What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Everything you Need to Know

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a health disorder characterized by severe fatigue that lasts for months or even years. There are no specific causes of chronic fatigue that the medical community can agree on. Here at Zuma Nutrition, we are all about getting to the root cause of health issues. 

 

We believe many underlying conditions can result in chronic fatigue syndrome, for example:

 

• Impaired immune system function
• Mineral Imbalance
• Poor Gut Health
• Poor Adrenal Function
• Excessive Stress Levels
• Poor Sleep Quality
• Hormonal imbalances
• Physical or emotional trauma

 

PS... these issues are often interconnected. 

 

 In this article, we will explore chronic fatigue syndrome in detail.

 

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

 

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a health disorder characterized by severe fatigue that lasts for months or even years. The fatigue worsens with mental, stressful situations or physical activity but does not improve with rest. In medical literature, chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

 

If we break down the definitions of each word, it gives us a fairly good idea of what chronic fatigue syndrome is.

 

The Oxford dictionary defines the word "chronic", as persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.

 

According to the Oxford dictionary, Fatigue is defined as extreme tiredness, to feel tired or exhausted.

 

So chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition in which a person feels persistently tired or exhausted for a long time.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

 

While the most common chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms are feelings of extreme tiredness or exhaustion, there are several other notable chronic fatigue symptoms. Some of the potential symptoms someone with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience include:

 

• Sleep that does not feel restful or refreshing
• Having a hard time waking up
• Difficulty staying focused or concentrating
• Problems with memory 
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when transitioning from lying down or sitting to standing
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Extreme exhaustion after mental or physical activity

 

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

 

 

There are many theories about the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, most medical professionals do not agree on the exact cause. The one thing that all health experts agree on is that a combination of factors triggers chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the potential triggers that could lead to chronic fatigue syndrome include:

 

• Impaired immune system function
• Mineral Imbalance
• Poor Gut Health
• Poor Adrenal Function
• Excessive Stress Levels
• Poor Sleep Quality
• Hormonal imbalances
• Physical or emotional trauma

 

Below, we'll explore each of these in more detail.

 

Nutrient Deficiencies

 

Human beings are nutrient-dependent organisms. Being nutrient-dependent means that we rely on nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to survive and function properly. Here are some nutrients that are commonly deficient in our diets:

 

• Vitamin A
• B Vitamins 
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Magnesium
• Copper

 

One of these nutrients particularly stands out as a common deficiency. Magnesium is an essential mineral vital to over 300 enzyme reactions in the body. Make sure to supplement magnesium daily as our bodies are constantly burning through it. 

 

Make sure to check out our blog about the body's nutrient requirements.

 

 

Impaired Immune System Function

 

Your immune system is your body's defense system. It keeps you healthy and protects you from infections from outside invaders like toxins, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When the immune system is impaired, it can lead to many issues in the body. For example, it could play a role in causing chronic fatigue syndrome. 

 

Studies have found that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have impaired immune systems. It is not clear if the impaired immune system function is a cause of chronic fatigue or its result. However, there does appear to be a connection between the immune system and chronic fatigue.

 

Viral Infections

 

Viral infections are another potential cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. It is common for chronic fatigue to develop after a viral infection. Some of the viruses suspected of causing chronic fatigue include the human herpesvirus and the Epstein-Barr virus. However, there is much controversy over these viruses being potential causes of chronic fatigue and no conclusive evidence to connect them to the condition.

 

Those affected by the Epstein-Barr virus tend to develop severe fatigue. The associated fatigue typically resolves within three months. However, there is speculation that it could continue longer, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

There is also speculation that both impaired immunity and viral infection could combine as two triggers that ultimately lead to the condition of chronic fatigue. However, more research is still needed.

 

Gut Health Issues

 

Gut health is a vast and complex category. Still, many medical experts believe that chronic fatigue syndrome originates in the gut. The primary idea behind this theory is that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can result in numerous health issues, including many of the potential triggers listed here. For example, up to 80% of the body's immune cells exist in the gut. Therefore, an imbalance in the gut microbiome could lead to impaired immunity and increase the risk of viral infection.

 

The "gut microbiome" is a term that refers to the whole community of microorganisms living inside of the gastrointestinal tract—of which there are trillions. Our entire body depends on the right balance of the microorganisms in our gut, the microbiome.

 

Good bacteria in the gut assist in many body processes. They help break down and digest the foods that we eat. They influence the signals sent to our brains from our gut. They produce compounds that trigger biological processes, keep harmful bacteria under control, and do so much more. Bad bacteria in the gut can be detrimental and lead to infections. However, a small number of bad bacteria is necessary to maintain balance in the gut and strengthen the immune system.

 

The ideal ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut is 90% good and 10% bad bacteria. However, when this balance is off due to poor dietary or lifestyle practices that harm the beneficial bacteria, it can allow the pathogenic bacteria to take over. This imbalance in the gut is known as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can impair many of the functions that the good bacteria are responsible for and can also lead to various infections in the gut that may have further health consequences.

 

Some researchers believe that an imbalance in the gut microbiome—known as dysbiosis—can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome in several ways. For example, it can impair immune function, interfere with nutrient absorption, disrupt hormonal balance, and lead to systemic gut infections. 

