All of us know what it feels like to be tired. With food and rest, most of us will eventually regain our energy. But for millions of people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, food and rest just aren't enough. More than just being tired, CFS sufferers experience a profound, often debilitating, fatigue that can last for years. CFS can be made worse by physical or mental activity and it is often accompanied by secondary symptoms such as weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory or mental acuity, severe headaches, sore throat, and insomnia. It's estimated that 0.5% to 2% of the world's population is affected by CFS.

Is CFS Real?

Prior to being officially recognized as an actual illness by the medical community in the late 1980s, CFS was thought to be "all in one's head" and was even referred to derisively as "yuppie flu." Even now, the exact causes of CFS are still unknown and there are no specific laboratory tests for diagnosing it. However, researchers theorize that multiple triggers may be involved, including viral infection, immune dysfunction, and hormone imbalance. If you think you have CFS, it's imperative to inform your healthcare provider of all your symptoms, since CFS has symptoms common to many other illnesses and is easily misdiagnosed.

Natural Therapies for Managing CFS

Various complementary and alternative therapies may be combined to effectively address CFS. These include:

• Alternative therapies, including acupuncture, aquatic therapy, massage, chiropractic, stretching, tai chi, and yoga.
• Nutritional supplements and herbs, including ginseng, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 to enhance energy levels and boost immune function.
• Lifestyle changes, including rest, mild to moderate exercise, a healthier diet (avoiding alcohol, sugar, certain food additives, and caffeine), and quitting smoking.

You can control CFS, rather than letting it control you! To learn more about managing CFS naturally, talk with your healthcare provider.