Alternative Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Controlling the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) no longer needs to be done only with traditional methods, such as changes in lifestyle, prescription of certain medications, and application of old-school behavioral therapies. Presently, there are chronic fatigue syndrome treatment modalities which make medically effective use of several complementary, and alternative, medical, and non-medical, options.
It has long been recognized that many conventional treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome do not guarantee absolute success. For this reason, alternative medicine proves to be a very attractive treatment option for many people.
Here's a short list of some of the more common complementary and alternative treatments used in relieving the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Ginseng as an Alternative Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
In Asia, preparations of Panax ginseng have long been a popular herbal treatment for fatigue as well as for increasing energy, which is basically what patients of CFS need. A it turns out, the almost mystical claims made for this ancient energy booster herb really seem to hold water even when tested using modern research methods.
The results of one representative study conducted by the University of Iowa, for example, showed that ginseng is among the more reliable and effective herbal treatments for CFS.
Another independent study conducted in California also proved that ginseng is a powerful herb for treating CFS.
While pure ginseng can be hard to find outside of a health food store, there are supplements, such as Shaklee's CorEnergy® which combine ginseng with other ingredients for maximum effectiveness on more than one level.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
In a pioneering study which included chronic fatigue patients, it was demonstrated that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly known as NADH, helps in providing extra energy for CFS patients.
Carnitine
Carnitine, an amino acid found in almost all living cells, has, as its main function, the transportation of fatty acids to the powerhouse of cells, the mitochondria. This substance, in a way, is instrumental in the production of cellular energy. Carnitine supplements are helpful to CFS patients since it is found out that among these people, Carnitine levels are very low which is linked to some types of pain, muscle fatigue and decreased tolerance to physical exertion. Supplementation, therefore, can help fix low Carnitine levels.
Carnitine supplements, in general, work well with patients of chronic fatigue syndrome. However high doses of these supplements may lead to a few unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, rashes, increased appetite and body odor.
Coenzyme Q10 or Co Q10
This is another compound that is found in the energy-producing organelle of the cells - the mitochondria. Co Q10 is known to play roles in the production of ATP, a chemical compound which produces energy used during muscle contraction.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a hormone which is released by the adrenal glands.
Small quantities of DHEA are also found in the testes and the ovaries where it is converted by the body into testosterone and estrogen. This hormone plays an important role in the regulation of sleep, mood and memory.
Unfortunately for those with chronic fatigue syndrome, they have abnormally low levels of this important hormone. This is why DHEA supplements are valuable for those with CFS to normalize these levels.
However there are downsides to using DHEA supplements.
Since this hormone is converted into testosterone and estrogen, other conditions that are also affected by this hormone may also be impacted. It is therefore very important that DHEA supplements are used only with doctor's prescription and supervision...especially since DHEA has been linked to conditions such as prostate cancer in some people.
These substances are all potentially helpful in relieving the symptoms of CFS, especially fatigue. However, it should be remembered that although these come from natural sources, simply being a natural substance does not guarantee that it is a safe substance. These substances all have the potential of interfering with other medications and may, in some cases, pose serious danger to the health of people who may take them without sufficient professional guidance.
Having said that, there are other, more simple options that are just plain safe. These include techniques such as breathing therapy, various relaxation therapies, movement therapies, acupuncture and ayurvedic medicine.
