Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often called by other names, such as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). There can be abnormalities in the Central Nervous System (CNS) in those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, which is included under the “CFS” umbrella but slightly differs from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating sleep, temperature, and appetite.

CFS is associated with Yuppie Flu, Post Virus Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), swollen lymph nodes, and muscle complaints and often follows several life-changing stressors, such as a death in the family, employment problems, or some kind of trauma. Chronic Fatigue becomes a syndrome when symptoms do not disappear for more than six months or disappear and then reappear. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often recover from an initial cause, whatever that is. However, symptoms recur under emotional or physical stress, much like the herpes virus does, making for a disheartening cycle of recovery and flares.

70% of those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also have Fibromyalgia Syndrome. 50% of those individuals also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Irritable Bladder Syndrome. And everyone suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome appears to have food sensitivities. It's my thought that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is simply a symptom, rather than a condition, of an Mitochondrial Dysfunction, which is at the basis of nearly all fatigue-related disorders. For holistic alternatives for these conditions and more, see The Wellness Corner.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Fatigue (more than pain)
• Malaise
• No energy
• Trouble sleeping (falling asleep or staying asleep) or the inability to feel refreshed after sleeping
• Brain fog and impaired memory
• Tender lymph nodes and sore throat (not always)
• Muscle and joint pain
• A “different” kind of headache
• Extreme sensitivity to medications and chemicals
• Dizziness and Vertigo

Possible Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• A disrupted circadian rhythm and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, such as Candida, SIBO, Epstein Bar Virus (Mononucleosis), Viral Meningitis, Viral Hepatitis, severe flu, Chickenpox, severe or recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus infections, or other severe illnesses. HHV-6 is a human herpes virus that attacks the brain and creates a particular protein found in the brain of those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (and not anyone else), which is why treating biofilmsmay be part of the answer to treating CFS. I talk about biofilms under Herpes Simplex Virus and offer a biofilm-busting tea recipe in The Herbal Remedies Recipe Guide.
• EMFs (electromagnetic energy fields)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Diabetes
• Hyprothyroidism
• Surgery
• Leaky Gut Syndrome
• Depression
• Metabolic Acidosis
• Anemia (iron deficiency)
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction(also associated with muscle weakness, loss, and chronic pain).
• Histamine Intolerance 
• Parasites
• Inflammation

Spiritual/Psychological Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: There is a certain amount of resistance to something in your life. Perhaps you're unhappy or dislike your current situation, relationship, or work. Boredom and lack of direction could be part of the picture.

Associated Chakras: The 1st and 5th Chakras/The Red and Blue Aura Color Personalities

Associated Temperament: Melancholic and Phlegmatic

Associated Energy Meridian: The Triple Heater (thyroid and adrenals)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Vs. Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FS) often overlap and may be Myofascial Pain Syndrome,  another condition altogether. It can be challenging to figure out which you are dealing with, as symptoms are similar. FS and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) also have the same symptoms, with ME listing a few more symptoms that FS typically has. One thing is sure. Fatigue rules CFS. Pain rules FS. In both instances, the muscles do not react to exertion normally, which represents an energy problem at the cellular level.

Holistic Alternatives for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are no specific medical treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and most holistic practitioners will suggest the following, which are healthy suggestions. However, they may not help with your fatigue at all. If this holds true for you, it's possible you're dealing with Mitichondrial Dysfunction.

Get Your Natural Circadian Rhythm Back

Your circadian rhythm is as old as time. People are meant to be awake in the daylight and asleep in the dark of night. In the modern world, this is almost unheard of. We wake way to early (or too late) and go to bed way after dark. There are many important tasks going on in the body at night while you sleep. If you aren't sleeping like a caveman (or cavewoman), you're missing out. 

Blue light (and Green) trigger the brain to wake up. Darkness triggers hormones to help you fall asleep. Blue and green light from TVs, computers, and cell phones keep the brain alert and unable to sleep well or sleep at all, which negatively impacts your body's functions. Get your natural circadian rhythm back.  Also, see Getting a Good Night's Sleep.

Reduce Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs)

EMFs are electromagnetic energy fields. EMFs from appliances, microwaves, televisions, computers, cell phones, and towers (and every other electronic device and wire you can think of) contribute to chronic fatigue because they interfere with the human electromagnetic energy field and cause Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Begin swapping out your current household cleaners for more earth-friendly ones. If they are friendly to the earth, they will not send you reeling from fumes or relapsing with body aches. Chemicals increase the toxicity of the blood and body fluids, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Balance Your Physical and Intellectual Activities

Reduce stress that is caused by an unbalanced physical and intellectual activities. Creating a better balance can improve your energy level unless you have mitochondrial dysfunction.

Manage Feelings of Depression

Are you taking or considering an antidepressant for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The purpose of an antidepressant is to keep serotonin around longer, which supposedly eases depression. Serotonin is a brain chemical created in your brain and gut that produces calm and "feel-good" emotions. However, doctors don't really know how antidepressants work and recent studies have shown serotonin may not have as much to do with depression as previously thought. It might be better to eat the types of food that create peace of mind and avoid ones that encourage it (sugar comes to mind). When you eat foods for peace of mind, you're also eating foods that feed your mitochondria. If your mitochondria aren't working correctly it causes low energy and depression. 

Exercise to Relax & Increase Your Energy

It is helpful to exercise even though you have little energy to spare. Without exercise, you will lose muscle. Muscles burn calories. Without them, your metabolism will slow down, meaning you will have to eat less not to gain weight. Eating less will only make you more fatigued, irritable, sad, and hypersensitive (FISH). Less muscle tissue causes less energy. It is a vicious cycle.

Avoid Allergens

Fatigue can be caused by food allergens. Foods that can cause symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (in some people) are dairy, red meat, eggs, gluten, cheese, sugar, and yeast. Allergens cause inflammation. whether it's from the foods you eat, Leaky Gut, or environmental allergens. Chronic inflammation in the body causes fatigue. An anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial in reducing inflammation. 

Eat a Variety of Plant-Based Foods

Avoid eating sugary foods and caffienated beverages to try to re-energize yourself. Instead, eat genetically appropriate nutrition containing plenty of plant-based foods.

Consider the Following Supplements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Consider taking omega-3 fish oil or krill oil supplements or eat wild-caught fish two or three times each week. However, talk with your doctor if you have had a history of heart problems, are on blood thinners, are on an antidepressant, or have a bleeding disorder before using these supplements or  increasing these foods in your diet.

Increase your serotonin levels by supplementing with tryptophan or 5-HTP. Without enough serotonin, an important "feel-good" brain neurotransmitter you can become anxious and depressed, which are overlapping symptoms associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.