Alternative Answers for Fighting Fatigue

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Alternative Answers for Fighting Fatigue

 

Fatigue is a sign that your body is in need of conserving energy. It

can be a sign that your body is expanding more energy than it can

produce. It could also be the symptoms of an underlying health

problem. It can be the first signs of developing physical or

emotional problems or a variety of infectious diseases. Consulting a

medical professional is the first step that should be taken in order

to rule out certain physical illnesses.

 

Physical examination and routine laboratory tests although required

to rule out other possible causes of a patient's symptoms, no

laboratory test, no matter how esoteric or exotic, can diagnose this

condition or measure its severity.

 

If no physical illness is found, a regimen of proper diet, detoxing,

exercise, and plenty of rest and water is a good start. Try to manage

stress and balance situations around you.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that is debilitating with a

variety of symptoms that resemble those of flu or other viral

infections. The cause of CFS is not known but several theories

posture that it is a " reaction " to a virus. This is why it is

mistaken many times for other disorders. Often mistaken by some to be

a result of infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, which is a member

of the herpes family and the same virus that causes mononucleosis or

Lyme disease. However, there is no convincing evidence that most

cases of CFS are caused by an infection. Some other theories suggest

that chronic fatigue is related to overwork, stress, a weak immune

system, allergies, low blood pressure, hormonal imbalance or

environmental toxins. In some cases it may follow the death of a

close relative or an operation.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is also known as Immune Dysfunction

Syndrome (CFIDS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), and Post-Viral

Fatigue Syndrome.

 

Symptoms other than fatigue may include nausea, irritable bowel

syndrome, bloating, chronic cough, diarrhea, dry eyes, irregular

heartbeat, chest pain, jaw pain, night sweats, alcohol and drug

intolerance, dizzy spells, tingling sensations and lack of appetite.

 

There can be many ways to find relief. On a positive note, chronic

fatigue syndrome is not necessarily a lifelong sickness. Many people

have recovered well after being sick. Exercise, stress reduction and

good nutrition all have amazing effects and will help with the ups

and downs, with the downs becoming less severe and less frequent.

 

Finding Balance: in a modern society we tend to " burn the candle at

both ends " . There MUST be a proper balance in the amount of work that

we do, in the amount of sleep we have in the foods that we enjoy and

in the amount of " down time " we give ourselves.

 

Excessive Work: can drain the very core of our energy. Today, if you

are not working for a company who is placing high demands on your

time, health and relationships, then you have your own business,

which often has no boundaries when it comes to building and

maintaining your dream.

 

Improper Diet: can be a nutrition zapper that robs the body of proper

vitamins, mineral and sufficient amino acids that are important for

energy product. A balance of fresh vegetables, complexed carbs, whole

grain, as well as, fruits, nuts, seeds and protein are very important

for maintaining proper energy levels.

 

Lack of Exercise: is a major problem in fatigue syndromes. Regular

exercise builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress. But even

something as casual as a walk around the block can help you burn off

some of the tension that you carrying around. Stretching is a great

tension reducer.

 

Poor Sleep Habits: can drain us of a good day full of vital energy.

Overthinking, anxiety and a racing mind are all issues that cause

difficulty in falling asleep and/or difficulty staying asleep.

 

Dehydration: is a hidden issue that is seldom realized. Thirst is one

indicator of dehydration, but it is not an early warning sign. By the

time you feel thirsty, you might already be dehydrated. Other

symptoms of dehydration include feeling dizzy and lightheaded, having

a dry or sticky mouth, producing less urine and darker urine. As the

condition progresses, a person will start to feel much sicker as more

body systems (or organs) are affected by the dehydration.

 

Overuse of medications: All medications have risks as well as

benefits. The benefits of medicines are the helpful effects you get

when you take them, such as fighting infection or relieving pain.

Medication side effects are the #4 leading cause of death in the U.S.

annually (JAMA 1998). All medications have possible side effects,

which can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, rashes, indigestion,

diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, muscle soreness,

fatigue or lose of appetite.

 

 

Tips For Improving Fatigue

 

1. Balance Your Day: set boundaries with work, family, friends,

exercise. To much of ANYTHING is not a good thing. Although we are

constantly reminded that MODERATION is the key, we seldom recognize

it in ourselves. Plan your day out on paper. Divide your time evenly

and stick to it.

