CFS and Available Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments

With today's busy lifestyles and hectic schedules, many people feel tired. However, if you are getting the proper amount of sleep and feel so tired you can barely get out of bed in the morning you may be suffer from CFS, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Other symptoms of CFS include muscle and joint paint, night sweats, nausea, sore throats and shortness of breath. While CFS can strike anyone, it is prevalent in women in their thirties, regardless of how healthy they are otherwise.

CFS was first documented by the Center for Disease Control in 1988. It is categorized as a disorder affecting the mind and certain systems in the body. To date, the cause for CFS is unknown. Diagnosis of this syndrome can be virtually impossible due the lack of a specific test. Popular theories for the cause of CFS include stress, a virus, poor nutrition, toxicity, and hormone imbalance.

While there is no cut and dry test to diagnose CFS, doctors are usually tipped off if a patient has extreme fatigue regardless of the amount of sleep they get and has four of the following symptoms that persist for more than six months. These symptoms are: poor concentration or short-term memory, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain without swelling, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes in the neck or underarms.

New studies are pointing to CFS being a disorder of the nervous, immune and endocrine systems called myalgic encephalomyelitis. Some researchers theorize this could be a variance on polio.

The effects of CFS can be devastating as sufferers cannot summon the energy to perform even simple tasks. While there is no cure for CFS, there are medicines available to alleviate some of the symptoms. Some CFS sufferers have been trying alternative treatments.

Supplements such as antioxidants, vitamin B and C, magnesium, zinc, sodium, coenzyme Q-10, L-carnitine and fatty acids have all shown some promise. This is believed to be due to their ability to counteract bacteria or viruses which could contribute to CFS.

Another alternative option are herbal remedies such as ginseng, ginkgo biloba, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Astragalaus membranaceus, and Withania somnifera. These build up the immune system, improve bodily functions, and make red blood cells more effective at delivery oxygen.

Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT is a cutting edge treatment that has shown signs of success. Some patients that have undergone CBT have had increased energy for longer periods of time. CBT works on a patients mind and spirit to put focus on positive aspects of a patient's life and coping strategies.

If you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome there are things that you can do to help you lead a more normal life. While there aren't any lab tests to help us and doctors do not really understand what causes CFS there are treatments available to you.

If you suffer from CFS, or suspect you might be, don't be disheartened. There are a multitude of treatments out there.

If you're suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome or are hoping to avoid a relapse of symptoms after a symptom-free time, visit http://www.chronicfatiguerelapse.com , a new resource for controlling CFS and taking control of your life.