Chronic fatigue syndrome

CFS is still a relatively newly defined syndrome encompassing a combination of symptoms including recurrent and overwhelming fatigue, sore throat, low grade fever, lymph node swelling (from compromised or disturbed immunity), headache, joint and muscle pain, intestinal discomfort, emotional distress, depression and lack of concentration.

Although CFS is now receiving a great deal of attention thanks to more accurate measures of diagnosis, it is not a new disease at all with references in medical literature going back as far as the 1860’s. In the past chronic fatigue syndrome has been known by other names including chronic EBV syndrome, Yuppie flu, postviral fatigue, postinfectious neuromyasthenia, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction (CFIDS) and many more.

As far back as 1930 chronic fatigue was recognised as a key feature of food allergies. A deficiency of any nutrient can produce the symptoms of fatigue and make the body more susceptible to infection. Successful treatment of CFS requires a very comprehensive approach because a person’s energy levels and emotional state are intertwined. Psychological factors naturally have an influence on both the cause and treatment of CFS. Subsequently, professional counselling is important, along with dietary factors – aiming to increase nutritional status, energy and therefore the ability to overcome the illness.

One of the most common findings in individuals with impaired immunity, which is a feature of CFS, is the gastrointestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans.