As explained at the Mayo Clinic website, “Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.”

Because there is no single symptom or test for CFS, treatment tends to focus on relieving the symptoms.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

While feeling tired all the time may be a symptom of CFS, simple tiredness can also indicate other health and/or nutrition problems, such as: Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance, other food sensitivities, diabetes, a variety of cardiovascular problems, and others. The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome on the other hand, are a bit more… Can we say it – exhaustive.

• You may feel exhausted all the time, or much of the time.

• You may have problems sleeping. Or you may wake up feeling tired or not rested.

• It may be harder for you to think clearly, to focus and concentrate, and to remember things.

• You may also have headaches, muscle and joint pain, a sore throat, and tender glands in your neck or armpits.

• Your symptoms may flare up after a mental or physical activity that used to be no problem for you, causing you to feel drained or exhausted in the moment.

NOTE: Depression is common with chronic fatigue syndrome, which may make your other symptoms extreme.

Diet and nutrition will often be a contributing factor for those who experience chronic fatigue, as can a lack of physical activity and exercise. Listening to your body is also important, paying attention to anything that makes you feel worse – and – anything that makes you feel better!

Treatment for CFS begins with working on your worst symptoms first, those that make it most difficult to get through each day. Work with your doctor to focus first on treating those symptoms. The most common CFS symptoms can also be the most treatable; then, the two of you can more effectively determine whether a specialist might be helpful for any of them, or for those that remain.

If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, feel free to get in touch with me to discuss alternative treatments.