Although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not yet fully understood, it seems to be closely related to Fibromyalgia. Both health problems seem to begin with a viral infection or a severe physical or emotional shock. Symptoms are usually marked with excessive, ongoing fatigue that is so strong it impairs cognitive and memory brain functions. At times it also includes muscle pain, digestive problems, insomnia and headaches.
The symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia are very similar to Chronic Fatigue syndrome and even Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These health problems generally affect young adult females, are marked by chronic symptoms that can sometimes be disabling, and have no specific known cause. Fibromyalgia sufferers may experience more pain, along with anxiety, depression, and numbness or tingling in the body's extremities.
In some cases, doctors feel that it is just another form of depression or simple exhaustion from their everyday lifestyles. Some studies however, have indicated there may be more to the causes of these syndromes than some might think.
Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers for instance, often have a fever and swollen glands. One study conducted revealed that the majority of the participants had very similar symptoms, and specific medical problems as well.
Common symptoms which were brought to light in this study included: Chronic fatigue, experiencing cold extremities, impaired memory functions, frequent urination, balancing problems, muscle twitches and aches, dry mouth and sore throats.
When medical tests were run on the participants of this study, it was found that some participants had a fever, but most had body temperatures below normal. Most also had low blood pressure, and yeast infections on their tongues or in their mouths. 85% showed white spots on the nails, which indicates a potential zinc deficiency.
Additionally, 82% showed yeast in their stools as well as 30% showing evidence of parasites in their stools. Low levels of both zinc and magnesium were also found in the participants of the study.
Based on studies like this, along with numerous examples of Chronic Fatigue sufferers having success treating themselves with dietary changes and herbal remedies and supplements, there seems to be at least some indication that this syndrome is actually caused by more serious, underlying issues within the body.
The biggest problems come of course, from the wide variety of issues and responses each person's body is subjected to. Some people have food allergies or intolerances without knowing it, while others breathe numerous harmful toxins into their body all day long. Others may be more lacking in nutrition and essential vitamins and minerals, while still others may have yeast infections or parasites they are unaware of.
Note that different treatments will create different results in different people. Even natural and herbal remedies can have differing affects from one person to another, and this also comes down to not knowing exactly what might be causing the problems. A safe assumption though, is that by improving the eating habits, boosting nutrition, and treating for common problems such as yeast infections, parasites and other harmful bacteria can often go a long way towards resolving many of the associated problems.
Theories
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a controversial topic that has many theories about what causes it. In fact, there are still some who don't believe it is an actual condition, but instead just another form of depression.
Chronic fatigue can be brought on by viral infections or a major emotional or physical traumatic event in a person's life.
There are many theories about this condition, but so far there has been little supporting evidence shown for most of those theories.
One theory represents that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a reaction to a virus somewhere in the body. And some evidence may support this theory as well. As stated above, a study conducted on over 800 patients showed most of them had yeast in their stools, and a full 30% had parasites in their stools too.
Another theory is that CFS is simply another word for exhaustion brought on by today's hectic lifestyles. "Burning the candle at both ends" in other words, which many adults women often tend to do in today's society.
Yet another theory feels that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is brought on by the constant ingestion of chemicals and toxins through the air we breathe, through our skin, and through our foods. These chemicals wear down the body's immune system, thus leaving it open to a whole host of problems like those seen with CFS.
Other theories suggest that chronic fatigue syndrome is caused by a weakened immune system caused by one or more issues in life. Taking antibiotics for instance, to cure an unrelated infection, can weaken the immune system and leave it open to other bad bacteria such as Candida yeast.
Yet more theories signify that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a side effect of food allergies, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Low blood pressure is another suspected culprit for CFS, as is hormonal imbalances.
Since Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often thought to be triggered by a traumatic physical or emotional event however, there are some theories which suggest CFS is just a state of mourning, shock, or clinical depression.
Because there is no definitive cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, treatments can vary from prescription anti-depressants, to stress reduction techniques, to psychological therapy, to antibiotics, to dietary changes and more. And so far there has been no one single treatment approach which seems to work well for everyone.