Fatigue – Symptom or Disease?

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Many people complain of chronic fatigue. It is a hidden disease of our time. The feeling of fatigue is often accompanied by sleep disturbances, depressed mood, apathy. If this condition continues, we stop coping with our daily duties.

Only a few dozen years ago, people who reported such symptoms to a doctor were diagnosed mainly with depression, and other hidden ailments were also looked for. However, as the number of chronically fatigued people in some parts of the United States grew year by year in the 70s, research began on the reported cases and searched for certain regularities. In 1983, a new disease called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) was entered in the disease register.

Who has chronic fatigue syndrome

The disease, the main symptom of which is chronic fatigue, takes a liking to energetic, constantly busy people striving for success. Therefore, in the 80s, CFS was often referred to as the yuppies flu (young, active, talented workaholics). Observing the epidemic trends, it was noticed that people aged 30-40 suffer from the disease, more often women than men. The greater susceptibility of women to chronic fatigue is explained by the need to reconcile multiple duties, life in constant rush and tension, which adversely affects the immune system. With lowered immunity, the body becomes more vulnerable to stress, which contributes to less production in the brain of serotonin, a substance that stimulates, improves mood and increases life satisfaction. Chronic fatigue syndrome sometimes appears after an infection or under severe stress, but it can also develop gradually without a clear onset. CFS can last for months or even years with periods of remission and relapse.

CFS diagnostics

Fatigue can be a symptom of many diseases. Therefore, before the doctor diagnoses the chronic fatigue syndrome, he must exclude other pathologies: depression, anemia, lupus, neoplastic diseases, especially leukemia, viral hepatitis, lung and kidney diseases, AIDS. Chronic Fatique Syndrome is diagnosed based on a set of symptoms:

* feeling tired, lasting at least 6 months;

* low-grade fever;

* slight weight loss;

* sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleepiness);

* confusion, problems with memory and concentration;

* headache, muscle pain, throat pain;

* enlargement of the lymph nodes;

* depressed mood.

Chronic fatigue syndrome as a separate disease entity

Not all doctors recognize chronic fatigue syndrome as a separate disease. The United States has the greatest number of supporters of this position. They are also supported by many European rheumatologists and allergists. This group sees a clear need to separate chronic fatigue syndrome from depression and medical conditions, although these also cause chronic fatigue. On the other hand, European psychiatrists, including Polish ones, mostly take a different position. They doubt whether a separate CFS exists or believe that this disease is a much rarer phenomenon than reported in the American literature. For example, in our country, chronic fatigue syndrome is rarely diagnosed because the consulted patients usually meet the criteria of depression, somatic disorders or other known diseases.

With such a divergent opinion, CFS requires further research and analysis, especially since so far, also in the USA, it has not been possible to establish a specific cause of this disease. In the last century, it was hypothesized that the culprit may be a virus, because the mysterious HHV-6 virus, related to HIV, was detected in the bodies of some patients. In other patients, elevated levels of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies were found. If this hypothesis were confirmed, chronic fatigue syndrome would be an infectious disease. Ultimately, however, the research ruled out the viral background of the disease. However, it has been confirmed that its occurrence is undoubtedly influenced by the modern lifestyle, imbalance between work and rest hours, inability to cope with stress, improper nutrition and addictions weakening the immune system.

Symptomatic treatment of CFS

When the cause of the disease is unknown, doctors can only offer symptomatic treatment. In case of temperature, sore throat, muscles, headache, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are administered. With severe neurotic and depressive symptoms, doctors prescribe antidepressants and psychotropic drugs. Preparations to strengthen the immune system are also administered. However, in the treatment of CFS, the most important thing is to change the patient’s lifestyle. Lots of rest, learning to manage stress, living a more regulated life, and attending group meetings with people with similar health problems are recommended.

Diet in chronic fatigue

In the period of exacerbation of the disease, you need to remember about daily rest, e.g. plan a short nap at a specific time of the day. Exercise, breaking out of stillness, is important. It is easiest to start physical activity with short walks and easy, non-tiring exercises. All effort should be stopped as soon as you feel tired. Chinese tai chi gymnastics has a very positive effect on the well-being of chronically tired people. Gentle and smooth tai chi movements do not require a lot of strength, yet they improve muscle tone and the patient’s mood.

Nutrition should strengthen the immune system and provide energy. People who suffer from chronic fatigue tend to develop bad eating habits. In the morning they feel too exhausted to prepare their own breakfast, so they skip that meal, which is a big mistake. Breakfast should include products such as dried fruit, cereals, muesli, as they are helpful in fighting fatigue. The optimal midday meal for the tired is a set of proteins and vegetables, e.g. fish with salads or lean meat with boiled vegetables, etc. During the evening meal, you can eat white bread, pasta, because carbohydrate products stimulate the brain to produce serotonin, which improves mood and helps you fall asleep . Fatty, difficult to digest foods containing sugar are not recommended. Although sugar causes a rapid surge of energy due to the increase in blood glucose levels, it falls just as quickly and fatigue returns. Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol will not help.

Strengthening the immune system

During severe symptoms of chronic fatigue, you need to take vitamin preparations containing antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, as well as B vitamins and several minerals: selenium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Many medicinal plants contain substances that strengthen the immune system. It is primarily echinacea, ginseng and licorice. Echinacea increases immunity, protects against viral infections. Ginseng gives strength and energy. Licorice strengthens the body and increases the secretion of cortisol, the hormone released when the body responds to stress.

In order to improve the mood, we recommend an infusion of St. John’s wort and evening primrose or borage oil, as well as aromatherapy. Oils such as lavender, geranium, sandalwood and ylang can improve the mood. You can spray them in the air or use them for baths and massages.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, where participants learn to think differently about the disease and learn how to cope with it, can help.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, regardless of whether we consider it a separate disease or the initial stage of depression, is another condition born of modern civilization and the current lifestyle. It can simply be a manifestation of the body’s rebellion against overexploitation, a reminder that it also deserves rest and relaxation.

Text: Barbara Skrzypińska

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Good night and tasty – Night Eating Team