The Search for Cures

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What is it?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition which is gaining recognition in the medical world. If you have the following symptoms, then you may well have CFS.

• Poor memory or concentration.
• A sore throat.
• Join pains.
• Exhaustion or fatigue after physical activity.
• Headaches or migraines.
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes.
• Muscular pain.
• Poor or restless sleep.
• Reoccurring viral infections.
• Depression.

What causes it?

There doesn't appear to be an established cause that is agreed to in the medical world, however, it is suggested that it might be due to a overburdened immune system. Viruses, such as glandular fever, herpes VI and chicken pox / shingles virus could well be   trigger. If the immune system is overloaded, it sends a message to the body to shut down and rest for its own self preservation.

So, what can be done about it?

If the immune system is overloaded, then the first concern is to take the strain away from it. The key to doing this is diet. Diet is such a bad word as it implies measuring, scales, restricted meals, etc. However, in this case, it means cutting out the foods which are causing your problems.

As your liver is your first line of defence for your body, that should be the first thing you look at. There are blood tests and ultra sounds that can help reveal the state of your liver. A fatty liver is certainly a good indication that your immune system is also suffering.

In a nutshell, the key to overcoming CFS a suggested three step plan can be followed which I have taken from the book Boost Your Energy by Dr. Sandra Cabot

1. Cleanse your liver.

Several books have been written on cleansing your liver. I'd recommend The Liver Cleansing Diet book by Dr. Sandra Cabot. Contained within this book is a wealth of detail and recipes to help you achieve this goal.

In short, the liver cleansing diet she recommends is:

1. Eat more raw fruit and vegetables.
2. Minimise high fat dairy products such as butter, cheese, chocolate, ice-cream.
3. Avoid damaging fats such as deep fried foods, fast foods.
4. Avoid artificial chemicals such as preservatives, sweeteners, etc.
5. Add good fats to your diet such as essential fatty acids (flax oil is a good source), cold pressed seed and vegetable oils, avocadoes, fish, raw seeds and raw nuts.
6. Eat a diverse source of proteins such as seafood, free range chickens, eggs, lean fresh read meat, etc.
7. Cut out processed sugars such as white sugars and use natural ones such as honey, fruit, etc.
8. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, raw juices, herbal teas, etc.

It is recommended that you do this for at least three months.

Liver tonics may also be of assistance. They contain herbs and anino acids (taurine, dandelion, St. Mary's thistle, globe artichoke) to mention a few. Also Swedish bitters is said to be a good liver tonic.

2. Help strengthen your immune system.

Herbs and minerals can be used to help strengthen your immune system. Echinacea, garlic, magnesium, colloidal minerals, trace minerals, selenium, zinc, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, maleic acid, boron, molybdenum, chromium, and selenium are said to help here. Herbs are like medicine and caution is always advised in their use. It might be wise to ask a naturopath or M.D. (one who is open minded to such things) for advice.

Also, Vitamin C is well worth taking.

Guarana, ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba are good herbs for helping to boost your energy levels.

3. Do something nice and positive for yourself.

Often we get into a rut and don't give ourselves the time to go out and have fun or just doing something positive. There is a certain rush of energy and satisfaction when you achieve something or have had a positive experience. Depression can also be a major problem. Often it can be clinical rather than psychological. In such a case, it's the body that is at fault, and while you can fight it, you won't win in the long term until the problem is corrected. The liver cleansing diet may help in some cases, but it's worth visiting your doctor if it's chronic.

The biggest problem with any dis-ease, especially one that affects your emotions, is getting started. Support from your loved ones can make all the difference. I'd also recommend Bach Flower Remedies as a good source to overcome inertia, depression, etc.

 

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