Many people around the world have chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as CFS. It is usually a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that once all the other possible causes of your symptoms are ruled out, then the final diagnosis is chronic fatigue syndrome. It ranges from mild to severe and even long-term fatigue that compromises one’s quality of life.
Chronic fatigue comes with a group of symptoms that may include:
- Poor or low concentration.
- Sore throat.
- Tender lymph nodes.
- Muscle pain that takes longer than six months.
- Unrefreshing sleep.
- Impaired memory.
- Unexplained persistent fatigue that does not result from ongoing exertion and is not relieved by rest. It results in a reduction of previous levels of activity.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, visual disturbances, brain fog, chills and night sweats, irritable bowel, allergies, and difficulties maintaining an upright condition. The good thing is, there are natural treatments for chronic fatigue.
What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy refers to the study of natural medicine, and it offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. A naturopath believes that it is not the condition or symptoms that require an assessment but the whole person. So, instead of looking at pieces, a naturopath will examine lifestyle as a whole. They will examine your diet, family history, lifestyle, living environment, and current symptoms. They also use other techniques such as analysis of blood, stool, and urine, functional testing-how the body functions at molecule, tissue, and organ level, and kinesiology-the muscle and body movement. A naturopath works with you to address a wide range of conditions.
Naturopathic treatment for chronic fatigue
The initial stages of naturopathic treatment of chronic fatigue include a lap examination to rule out viral infections, environmental toxicity, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing factors. Epstein Barr Virus (EPV) is known to cause fatigue, and a lab test can be used to determine a past or active EBV infection. Urine and blood tests help diagnose heavy metal and environmental toxicity. For instance, dental mercury or amalgam is linked to fatigue issues. Determining levels of essential nutrients is also critical in diagnosing the cause of chronic fatigue. The labwork rules out possible causes or determines the cause of chronic fatigue in a patient.
The treatment begins with encouraging healthy nutrition choices and removing potentially aggravating foods. The nutritional quality of the food and meal frequency affects how the body functions throughout the day. Getting rid of potential aggravating foods reduces ill feelings, decreases inflammation and any other barriers to achieving optimal health.
A naturopath also focuses on detox, sleep habits, specific nutrient absorption, and exercises to help reduce chronic fatigue symptoms. Depending on the lab results, a detox or heavy metal chelation may be necessary. Proper sleeping habits are essential in establishing the right circadian rhythm. Although exercises can be overwhelming to patients with chronic fatigue, a small amount of regular physical movement boosts stamina.
Herbs are also useful in alleviating the symptoms of chronic fatigue. A naturopath offers herbal remedies depending on your body’s medical history.
Conclusion
Chronic fatigue can affect the quality of your life, but it can be treated through naturopathy. Naturopathy is not an immediate treatment plan as it requires a well-laid-out treatment approach, but it is progressive with long-lasting changes. Naturopaths prescribe natural medicines with dietary and lifestyle coaching to help you regain your wellness.