Chronic Fatigue

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, however there are many theories which range from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe that chronic fatigue syndrome may be triggered by a combination of various factors.

• Infectious disease. To date there is no specific correlation between any infectious agent and CFS. Anecdotally, many CFS sufferers believe that their condition began with a flu-like illness, although for others the disease arises spontaneously.
• Immune disorders. Many patients with CFS have impaired immune function.
• Dental amalgam toxicity. Some research shows a possible correlation between dental amalgam, metal toxicity, and CFS symptoms.
• Oxidative stress. Studies suggest that oxidative stress may play a role in the development of CFS.
• Endocrine system disorders. Stress, both physical and emotional, can lead to increased levels of cortisol and other hormones. CFS may be associated with low cortisol levels and increased serotonin function. Aluminum is increased in CFS, while DHEA and iron are reduced in female patients.
• Low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is a common finding in CFS.
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure that occurs when going from a lying to a standing position) is also a common symptom in chronic fatigue patients.
• Lack of Sleep- Read more about Sleep Studies on Sleep Renewal 

If left untreated, chronic fatigue syndrome may result in greater risks of depression and loss of functionality. Most experience social, work and relationship problems and require a multi-faceted approach.

The importance of early management of any condition cannot be overstated. Once certain conditions set in and damage to organs occurs, complete recovery may be difficult to attain. Best results for prevention and longevity is early detection of a possible problem combined with treatment, nutritional supplements and a healthy diet and lifestyle.

The obvious recommendation of avoiding stressful situations and occurrences goes without saying.

• Fatigue
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness
• Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise

Other common symptoms include the following;

• brain fog (feeling like one is in a mental fog)
• difficulty maintaining an upright position, dizziness, balance problems or fainting
• allergies or sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, medications, or noise
• irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea
• chills and night sweats
• visual disturbances (sensitivity to light, blurring, eye pain)
• depression or mood problems (irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks

There is a combination of factors involved and there is no one size fits all test available to diagnose it specifically. 

• Commuter stress, for example, can affect your body. Try moving to a home closer to your workplace or finding a job closer to home is an obvious solution.
• If working a third-shift causes disruption in your cortisol levels or circadian rhythm resulting in disease, then change your work schedule to eliminate this stressor.
• Smoking and extremely vigorous or protracted bouts of exhaustive exercise impact the adrenals in a negative way.
• With regard to the diurnal biorhythms of cortisol release, a few things increase cortisol at the inappropriate time.
• The consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee before bedtime is not recommended as caffeine can increase serum cortisol levels, which is counterproductive during the evening hours when the normal trough is expected. Additionally, caffeine and alcohol affect the release of melatonin (melatonin counters some of the negative effects of cortisol), causing a relative reduction in melatonin secretion during the night when a spike is usually seen.
• Owning a pet is associated with improved physical and psychological health. Adopting a dog or cat may help ameliorate some of the symptoms and effects of chronic stress.

A brain renewal technician will perform a variety of tests using neuro-feedback technology to measure the activity of your brain, and will then create a report based on the results before discussing the findings with the patient. The technician will then recommend a brain training package which involves a certain amount of neurofeedback sessions done over a certain amount of hours. The Neuro-Feedback “listens” to your brains’ frequency activity over 10 thousand times a second and provides an instant reference point for your brain to improve its function by encouraging these frequencies into the appropriate region of your brain for optimal function.