What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

May 31, 2017

Do you experience frequent exhaustion?!
Do you feel exhausted by simply climbing the stairs? Do you put off running errands because your too tired?  Are you finding that most days you are not motivated to go anywhere? This unrelenting fatigue may seem like a frustrating mystery that even your doctor has failed to solve. But, you might actually be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by severe fatigue. “This is not the kind of worn out feeling that goes away with a little needed rest. Instead, it is ongoing and can dramatically limit your ability to do ordinary daily activities,” says Lori Gallagher MS, CNS, LDN. The main symptom of CFS is constant exhausting fatigue that continues for at least 6 months. You may also have many of these other symptoms affecting you:
  • Feeling unwell for more than 24 hours after physical activity
  • Muscle pain
  • Memory problems
  • Headaches
  • Pain in multiple joints
  • Sleep problems
  • Sore throat
  • Tender or swollen lymph nodes
Generally, CFS is hard to diagnose medically. There are no specific tests for it, and other illnesses can cause similar debilitating symptoms. Your medical doctor has to rule out other diseases before making a diagnosis of CFS. “This waiting game can be very frustrating when you just want some relief. So unfortunately patients are often left to their own devices or worse prescribed anti-depressants.” says Lori.  Sound familiar? There is good news! If you are tired of being sick and tired, it may be time to dig deeper to get to the root of your declining health.  Functional medicine can help you overcome fatigue and many of the symptoms plaguing your life. According to Lori, It offers a different perspective. “The functional approach takes a whole-person view, and yet also molecular view, with tools and specialized testing to evaluate the biochemistry of cells, tissues and organs – and how well they are actually functioning. Because everything is interconnected, there is usually more than one thing out of balance resulting in the condition,” she continued. Lori, as a nutritionist trained in functional medicine, says that there are key areas that need to be addressed to help restore balance and get you feeling better.
  1. Is what you are eating making you tired?
  2. Does your gut break down the foods you eat the right way? Or is your gut leaking and increasing the inflammation in your body?
  3. Is your body low in key vitamins, minerals or amino acids?
  4. Are your hormones out of balance?
  5. Are you filled with toxins?
  6. Do you have chronic infections?
Lori says stress and poor sleep can be a trigger for the development of chronic fatigue. So supporting your body’s ability to manage stress and sleep deeply naturally is vital to full recovery. Here are some tips for you to incorporate to begin to free your body from fatigue. Get Moving You are probably thinking that you don’t have the energy to exercise. But I’m talking about  10-15 minutes daily of low impact stretching and walking, take it slow and work up to more.  Movement helps the body work optimally moving lymph, supporting proper digestion and lowering stress hormones. Tune in next week to watch my new video on stretching techniques that will help you get moving for sure. Breathe Deeply to Relax Learning to breath from your diaphragm, for deeper breath, allows you to take in more life-giving oxygen to fuel your cells.  Incorporating deep breathing exercises and Low Pressure Fitness can help your body learn to better manage its response to stress. Unplug for Better Sleep If you are not sleeping well try unplugging all technology two hours prior to bed and read a paper bound book instead.  My favorite way to relax before bed – taking a soothing bath. I enjoy meditating while soaking in an Epsom salt and lavender essential oil bath.  This combination is so luxurious for your mind, your spirit and your muscles.  Try it and you’ll spent a day at the spa in just 20 minutes! Also, keep your bedroom dark or wear an eye mask. Try creating a sleeping oasis and diffuse essential oils like lavender or chamomile in your bedroom for a little help relaxing. Go ahead and try some of these strategies right away for some relief. Then be sure to contact my colleague Lori Gallagher MS, CNS, LDN to help you get to the true root of your chronic fatigue. For Tina McDermott clients she is offering a special discount of 15% off on her initial functional nutrition evaluation.  Lori’s advanced training and credentials include a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CNS national Board Certification, licensure through the state of Maryland, and an apprenticeship with a neurological rehabilitation specialist. It was here that she intimately worked with neurological and immunological conditions such as chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease matrix, autism and other auto-immune diseases. Click here to go to her website and book your session.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

© Tina McDermott, LLC All Rights Reserved Refund Policy / Terms and Conditions THIS WESITE provides nutrition education information and is intended only to assist users in their personal nutrition and wellness efforts. Tina McDermott, LLC is not a medical organization and our staff will not give you medical advice or diagnosis. Nothing contained in this website should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. The information generated by us should not be interpreted as a substitute for physician consultation, evaluation, or treatment. You are urged and advised to seek the advice of a physician before beginning any program.  If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications or have any known or unknown medical condition, please seek the advice of a physician before beginning any program. This information is not meant to replace the advice of any physician. Do not rely upon any information to replace the consultations or advice received by qualified health professional regarding your own specific situation. Any information provided by Tina McDermott, LLC should NEVER be construed as medical advice. If you have any question in your mind regarding any lingering health concern, you should seek medical assistance. If you are not satisfied with the advice being rendered by your current physician, you always have the right to obtain another medical opinion. We are not physicians or doctors. It is important for you to understand that Tina McDermott, LLC is a certified nutritional consultant and weight loss coach who is neither a physician nor a pharmacist.Tina McDermott, LLC shall not be held liable or responsible for any misunderstanding or misuse of the information contained on this website or the documents provided in it or for application of any food or food source discussed in this website.  The statements in this website have not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  This information is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Your results and experience may be different from any claims or testimonials on this site.  Must be 18 or older to participate in any program. The FTC requires that we identify what a “typical” result is. Typically people never do anything with products and information that they buy, so in most cases they won’t get any results so results are not typical.   If you’re looking for results, you need to take action in changing your lifestyle and stick to the plan!