesium Very important for CFS sufferers who are almost always deficient in this mineral. It can take as much as a year to correct a magnesium deficiency. Up to 3 grams of the amino acid, L-carnitine, daily before food. This has been shown to reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue.Please read about L-carnitine here Add coriander to food as it detoxifies heavy metals from the body Propolis Propolis have been well researched and trials have found that it benefits and heals many conditions such as: Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Angina, Acne, Blood Pressure (high) Bone healing, Bronchitis, Burns, Candida Albicans infections, Colds, Dental problems (pain from mouth ulcers), Eczema, Gastric Ulcers, Gastrointestinal infections and parasites, Goitre, Gum infections, Hay Fever, Immune System (under or over active conditions), Influenza, Infection of many kinds, Irradiation (AIDS resistance to), lung conditions, M.E. (chronic fatigue), sclerosis, nails and hair growth, Peptic Ulcers, Rheumatoid Arthritis. It enhances, protects and heals the immune system. Please read this article for more detailed information Liquorice supplement because it strengthens the adrenal glands and is one of the quickest ways to restore adrenal function. Do not take if you have high blood pressure. Milk thistle supports the liver. Echinacea taken for 5 days a week with a break at weekends to boost the immune system In order to beat CFS, we need to boost our level of health especially our immune system if we hope to recover and this is something only we can do ourselves. Reduce wheat and dairy products if you find you have an intolerance to them. Eat organic and natural foods without additives and preservatives. Camu Camu powder provides a very high amount of food state vitamin C. Sodium ascorbate plays a leading role in the elimination of chronic and acute infection. Serrapeptase is powerful at reducing inflammation naturally with none of the risks of drugs like NSAIDS.
Please Click Here to read about do's and don'ts of the immune system for ideas and solutions for boosting our immune systems when suffering from chronic illness. Libido is something that is affected greatly by fatigue and chronic illness and the worry this causes (and also dread of bedtime) combined with our symptoms make the problem so much worse. When we have a loving and supportive partner, all we want to be able to do is return their love, but the mind numbing fatigue gets right in the way and takes priority over any possibility of arousal. This is the last thing on our minds especially as generally speaking, our body just won't respond to any kind of stimulation. With this in mind, please click here to go to the Libido page for ideas and solutions that may help kick start your body and reinstate your relationship. At the very least, it may help to increase the regularity of lovemaking from once a month (or less) to a bit more, therefore reducing guilt and anxiety and helping you to overcome the problem as a result. It is also very unfortunate that the medical profession brush us off while they themselves remain not only ignorant but seeimingly uncaring and while not only our quality of life is affected, but that of our partner, children etc. More research is needed and time and effort put in to finding a reason and ultimately a solution. We can help ourselves and probably do a very good job with natural supplements and improvements in our diet and lifestyle and there are many products out there that can help a great deal. Kings College Hospital in London have an M.E unit and referral is by your G.P. I have just been referred here but I am not sure what the criteria is. Please refer to Action For M.E. for more information Please read Mary Shomons book "Living Well with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia" for further information. Please click here to read about mercury toxicity symptoms and detoxing with chlorella. (Mercury amalgams should be removed to avoid leakage into the system)
To see other books about CFS please Click Here
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