Natural Remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Natural Remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome JoAnn Guest Aug 08, 2003 17:47

PDT

Researchers are only beginning to target possible causes of CFS.

Many suspect that it is caused by thyroid, adrenal, liver, or immune

system dysfunction.

 

Another theory is that CFS is caused by a virus

similar to the herpes virus, i.e. Epstein-Barr virus.

 

Prescription drugs, such as anti-hypertensives(blood-pressure meds),

birth control pills, or sedatives may *trigger* chronic fatigue.

 

Diet can play an important role in CFS treatment.

 

Patients often discover that by modifying their diet, they can greatly

improve their CFS symptoms.

 

By choosing organically grown nutrient-rich foods which are easily

digested, CFS patients can begin to take control.

 

Good dietary choices include:

 

Organic vegetables, fruits, Legumes, organic whole grains, Seeds, Nuts

and Fish!

 

CFS patients may also find that certain foods intensify their

symptoms.

 

Foods that require more energy to digest may increase

fatigue in CFS patients.

 

Some foods that CFS patients may want to

avoid include:

 

Dairy products, Red meats and poultry, Alcohol, Refined Sugar,Processed

foods containing hydrogenated fats,

Caffeine, including soda, coffee, and chocolate.

 

The most debilitating symptom of CFS is a complete lack of energy.

 

Some herbs used for energy enhancement include:

 

Ginger

 

Ginkgo Biloba

 

Licorice Root

 

Dandelion Root

 

Alfalfa

 

Organic Blackstrap Molasses

 

 

In a study at the University of California Department of Medicine,

 

Echinacea and Astragalus extracts enhanced cellular *immune* function in

both healthy individuals and patients with depressed immune systems.

 

Other herbs that are recognized for immune system

enhancement include:

 

Shitake Mushrooms

Reishi Mushroom

Garlic

Leeks, Onions, &

Scallions

 

 

IMPORTANT SUPPLEMENTS:

 

Dietary supplements can provide great relief to individuals

suffering from CFS. In a study of fibromyalgia and CFS, patients

reported a significant improvement in symptoms after taking

nutritional supplements.

 

Experts recommend the following nutritional

supplements for CFS patients.

 

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant known to support immune

function. Under stressful conditions, the body needs additional

vitamin C to help the immune system function normally.

 

Vitamin C

 

promotes healthy adrenal function, which is especially helpful for

women who suffer from stress. In one study of 411 married couples,

researchers found a clear correlation between fatigue and low levels

of vitamin C.

 

Magnesium-

 

is important for energy production, protein formation,

and cellular replication. Most Americans are deficient in this

mineral.

 

Iron deficiency can lead to chronic fatigue and anemia.

Natural liver extracts, blackstrap molasses and dandelion are considered

the best sources of iron. Synthetic iron tablets may tend to worsen

existing problems!

Spinach, kale, dandelion, beets, chives and asparagus are important food

sources.

 

Vitamin B-complex-

 

consisting of all 11 B vitamins, including folic acid,

vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.

 

Vitamin B6 deficiency has been implicated in fatigue and anemia.

 

Vitamin B12 deficiency is implicated in elevated homocysteine levels.

 

High levels of *homocysteine* are believed to contribute to heart

disease, the number one killer in the U.S.

 

In addition elevated levels of homocysteine are characteristic of CFS

patients.

 

Researchers have also discovered that CFS patients have lower levels of

B vitamins than healthy patients.

 

Vitamin E-

 

an important antioxidant, protects cells against damage

from toxins. It can enhance imune function and has antihistamine

properties.

 

Potassium-

deficiency has been linked to fatigue and muscle weakness.

Potassium may help restore energy in some CFS patients.

 

Pantothenic Acid-

 

helps your body make its own thyroid *glandular*.

Blackstrap molasses, Brewers Yeast, coconut milk and pineapple are rich

in pantothenic acid.

 

 

Stress Reduction:

 

Most experts agree that stress plays a part in CFS.

 

Meditation induces relaxation. Try thinking affirmative thoughts.

 

Visualization may be combined with calming music to reduce stress

Focus on positive imagery.

 

Yoga can improve circulation and may increase energy

 

Massage can also improve circulation and reduce stress.

 

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrs-

Dieta-

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