Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS):

unexplained fatigue and tiredness resulting in severe disruption in daily functioning. In CFS, fatigue is not the result of any organic causes, physical exertion, alcohol or substance abuse, depression and anorexia nervosa. Fatigue lasts for at least 6 months and is not usually alleviated by rest.

People with CFS also complain of muscle pain, unrestful sleep, low grade fever, headache, and poor concentration and impaired memory.

Potential contributing factors:

1. Childhood trauma (sexual, emotional, and physical).
2. Physical inactivity during childhood.
3. Chronic viral infection.
4. Low function thyroid.
5. Adrenal exhaustion.
6. Chronic stress.
7. Chronic fungal infection.
8. Sleep disorder, such as apnea.
9. Toxins overload.
10. Heavy metal toxicity.
11. Hormonal deficiencies.
12. Dietary factors:
    1. Food allergies.
    2. Dysbiosis (normal flora imbalance).
    3. Low blood sugar.
    4. Poor digestion and absorption.
    5. Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B group, magnesium, and essential fatty acids.
    6. Gluten sensitivity.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Saturated fats.
2. Hydrogenated fats.
3. Processed foods.
4. Fried foods.
5. Food additives, preservatives and colorings.
6. Refined sugars.
7. Carbonated beverages.
8. Caffeinated drinks.
9. Alcohol.
10. Gluten-containing foods: wheat, couscous, spelt, kamut, semolina, rye, barley, triticale, and most oats.
11. Dairy products.
12. Allergenic foods.
13. Acidic foods: rice, corn, rye, and barely.

Recommended Foods:

1. Water: 2 – 3 liters a day.
2. Legumes.
3. Nuts and seeds.
4. Gluten free foods: potatoes, soy, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, arrowroot, and amaranth.
5. Foods high in Omega-3: flaxseeds, fish, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts.
6. Foods high in flavonoids: berries and red grapes.
7. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
8. Green leafy vegetables.
9. Seaweeds.
10. Lean protein.
11. Ginger.
12. Chamomile tea.
13. Green tea.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Co – Enzyme Q10: 200 – 300 mg a day. It has a key role in energy production and increases energy level and endurance.
2. L – Carnitine: 2000 – 3000 gm a day. It improves energy level and endurance.
3. Vitamin B12: 1000 mcg a day.
4. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. It is a potent antioxidant that improves blood circulation.
5. Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
6. Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
7. Magnesium: 200 – 400 mg a day. It promotes relaxation and refreshing sleep.
8. NADH (nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide): 5 – 10 mg a day. It is the active coenzyme form of vitamin B3 and has a key role in energy production.
9. SAMe (S – Adenosylmethionine): 800 – 1200 mg a day. SAMe elevates mood and energy level.
10. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 – 3 grams.
11. D – Ribose: 5 – 15 grams a day. It increases energy production.
12. Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng): 200 – 300 mg a day.
13. Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero): as a dried root, 2 – 4 grams a day, as an extract, 500 – 1000 mg a day. It improves energy production.
14. Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha): 250 – 500 mg a day. It helps with chronic fatigue.
15. DHEA (dehidroepiandrosterone): 25 – 50 mg a day.
16. 5 – Hydroxytryptophan (5 – HTP): 200 – 300 mg a day. 5 – HTP increases serotonin level and reduces depression and anxiety. CAUTION: 5 – HTP should not be taken in combination with anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications.
17. Melatonin: 6 – 9 mg a day. It promotes a restful sleep.
18. Ginkgo Biloba: 240 – 360 mg a day. It improves blood circulation, concentration and energy level.
19. Saint – John`s wort: 600 – 900 mg a day. This herb contains hypericin that elevates mood and helps with anxiety. Caution: do not take this product along with other anti-anxiety medications.
20. Vitamin D: 2000 – 4000 IU a day.
21. Spirulina: as a tablet: 2000 – 3000 mg a day, or as a powder: 2 – 3 teaspoons a day. Spirulina is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
22. Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum product.
23. Probiotics: a product providing 5 – 10 billion organisms per serving.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Liver detoxification.
2. Whole body detoxification.
3. Colon cleaning.
4. Exercise.
5. Yoga.