Yes. Although some mainstream medical literature may state that no specific "cure" for CFS has been found yet, many lifestyle practices and various types of treatments can help you gain a higher level of functioning in daily life and assist you in experiencing an improved quality of life.
Remember that the types, duration, and intensity of symptoms of CFS vary with different patients. Symptoms of CFS may be similar to those of a related condition, fibromyalgia.
Some CFS patients may experience symptoms lasting for months or years.[1] Other CFS patients have symptoms that last for a long period of time, then disappear, and then reappear. Although the symptoms of some CFS patients may become worse over time, other CFS patients recover completely within 6 months, a year, or longer.
Many treatments for CFS are available that can help you lead a full life. First and foremost, consult a physician, preferably an integrative medicine physician who believes in the diagnosis of CFS and understands the symptoms of the condition. Also, working with a psychologist or psychiatrist can be very helpful in the management of CFS.
Do not accept labels for your condition, but rather, seek to change the causative factors that have contributed to CFS. Choices of treatments for CFS include a variety of lifestyle practices (e.g., exercise), psychological therapies, nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, and medical therapies.
Healthy lifestyle choices for CFS patients include:[1, 2]
Focusing on necessary and enjoyable activities at home and work. When possible, choose a career that you enjoy and feel is emotionally rewarding. If you worked prior to having CFS, try to continue some form of work, rather than completely ceasing working. Participate in a hobby that you enjoy, rather than completely stopping all activity at home. Never let yourself become a victim of the chronic fatigue process. Better outcomes have been observed in CFS patients who engage in some activities. Therefore, stay as active as is possible for your wellbeing.
Pacing yourself in performing an even level of necessary and enjoyable activities at home and work is a very important part of managing CFS. Working with an integrative medical physician or alternative healthcare practitioner who can help you plan your activity schedule is recommended.
Slowing down and reducing participation in less important activities. Be able to say,"no," without feeling guilty, if saying,"yes," would mean that you would have to overexert yourself.
Initially reducing physical activity, and then gradually and steadily increasing the amount of exercise. A graduated exercise program can help prevent or reduce muscle weakness that otherwise could result from prolonged inactivity. Do not let yourself be labeled as "ill." Engage in levels of daily activity that let you be comfortable, but keep "pushing the envelope." Helpful exercise practices include proper posture, stretching, walking, tai chi, yoga, pilates, swimming, water aerobics, and biking. You may choose to work with a physical therapist or personal trainer to assist in the gradual increase of your level of physical activity.
Getting adequate sleep. Helpful sleeping habits include allowing yourself sufficient hours of sleep at night, going to bed at the same time every night, waking up at the same time every morning, and restricting yourself from taking too long or many naps during the day.
Avoiding excessive physical and emotional stress. If you have modified your routine to improve your health, learn to feel good, not guilty, about it. Every day, give yourself time for relaxing. Performing relaxation exercises can be helpful.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet, consisting of an adequate amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Approximately one-third of your caloric intake should come from proteins, one-third from carbohydrates, and one-third from fats.
Drinking lots of water. More water intake is healthier than a lower water intake.
Restricting your intake of caffeine
Avoiding drinking alcohol, as it acts as a depressant
Avoiding smoking
Alternative energy therapies and physical treatments for managing CFS include:[2]
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Massage
Other forms of therapeutic touch
Energy therapies
Meditation
Consultation with a psychologist or a psychiatrist can be very helpful in the management of CFS. Psychological approaches to dealing with psychological problems associated with CFS include:[1, 2]
Counseling to provide emotional support, help you develop coping skills, and assist in your overcoming depression
Behavior therapy, which involves learning to change ones behavior, may help treat problems such as depression.
Joining a CFS patient support group
Self-hypnosis
In consultation with an integrative medical physician experienced in managing CFS, various conditions, such as "leaky gut" syndrome and Candida (yeast) infections that may be present in CFS patients, can be evaluated. Then an appropriate nutritionally therapeutic program, which can include such approaches as anti-inflammatory effects and hormonal balancing, can be initiated.
