Ask someone who has never suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and they may respond with 'it’s all in the mind'. But if you have suffered from CFS, or know someone close to you who has suffered from it, then you will understand how real it is and how debilitating it can be.

Redefining CFS

In an effort to better understand this Syndrome, the Institute of Medicine in Washington redefined Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in February 2015. The new definition was 'Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease' (SEID), and in an effort to reduce the stigmatism attached to CFS they also developed new diagnostic criteria. The title 'Systemic' has been included as the condition typically affects many body systems. The title 'Exertion Intolerance' is meant to imply that the central feature of the disorder is tiredness. And the title 'Disease' to suggest that there actually is an underlying pathological mechanism, even though no disease process has been defined.

How do you define Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

No matter how it is classified, the simple fact is that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is identified (Fakuda, 1994) as severe fatigue that has been felt for more than 6 months and includes four of the following symptoms:

• Substantial impairment in short term memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Muscle pain
• Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours

Or to put it more simply; memory problems, brain fog, depression, unexplained muscle and/or joint pain, unrefreshed and disturbed sleep patterns, sore throat and/or lymph nodes, headaches, exercise intolerance and a general feeling of un-wellness. Of course other causes of these symptoms need to be ruled out first.

You’ve been diagnosed or suspect CFS, what is next?

All too often people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have had many tests but still do not have any answers. The diagnosis at least provides an answer to what has been going on. To make the most of the journey back to wellness, finding out what are the possible factors that contributed to the condition, their current risk factors and the symptoms that are specific to the individual are needed. To some extent, everyone suffering from CFS has their own unique disease pattern. This then allows for a focused individual treatment protocol to be determined. Treatment priorities may include:

• treating any gut issues
• identifying toxic load
• improving the immune system
• reducing inflammation
• addressing sleep and stress issues
• supporting the nervous system
• promoting energy production and
• addressing any other key symptoms

This is done through a combination of herbal and nutritional supplementation along with dietary and lifestyle recommendations. If you or someone you know has been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it may be beneficial to visit a Naturopath to see if there is more you can be doing to improve your quality of life…… 

Naturopath Janne Ramsay

Janne Ramsay is a Naturopath at Mr Vitamins clinic and has a special interest in Chronic Fatigue and treating the many symptoms that go with it. Learn more about Janne here You can also join Mr Vitamin’s Naturopath Janne Ramsay as she takes you through an informative and fun presentation on the basics of healthy digestion. Discover how your digestive system directly impacts your health. References: Fakuda K, et al. The chronic fatigue syndrome: a comprehensive approach to its definition and study. Annals of Internal Medicine 1994;121:953-959 What’s in a name? Systemic exertion intolerance diseasehttp://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(15)60270-7.pdf