Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder that is characterized by profound fatigue that has lasted for at least six months and is not relieved or improved by rest.

According to a study, in 2014, 5.5% of Canadians aged 25 or older—an estimated 1.3 million people―had chronic fatigue syndrome.

The process for diagnosis is basically done by ruling out possible underlying diseases and chronic conditions.

There are many different theories of the cause of CFS,  While researchers continue to search for the root cause of CFS, Researchers do agree however that there are multiple factors that contribute to CFS including underlying pathogens, (viruses, bacteria, candida, parasites etc), immune dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, thyroid problems,  heavy metal toxicity (from environment, food, dental amalgams, and drugs), enzyme deficiencies, food allergies or sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies and even lifestyle factors (stress, emotional and psychological factors).

As a holistic practitioner, these are some areas that most likely need to be addressed when working with chronic fatigue.  There are many tests that can be performed but not all will be necessary.

  1. Address diet and test for food sensitivities, candida and leaky gut.
  2. Test for underlying pathogens such as bacterias, yeast etc.with The Organic Acids Test (OAT).  It offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers.
  3. Address hormone imbalances by testing your adrenals and/or thyroid.
  4. Test for heavy metals.  Exposure to toxic heavy metals is believed to be a contributing factor, if not a root cause, of symptoms like low energy, mood disturbances and cognitive changes. Heavy metals first enter your bloodstream from exposure to farmed fish, vaccinations, contaminated water, tattoos, antiperspirants, dental fillings and household products.
  5. Opening up routes of elimination so that the body can begin to detoxify.
  6. Support the immune system.
  7. Add the proper magnesium supplement.  Research shows that both potassium and magnesium can help improve the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
  8. Add in the appropriate B Vitamins.  Researchers found a direct link between reduced vitamin B levels and chronic fatigue syndrome.
  9. Incorporate meditation, deep breathing exercises, massage therapy or yoga  into your daily routine.

references:

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/170315/dq170315c-eng.pdf?st=lQzdDMU5

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1672392

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10450194