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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has determined within the last ten years that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is an official disease. Prior to that time it had many other names (i.e. hypoglycemia and chronic mononucleosis).
According to an article in Better Nutrition, July 1998, Victoria Dolby, M.P.H. states CFS to be present "When a person experiences persistent fatigue for at least six months as well as four or more of the following symptoms:- Impaired short-term memory or concentration
- severe enough to interfere with usual activities
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle and/or joint pain without joint swelling or redness
- Headaches
- Un-refreshing sleep
- Post-exertion weariness lasting more than 24 hours. "
Of the 2 million Americans suffering from CFS, the majority affected is young, white, professional women. There are several theories on what causes CFS including the Epstein-Barr virus and abnormal regulation of blood pressure.
According to the article, stress, poor health habits such as poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol use and lack of exercise can aggravate CFS symptoms.
Some of the suggested supplements include magnesium, carnitine, lysine, coenzyme Q10, NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), Vitamins C and E, Echinacea, garlic, ginkgo and beta-D-Glucan. Some of these supplements were found to increase energy while others boost the immune system.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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