Nutrition and Chronic Fatigue

By Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac

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.

Nutritional Considerations

Water is essential in any healing process. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day as dehydration can be one of the culprits.

Missing meals, dieting, and not eating properly can be helped by taking one multivitamin and mineral supplement a day. A lack of good nutrition can cause fatigue. Consider several light meals to avoid a severe case of napping.

OM Times Magazine » syndicated