Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue syndrome affects an increasing number of people worldwide. The manifestations of this disease were previously referred to as "syndrome of chronic neuroendocrineimmune dysfunction" or "myalgic encephalomyelitis," but it is most commonly presented as "chronic fatigue syndrome."

It is most commonly characterized by:

• feelings of profound and prolonged exhaustion,
• sleep disorders,
• poor concentration,
• depression,
• joint and muscle pain,
• sore throat,
• elevated temperature...

There is still debate about whether fatigue syndrome is a specific disease or just a set of unrelated symptoms.

The specific cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown. However, experts generally agree that a weakened immune system plays a significant role, combined with physical and mental overload (approximately 60 percent of those affected are allergy sufferers). Some affected individuals also suffer from various autoimmune diseases (like lupus).

Other possible and often cited causes may include:

• stress,
• disorders of the central nervous system,
• muscle metabolism disorders,
• sleep disturbances etc.

To add to the complexity, chronic fatigue syndrome is also attributed to the influence of:

• toxins from a polluted environment,
• low blood pressure,
• abnormal hormonal activity.

The Role of Diet in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In relation to diet, chronic fatigue can be triggered by a deficiency of any nutritional substances. Therefore, when attempting to support syndrome management through dietary adjustments, the following steps should be taken:

1. First, it is advisable to conduct an analysis of the current diet.
This involves a detailed look at:

A) The composition of the diet (meaning the quality of food and variety in its selection).

B) Nutritional quality (following the content of all analyzable nutrients).

Because chronic fatigue syndrome is termed chronic, it means it did not develop overnight; instead, the metabolism was diverted from balance over a longer period. As a result, the dietary analysis should focus on a longer time span.

2. Then adjust the diet to exhibit:

A) Sufficient variety in food selection,

B) Appropriate quality of consumed foods,

C) Nutritional balance across all observed parameters.

If the nutritional analysis of the diet shows that some micronutrients have been deficient for an extended period (primarily vitamins and minerals), it is advantageous to set their intake at a slightly higher level to saturate the body.

3. From supplementary nutrition, the most commonly preferred are:

A) Immunomodulatory preparations - e.g., echinacea,

B) Antioxidants,

C) Adaptogens.

Two problems arise in addressing chronic fatigue syndrome:

- It is a chronic disorder, so a longer process must be expected (in terms of months).
- It is a syndrome, meaning not just one problem is being resolved, but a whole set of them. This essentially means that the balance of body and mind has been derailed on several levels (homeostatic self-regulating mechanisms have ceased to function in multiple systems).