A documentary captures the struggles of a 21 year old woman who died from the disease called M.E and Me, she was told it was all in her head, as an extreme example of the disease. Those living with myalgic encephalomyelitis it can feel like living dead.
The condition has been puzzling professionals since the late 1980’s, and unfortunately it is not fully understood to provide any black and white answers, there is not even a way to test for it. Some describe it as the worst flu ever had combined to the worst hangover. Many patients receive backlash even though they end up bed bound after a 10 minutes walk caused them to crash for several days to weeks.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis is believed to affect between 836,000 to 2.5 million people within the USA. Cause of the condition is still being investigated, but it is thought to be triggered by infection which develops due to malicious antibodies. Other theories suggest inflammation in the brain and lining of bacteria and undigested proteins in the lining of the gut. Research is ongoing to try to find answers for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Without knowing exact causes of chronic fatigue syndrome it is difficult to treat. Low immune response, viral infections, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and system wide inflammation are believed to play roles in the condition. Most treatment options focus on one symptom rather than underlying causes of the condition as a result.
There appears to be a link between development of food intolerances and chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies to metals, pollens, and environmental changes may also play roles, or possibly gluten sensitivity, candida imbalance, or a casein allergy.
For those suffering from fatigue Vitamin B6 is most often recommended, it may act as as effective treatment option to CFS as it supports T-cells and helps fight off infections. Close to 40% of Americans are vitamin B12 deficient and can experience many impaired functions including detoxification, energy production, nerve and immune functions.
A study found that after treating chronic fatigue patients with a multivitamin for two months symptoms improved, which included a wide array of vitamins and minerals. Researchers concluded that supplements were are easy and safe way to improve symptoms and enhance CFS patient quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine says that when there is disharmony in body qi flow one will experience a wide range of symptoms, and recommend quigong to prevent and cure disease. Studies have shown that practice of quigong over 6 months improved symptoms of CFS.
It is believed that 90% of chronic fatigue sufferers are high overachievers. It is recommended to not overdo it and take time to relax as a new priority, especially in terms of emotional well being. Speaking to others in the CFS community can help one to gain access to a wide range of resources.