The following nutritional approaches for management of CFS can be considered:[2]
Supplements containing echinacea, essential fatty acids, ginseng, whey protein (which contains lactoferrin) and extract of licorice (which contains glycyrrhizin) to stimulate the immune system in inhibiting the growth of viruses otherwise responsible for chronic infection
Supplements containing bilberry extract (which is rich in anthocyanins), curcumin, carotenoids, and chlorophylls to suppress growth of Epstein-Barr virus responsible for chronic infection
Supplements containing DHEA, essential fatty acids, melatonin, vitamin A, and vitamin E to improve the ratio of helper T cells in the immune system
Supplements containing whey protein (which contains amino acids such as cysteine that are needed for the production of glutathione) and/or glutathione (an antioxidant) to improve the function of white blood cells involved in fighting infection and to relieve muscle fatigue
Supplements containing curcumin and essential fatty acids (especially DHA) to reduce chronic inflammation
Supplements containing alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant), arginine, folate, glutathione (an antioxidant), N-acetyl-cysteine (an antioxidant), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and vitamin B12 (niacin) to lower the level of toxic byproducts caused by inflammation
Supplements containing DHEA, extract of licorice, and sodium (from sea salt) to increase the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands and assist in recovery from adrenal exhaustion
Supplements (such as DHEA and supplements containing phytoestogens) that help balance the levels of sex hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) in the body
Supplements containing digestive enzymes (amylases, lipases, and proteases) to aid in digestion and absorption of food by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Probiotic supplements containing cultures of helpful bacteria to aid in normal function of the GI tract
Supplements containing acetyl-L-carnitine (an amino acid), coenzyme Q10, DHEA, and NADH to improve metabolism needed for energy and raise levels of energy
Supplements containing the antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid, glutathione, and N-acetyl-cysteine to raise the level of energy
Supplements containing magnesium to reduce muscle cramps, raise levels of energy, and improve emotional state
Supplements containing the amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, to improve production and function of neurotransmitters and other molecules made and used by the brain
Supplements containing glutamine (an amino acid) to provide energy to the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and brain and reduce the effects of stress
Supplements containing Adapton (extracts rich in nutrients needed for the production of endorphins and other neurotransmitters) to lower fatigue, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce the effects of stress, and improve memory and cognitive function
Supplements containing ginseng to reduce depression and fatigue, increase the level of energy, and improve the ability to concentrate
Supplements containing S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to aid in glutathione metabolism and reduce depression
Supplements containing mate to reduce physical and mental fatigue
Drinking mate tea to reduce physical and mental fatigue
Also, certain homeopathic remedies (dilute extracts of substances from botanical, mineral, and animal sources) can be used to treat fatigue. See a homeopath, a healthcare professional experienced in homeopathy, for guidance on selection of the proper remedy and the appropriate dose for you. Examples of homeopathic remedies used to treat fatigue include:
Arsenicum album
Aurum metallicum
Carbo vegetabilis
Conium maculatum
Kali phosphoricum
Lycopodium clavatum
Phosphorus
Platinum metallicum
Secale cornutum
Sepia
If you have CFS, it is essential for you to engage in understanding CFS and not being a participant in the "medicalization" of this condition. Pharmaceutical approaches for management of inflammation and specific symptoms of CFS should be used only if the symptoms have not responded adequately to other approaches taken previously. In consultation with an integrative medical physician experienced in managing CFS, medications may be considered to:[1, 2]
Treat various types of infections. Types of medications are immunoglobulins.
Treat fungal infections, such as Candida (yeast) infections. Types of medications are anti-fungal agents.
Treat a deficiency in cortisol produced by the adrenal glands. Types of medications are low-dose hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone.
Balance levels of the sex hormones in the body. Types of medications are DHEA and the prescription hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Relieve pain. Types of medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., aspirin and ibuprofen), acetominophen (e.g., Tylenol), and antidepressants.
Relieve fever. Types of medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., aspirin and ibuprofen) and acetominophen (e.g., Tylenol).
Reduce allergy-like symptoms. Types of medications are antihistamines and decongestants.
Relieve extreme tenderness of the skin. Example of prescription medication is the anti-convulsant drug, clonazepan (Klonopin).
Relieve dizziness. Example of prescription medication is the anti-convulsant drug, clonazepan (Klonopin).
Treat low blood pressure. Examples of prescription medications are fludrocortisone (Florinef) and midrodrine (ProAmatine).
Improve sleep. Types of medications include prescription antidepressants.
Relieve anxiety. Examples of prescription medications are alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepan (Ativan).
Treat depression. Types of medications are prescription tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline (Pamelor), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
However, dietary supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and prescription medicines have potential side effects and may interfere with the effects of other medications. Consult your integrative medical physician and your other healthcare professionals for guidance on CFS therapy that is appropriate for you.
REFERENCES
1. Mayo Clinic. Chronic fatigue syndrome. 06/23/05. Accessed at www.mayoclinic.com.
2. Life Extension Foundation. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In: Disease Prevention and Treatment, 4rh ed. 2003. Hollywood, FL: Life Extension Media.
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