 

Candida Overgrowth

 

Candida overgrowth is one type of infection resulting from an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Candida yeasts in our gut can grow beyond healthy levels and lead to an infection when good bacteria are no longer around to keep them in check.

 

A Candida infection can cause many symptoms and health issues. One of the classic symptoms of a Candida infection is chronic fatigue. People that struggle with Candida also tend to have impaired immune systems, another common trigger associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

Hormonal Imbalances

 

Hormonal imbalances are also associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. While hormonal imbalances can have many causes, they are often also a result of poor gut health and nutrient deficiencies. One hormone, in particular, plays a vital role in our mood and energy levels and can be severely impacted by poor gut health.

 

Serotonin is a hormone that plays many roles in the body and is known to be a mood stabilizer associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Studies show that gut bacteria manufacture up to 95 percent of the body's supply of serotonin. This production of serotonin is due primarily to the production of short-chain fatty acids and their effect on the enteric nervous system.

 

When gut bacteria ferment and break down dietary fiber and starch, they produce short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids then influence the cells lining the digestive tract (enterochromaffin cells), contributing to serotonin synthesis.

 

When there is a lack of beneficial bacteria in the gut or an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, it can interfere with the production of serotonin. This lack of production of serotonin can result in numerous symptoms, including depression, low mood, low energy, changes in sleep, and fatigue. 

 

Physical or Emotional Trauma

 

In some cases of chronic fatigue syndrome, people report that their symptoms began shortly after experiencing a physical injury or severe emotional stress. Physical or emotional stress, especially when combined with other potential triggers of chronic fatigue syndrome, can harm the central nervous system, neuroendocrine system, and immune system. 

 

Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

 

Chronic fatigue treatment approaches vary depending on the triggers playing a role in the condition. Some of the most common methods for chronic fatigue treatment include:

 

• Medication
• Therapy
• Diet
• Sleep
• Exercise

 

Some medications are prescribed to people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Typically, these prescriptions help manage symptoms and often do not work as actual treatments. For example, antidepressants are commonly prescribed but do not get to the root of the issue. However, they may help ease the symptoms of depression that often accompany chronic fatigue syndrome. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also often used when symptoms include physical pain.

 

Some people benefit from counseling or therapy. Therapy can help cope with the symptoms of their illness or get to the root of potential psychological imbalances.

 

A holistic approach to treatment has often seen the best results. If you opt to go the holistic approach for chronic fatigue, make sure you work closely with a qualified naturopath or doctor. This approach usually starts with testing to identify your potential root causes. 

 

This approach looks at the many factors that contribute to overall health and attempts to improve on each. Exercise is a major contributing factor to health. While strenuous exercise is not recommended and may even worsen symptoms, it is essential to maintain tolerated activities to keep the body healthy. Typically, low-intensity exercises, such as zone two cardio, are recommended. One may increase the intensity of exercise as their symptoms gradually improve.

 

Sleep is another essential factor for health, and sleep deprivation can play a role in feelings of exhaustion and fatigue. A holistic approach to dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome emphasizes sleep. It is essential to improve sleep quality as much as possible to help the body rest and recover from chronic fatigue. To read more about our top recommendations for improving sleep, check out this blog.

 

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, nutrient deficiencies and diet are foundational for anyone looking to take a holistic approach to this condition. 

 

Human beings are nutrient-dependent organisms. Being nutrient-dependent means that we rely on nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to survive and function properly. Here are some nutrients that are commonly deficient in our diets:

 

• Vitamin A
• B Vitamins 
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Magnesium
• Copper

 

The liver is one organ that is particularly affected by toxic overload. Toxic burden in the body can be a big problem, as the liver performs over 500 individual tasks for the body. Therefore, when the liver isn't functioning correctly, it can also have a cascade of effects that may eventually result in symptoms of fatigue. 

 

We must care for and nourish our bodies and the incredible organs that keep our bodies functioning. One of the best ways to do this is through diet. While diet is a complex and multi-faceted subject, you can start making significant improvements in your diet. Start by focusing on eating whole organic foods and avoiding processed foods or foods with added chemicals and preservatives. 

 

Since the exact cause of chronic fatigue is unknown, there is no universal treatment for it. However, many people have found relief by addressing the common triggers that contribute to chronic fatigue and taking a holistic approach to treatment.

 

Summary

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a health disorder characterized by severe fatigue that lasts for months or even years. While there is no agreed-upon theory of what causes chronic fatigue, many experts believe chronic fatigue results from a combination of triggers.

 

Some of the most common triggers include:

 

• Impaired immune system function
• Mineral Imbalance
• Poor Gut Health
• Poor Adrenal Function
• Excessive Stress Levels
• Poor Sleep Quality
• Hormonal imbalances
• Physical or emotional trauma

 

There is no agreed-upon cause for chronic fatigue; there is no agreed-upon treatment. However, many people have found relief from chronic fatigue by addressing common triggers and taking a holistic approach to treatment.

 

 

 

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557676/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5526216/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766938/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6787585/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7476598/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17004850/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392663/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21756995/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3017420/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19124690/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8535742/