Chronic Fatigue
If you live a busy, fast-paced life without enough sleep, chances are you’re tired. But chronic fatigue is a different kind of tired. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often comes other symptoms, such as physical pain, feeling weak, mood symptoms, and digestive issues. With chronic fatigue, you may find that the more you exert yourself, the worse you feel. This is a phenomenon called push-crash and is common with CFS.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue is not random. There’s a reason why you’re tired. And the list of potential causes is quite long.
Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea
Mold illness, also called CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) or biotoxin illness
Nutrient deficiencies
Autoimmunity
Chronic infections such as EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus, which causes mononucleosis)
Depression
Hormonal imbalances including adrenal insufficiency (known as adrenal fatigue) and circadian rhythm disruption
How do you treat and recover from chronic fatigue?
Your best treatment plan is one that addresses the root causes of your fatigue. This will be different for each person.
First, a comprehensive medical assessment through health history and blood work will help us to understand what lead to your fatigue and why you’re experiencing these ongoing symptoms. Treatments are likely to include lifestyle changes, nutritional recommendations, herbs and supplements, homeopathic remedies, hydrotherapy, circadian rhythm balancing, and even medications when appropriate.
A deeper question you might ask yourself is, Where is my energy going? Exhaustion is a sign that the body is disconnecting from its life force for some reason. Is something in your life threatening your safety, security, autonomy, or connection? Are you unconsciously mobilizing your precious life force energy toward something that isn’t serving you anymore? Alongside an integrative medicine approach to healing, you can explore the mental, emotional, and energetic factors that may be impacting your body’s ability to generate energy.
Life is way too short to stay tired.
Naturopathic medicine has so much to offer to help you heal from chronic fatigue syndrome. I encourage you to surround yourself with support as you recover, both personally and professionally.