 

2. Improve How You Work: work smart. Do not allow the " fires you put

out " each day to become uncontrollable. Allow a certain amount of

time for these issues as well as new projects, clients or meetings.

 

3. Get Exercise: If you are saying, how can I exercise, when I am so

tired. This is all the more reason why you need to jump start your

metabolism. Exercise is what your body instinctively wants to do

especially under stress: fight or flight, and it works. It burns off

some of the stress chemicals which tension produces. Therefore, a

tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Regular exercise builds stamina

that can help anyone battle stress. But even something as casual as a

walk around the block can help you burn off some of the tension that

you carrying around.

 

4. Take A Look At Food: Carbohydrates provide glucose for energy.

Excessive carbohydrates can increase blood sugar levels to dangerous

levels, which then makes your body shut down to protect itself.

Protein is important because it allows the brain to synthesis the

neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which help keep your

mind attentive and alert. Excessive protein levels make the organs of

digestion work much harder to process this food and robs your energy

stores. Find the balance for YOU. Listen to your body! It will tell

you what makes you feel good and what does not. Especially in the

long term. If you have issues with excess heat, look at eating foods

that have a cooling nature. If you have excess cold, look at eating

foods that have a warming nature. Neutral foods help to regulate our

system.

 

5. Prepare for Better Sleep: Overthinking is a culprit that will rob

you of great energizing and restorative sleep. Turn off that mind by

starting to wind down early. Give yourself " quiet time " . Utilize the

power of peaceful music, a good book, diffusing essential oils, warm

milk or tea before you lay down.

 

6. Manage Your Best Energy Times: Take advantage of your natural

energy highs. Do your most strenuous work, thinking, planning,

exercise when you have your greatest energy. Note the time of day

when you feel your best and when you feel your worse. Expand your

energy where it is most needed, pull back where you feel you can.

 

7. Keep Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially on hot, dry,

windy days. If you're doing strenuous exercise, drink some fluids

before the activity begins. You should also drink at regular

intervals (every 20 minutes or so) during your activity and after the

activity ends.

 

8. Limit Time You Sit Down: Reduce sedentary behaviors such as

watching television and using computers. Being in one place for long

periods actually slows metabolism and energy production.

 

9. Learn To Do Nothing: Our urge to drive ourselves to greater

accomplishments, creates other issues such as exhaustion.

Create/allow a few hours in your week to simply relax and do nothing.

If you cannot find a few hours, it is time to rethink your priorities

and commitments.

 

10. View Your Lifestyle: If illness is not the cause of your fatigue,

then it is a lifestyle issue. Are you creating unnecessary stress for

yourself? Are there ongoing problems in your life that may be causing

prolonged anxiety or depression? Consider counseling or talking about

your issues with family, career personal or your doctor. Find the

issues that are taking you away from a vital, energetic life!

 

11. Talk To Others: Sometimes sharing your problems with others who

are suffering some of the same symptoms, can be very helpful. Be sure

and go to the chronic fatigue forum to find others to confide in.

 

 

Herbal Remedies

Adaptogens: which include Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), Asian

ginseng, Astragalus, and Schizandra, are thought to help keep various

body systems—including the immune system—functioning optimally. These

herbs are useful for CFS patients. They not only have an

immunomodulating effect but also help support the normal function of

the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hormonal stress system

of the body. Take Siberian ginseng in tincture, herbal granules or in

capsules. Capsule doses of 500mg three times a day. Another immune

stimulant, Boneset, helps fight off minor viral infections, such as

the herpes.

 

Astragalus root is a fantastic herb for its antiviral and immunity-

enhancing properties. Two doses daily are recommended. Newer research

suggests that CFS may be partially due to low adrenal function

resulting from different stressors such as mental stress, physical

stress, and even viral illness impacting the normal communication

between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands.

 

Basil has been shown to kill bacteria on the skin surface. Apply this

tincture directly to the skin surface on a compress. This works to

kill the bacteria that forms as the detox process happens. It is also

possible to steep two to three teaspoons of dried basil in a cup of

boiling water. Allow the herb to steep 5-10 minutes or more in order

to extract the healing oils from the plant. Then soak a washcloth or

compress in the tea and apply to the areas where pimples, acne or

skin eruptions are most present.

