Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a serious condition characterised by persistent and long-term fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep or rest. CFS can occur in three forms. Most people will suffer from mild or moderate CFS characterised by reduced mobility and a need to rest, however one in four will suffer a severe case that has a huge impact on their daily life, for example losing the ability to even brush their teeth or concentrate.

Symptoms differ depending on the severity however often include fever, aching, tiredness and depression, typically occurring after a viral infection. A multi-factorial and broad condition means it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact origin of the disease. There are, however, a number of more common causes, including a viral or bacterial infection, immune problems, hormone imbalances and psychiatric problems like stress of emotional trauma.

Some forwarding-thinking experts believe one of the central problems of CFS is mitochondrial failure resulting in poor production of ATP. ATP is the currency of energy in the body and the mitochondria is the powerhouse of each and every cell in our bodies, where ATP is produced.

Diagnosis for CFS can be very tricky. There are some loose guidelines that doctors can use to diagnose the disease however it’s often diagnosed if your symptoms can’t be explained by another condition. On the plus side, treatment for CFS often involves natural therapies, in some cases leading to a full recovery, particularly in children and young adults. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise programmes are used frequently to combat the symptoms of CFS.

Delve into the extensive Daily Health fatigue archive and learn how you can help combat CFS, as well as generalised fatigue, from controlling your life. Banish tiredness and bring vitality back into your life with our in depth reviews into the natural methods of tackling CFS.