Are you feeling abnormally worn out and can’t seem to regain energy with rest? Do your symptoms worsen with activity? If so, you may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a disorder that causes extreme lethargy and can be accompanied by muscle pain, headaches, memory issues, tender lymph nodes, sleep problems, pain in multiple joints, sore throat, and/or sickness for 24 hours or more after physical activity. Because CFS often goes undiagnosed, up to 3 million Americans may be living with the debilitating condition.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites that there are no known causes of CFS , CFS has similarities to autoimmune disorders and should be treated as such. CFS generally results from overstimulation and sympathetic overdrive—overexposure to stimulants that cause unintended stress on the body. Sympathetic overdrive can lead to a comprised immune system and adrenal fatigue (sub-par functioning of the adrenal glands, which help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and the body’s response to stress).

The first step in CFS treatment is to identify the triggers (also known as factors or mechanisms) that are causing the body to go into a fight-or-flight or life-or-death struggle (adrenal function issues). These triggers impact metabolism and normal body function, resulting in CFS symptoms like extreme fatigue. Diet and lifestyle changes including liver detoxification, food sensitivity testing and removal, gut treatment, hormone assessment, and adrenal function testing are necessary to create a plan tailored specific to the CFS patient.

Out-of-control connective tissue inflammation, which can cause muscle and joint pain and as well as other CFS symptoms, must also be addressed. CFS is often associated with fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder that causes pervasive pain. German Spagyric Medicine can be an essential part of treatment protocols for connective tissue inflammation and fibromyalgia as they help re-establish balance, promote liver detoxification, and relieve congestion, inflammation, and accumulated toxins that are produced during out-of-control connective tissue inflammation.

The third step in using natural medicine to treat CFS is identifying and eliminating unresolved infection and xenobiotic load, which are foreign chemical substances absorbed by the body. Toxins must be removed from the body, inflammation must be reduced, and immune functions need to be controlled. To do such, specific CFS treatment plans are created on an individualized basis after testing has occurred to identify specific triggers and deficiencies.

Diet plays a major role in curbing the symptoms of CFS and eliminating the syndrome altogether. While specific diet plans must be tailored to the individual, generally, CFS treatment includes diets that:

• Contain the proper balance between Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids
• Are rich in antioxidants, which are found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidant supplementation through flavonoids (often found in fruits in vegetables) may also be recommended.
• Are low in glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates. The GI rates carbohydrates on how much they raise blood glucose. White bread and potatoes rank high on the GI while 100% stone ground wheat break and sweet potatoes rank low.
• Use physiologic anti-inflammatory medicines like German Biologic Medicine

While the steps to identifying triggers and reducing toxins in the body to improve and potentially eliminate CFS symptoms may appear overwhelming, the reality is that through individualized testing and with proper treatment protocols CFS can be treated. There’s no need to wait another day to address your CFS symptoms when natural medicine can provide CFS treatment that can get you back to living life to the fullest.