Doctors are increasingly diagnosing such a condition to seemingly very young people. According to statistics, 20% of the world’s population suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is not a small number. The cause of this condition is likely due to the era we live in – an excess of information that the human brain cannot cope with, emotional stress leading to prolonged stress, and many other things gifted to us by civilization. In addition to this, poor ecology, half-artificial food, and a sedentary lifestyle add to the problem.
As a result, a person begins to experience strong fatigue, helplessness, and feeling drained or squeezed out. This state can occur not only after intense work or a busy day but even suddenly. As they say, just got up, and already tired. And it continues day after day. A strong tea or several cups of coffee do not help to energize the person, and their mood is at an all-time low.
Specialists call Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a disease in which a person feels moral and physical exhaustion for approximately five to six months, which does not go away even after a prolonged rest. It is suspected that in addition to poor ecology, improper nutrition, and lifestyle, the cause of this disease may be viral infections of the herpes group. The Epstein-Barr virus is the primary suspect, and the disease it causes is called chronic fatigue syndrome, which translates to “inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, accompanied by muscle pain and having a benign nature, meaning it does not cause life-threatening complications.”
People who live in big cities are more susceptible to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and it usually affects the most productive layer of the population – men and women aged 25 to 45 years. It is during this age group that people work the most, striving to build their career, achieve financial stability, and often lead an exhausting lifestyle by working tirelessly to their limit.
Naturally, this does not lead to anything good. The disease often occurs in people holding responsible positions or working night shifts, such as air traffic controllers, railway workers, truck drivers, and others. It is believed that the disease received its name, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, after an epidemic broke out in Nevada in the United States in 1984.
In 1934, 1948, 1955, and 1956, there were outbreaks of a disease with similar symptoms that were recorded in Los Angeles, Iceland, London, and Florida, respectively. In 1990, a disease with similar symptoms was also recorded in Australia. British scientists announced in January 2016 that the chronic fatigue virus exists and affects approximately 2% of adolescents. In addition to fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome can also cause headaches and insomnia. The syndrome weakens the immune system, making a person more susceptible to acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, inflammation of the tonsils, sinusitis, and indigestion. Chronic fatigue can also cause muscle and joint pain, difficulty concentrating, analyzing, and thinking, and may lead to fears, phobias, and negative thoughts.
Treating chronic fatigue syndrome can be challenging since it shares symptoms with other diseases. Patients should first consult with a therapist, who will conduct a complete examination and may refer them to a neurologist, endocrinologist, immunologist, and psychotherapist. Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome may include immunomodulators, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs to relieve headaches and muscle and joint pain, sedatives, antidepressants, magnesium preparations, and vitamins. Other treatment options include magnetic therapy, which relaxes muscles, anesthetizes, and restores the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems, and acupuncture, which can improve the functioning of the nervous system, nutrition of internal organs and joints, and relieve muscle tension.
If chronic fatigue syndrome is not caused by any underlying diseases, it may be due to psychological factors. In this case, an experienced psychotherapist can help patients cope with nervous tension and begin the healing process. Getting enough rest, sleeping for at least 8 hours a day, and having a healthy diet are also essential for improving well-being. Avoiding sweet, starchy, fatty, and processed foods is recommended, and eating lean poultry, veal, fish, dairy products, cottage cheese, butter and vegetable oils, vegetables, and fruits is advised. General massage, contrast showers, exercise, walking, swimming, autogenic training, and yoga can also help patients relax and improve their well-being. Patients should plan their daily routine and avoid overloading themselves with mental or physical work. It is also important to receive positive emotions by engaging in enjoyable activities, such as watching humorous programs, listening to pleasant music, spending time in nature, playing with pets, and spending time with children.
Smoking and alcohol should be avoided, and aromatherapy with essential oils such as jasmine, lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, and ylang-ylang may help to improve well-being. Patients should consult with a phytotherapist for further guidance, as instructions are included with the oils purchased at the pharmacy.
There are also non-medical treatments for chronic fatigue.
St. John’s wort
Pour 1 tablespoon of dry chopped St. John’s wort with 1 cup of boiling water. Insist 1 hour in a thermos. Strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day 20 minutes before driving.
Chamomile
Pour 1 teaspoon of chamomile with 1 glass of milk, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
Cool to warm, strain, add 1 teaspoon of honey, stir and drink half an hour before bedtime.
Onion and honey
Finely chop the onion and fill a glass with it. Mix with a glass of honey and put in a dark place, for example, in a pantry for three days.
Transfer to the refrigerator and keep for another two weeks.
Take before meals 3 times a day, 1 teaspoon.
Grapes
Eat a handful of grapes a day. Drink fresh grape juice 1/2 cup 3 times a day.
Ginger
Grate a small piece of ginger root on a fine grater, pour 1 cup boiling water. Cool to tea temperature, add honey and lemon to taste.
Plantain
1 st. pour a spoonful of dry crushed plantain leaves with 1 cup of boiling water and leave for 40 minutes in a thermos. Strain.
Take 1/4 cup 3 times a day, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 21 – 24 days.
Collection
Mix 1 tbsp. a spoonful of peppermint herb, oregano, plantain leaves, prickly tartar leaves, 2 parts of oats. Grind everything, mix. Take 2 tbsp. spoons of the dry mixture and pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 1 hour in a thermos. Strain, take 1/2 cup before meals.
Collection
Mix 1 teaspoon chopped St. John’s wort with 1/4 teaspoon chopped lime blossom. Pour 1 cup of boiling water, insist in an enamel bowl under the lid for 15 – 20 minutes. Strain, cool until warm. Drink 1/2 cup in the morning on an empty stomach. Drink the other half at night.
Rosemary
1 st. Pour a tablespoon of chopped dry rosemary with 1 cup of boiling water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day 15 minutes before meals. Course 1 week.
