Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or CFIDS) and Fibromyalgia have a number of symptoms in common, including chronic fatigue, headaches, post-exertional malaise, muscle pain or aching, irritable bowel symptoms, and unrefreshing rest. Both of these chronic illnesses are difficult to accurately diagnose; however, the immune system seems to be affected in most patients. Various treatments are offered, and often change in diet and daily routine can help. Many alternative medicine therapies have been helpful for those suffering from these symptoms, especially in the area of Botanical Medicine, Nutritional Therapy, Functional Medicine, Biofeedback, and Guided Imagery. Massage therapy, physical therapy, energy therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, and other modalities from Traditional Chinese Medicine can have beneficial effects as well.

Chronic Fatigue is also known as Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and many other names. It is a complex and debilitating chronic illness that affects the brain and multiple body systems. This disorder is characterized by incapacitating fatigue (experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina) and problems with concentration and short-term memory, as well as flu-like symptoms such as pain in the joints and muscles, unrefreshing sleep, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, and headache. Post-exertional malaise, a hallmark of this condition, it is a period of profound fatigue that follows mental or physical activity and requires twenty-four hours (or longer) to subside.

The cause of Chronic Fatigue is unknown; however, it appears to have a sudden onset and can last for years. Many believe it is an autoimmune disorder, while others are convinced it is caused by environmental factors. Many viruses have been implicated, especially the Epstein-Barr Virus, Human Herpesvirus (HHV) -6 and -7, and the enteroviruses (which include the polio and Coxsackie virus). Retroviruses are known to cause uncommon neurological disorders that have a relapsing and remitting pattern similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Ninety-five percent of Chronic Fatigue patients in one study had subnormal electrocardiograms, indicating heart damage. Mycoplasma, primitive forms of bacteria, have been identified in the blood of some Chronic Fatigue patients and veterans with Gulf War-related illnesses, which present with many of the symptoms. Secondary infection often occurs, due to the weakened immune system. A variety of many elements may trigger this condition.

Recommended vitamins:

• Vitamin B Complex: 25 to 50 mg daily
• Vitamin C: 2,000 mg, three times daily
• Carotenoids
• Phytonutrient vitamins

Recommended minerals:

• Magnesium: 400 mg, once a day
• Zinc: 15 mg of elemental zinc, once or twice daily
• Pantothenic acid: 500 mg, twice a day

Recommended nutrients:

• Astragalus: 200 mg, twice a day
• Grape seed extract or pycnogenols: 100 to 300 mg daily
• Coenzyme Q10: 60 mg, one to three times daily
• DHEA: 25 mg daily for women over forty, and 50 mg daily for men over forty
• Echinacea
• L-Carnitine: 50 to 500 mg daily
• Licorice
• Kelp: 150 mcg daily
• Pau d'arco: 250 mg, twice a day
• Siberian ginseng
• Suma

Foods to choose:

• Grains
• Poultry
• Fish
• Eggs
• Beans
• Nuts
• Soy products
• Fresh fruits and vegetables

Foods to avoid:

• Coffee
• Refined carbohydrates
• Sugar