 

Burdock is a tonic herbs and have been used in the treatment of skin

conditions. Burdock is an herb that boosts immunity and purifies the

blood. It's a traditional liver tonic and a mild, natural diuretic.

Burdock's laxative and diuretic properties help remove toxins from

the system. The Chinese utilize it against tumors, inflammation,

fungal and bacterial infections. It is often recommended for dry,

scaly skin. You can take burdock in capsule form (follow the

directions) or make a acne fighting tea. Burdock root tincture may be

taken in 2–4 ml amounts per day. Dried root preparations in a capsule

or tablet can be used at 1–2 grams three times per day.

 

Cilantro is the great metal detoxer! Leaves of the coriander plant

(cilantro) can accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead, and

aluminum from the body. Cilantro is considered the " poor man's

chelation treatment. " Simply add cilantro to your diet daily, for two

or three weeks. Consider adding a handful of fresh cilantro to a

salad, mix a couple of teaspoons of cilantro pesto with whole wheat

pasta or have it with your favorite fish or soups.

 

Dandelion is a leading remedy for detoxing the liver. It stimulates

the flow of bile, a fluid that aids fat digestion, which is why it's

used for liver and gallbladder disorders. Dandelion has

scientifically documented potent diuretic properties. It relieves

constipation and eases bloating and swelling. Dandelion should be

used for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. For it's liver benefits, dandelion

is helpful for detoxing.

 

Garlic: The intact cells of garlic contain an odorless, sulfur-

containing amino acid derivative known as alliin. When the cells are

crushed, alliin comes into contact with the enzyme alliinase located

in neighboring cells and is converted to allicin. Allicin is a potent

antibiotic, but it is highly odoriferous and unstable. The ajoenes

are apparently responsible for the antithrombotic properties of

garlic. Allicin is described as possessing antiplatelet, antibiotic,

and antihyperlipidemic activity.

 

Gotu Kola is the blood purifier. Commonly used to help protect and

repair or heal the skin, blood and nervous system. It combats stress

and improves reflexes. Antidepressant, improves memory and reduces

mental fatigue. The nuts, roots, and seeds of this herb are used in

cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, fatigue, kidney stones,

poor appetite and sleep disorders.

 

Licorice Root is anti viral, anti-inflammatory, soothes gastric

mucous membranes. The root cleanses the colon, increases fluidity of

mucous in the lungs and bronchial tubes. Licorice is used extensively

in Traditional for a variety of conditions and

ailments. Almost all clinical studies on licorice have been performed

in combination with other herbs. Alone, licorice is used primarily to

manage gastric complaints. A number of active chemicals are thought

to account for its biologic activity. Due to the adverse reaction

profile of licorice, many studies have been performed using the

deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, which is free of

glycyrrhizin and has had no significant reported adverse effects.

Licorice root is known to stimulate the adrenal glands and to block

the breakdown of active cortisol in the body. It takes 2.5 grams of

licorice root daily to make a significant improvement in CFS. While

there have been no large clinical trials to test licorice in patients

with CFS, it may be worth a trial of six to eight weeks using 2–3

grams of licorice root daily.

 

Milk Thistle is the great liver detoxer! The importance of milk

thistle in cleansing your liver, may decrease your chances of

developing cirrhosis, chronic fatigue, PMS, and cancer. The fruits,

leaves, and seeds in any form, contain some of the most potent liver

protecting substances known. Protects the kidneys and is good for

adrenal disorders, bowel disorders, and weakened immune systems.

 

Reishi Mushroom: Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi) is documented to have

medicinal value. The reishi extract has been shown to be effective in

regaining stamina and energy or debility due to prolonged illness

especially for cancer patients after undergoing radio and/or

chemotherapy. They are able to eat and sleep well. The extract is

effective in clearing up a large variety of skin allergic conditions

either due to food or airborne allergens. Ganoderma extract has been

found to be useful in detoxifying the kidneys and improving its

overall function.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/chronic_fatigue.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit