Chronic Fatigue
Low energy?
When a person experiences chronic fatigue, their overall quality of life diminishes. Simple morning routines can become exhausting tasks, work may feel overwhelming, and personal relationships might suffer.
We help individuals struggling with chronic fatigue by examining their health journey and identifying underlying causes. We recommend personalized lifestyle adjustments that promote daily function and enhance quality of life.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) – is a complex condition marked by persistent, debilitating exhaustion that lasts at least six months and doesn’t improve with rest. It makes physical and mental exertion difficult and severely limits people’s ability to carry out their everyday activities.
The Facts.
Globally, approximately 20.4% of adults experience general fatigue (lasting less than six months), while about 10.1% suffer from chronic fatigue (lasting more than six months).
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a significant global health concern, more prevalent among women than men.
Between 2021 and 2022, an estimated 3.3 million adults in the United States were affected by CFS, according to the National Health Interview Survey.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
A natural treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Our functional medicine practitioner can help you find relief from CFS through personalized, natural treatment strategies once they identify the root cause of your symptoms and rule out any more serious conditions.
Common chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
To be diagnosed with CFS, you must have three of the five core symptoms. These include the main CFS symptoms as well as at least one of the other two symptoms.
Feeling fatigued and having difficulty with your usual activities (required).
People with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience a drastically reduced ability to do activities they could easily do before becoming ill. This profound limitation is accompanied by an overwhelming, debilitating fatigue that:
- Can be extremely sever
- Is not triggered by unusually strenuous activity
- Is not relieved by sleep or rest
Symptoms worse after activity (required).
People with CFS experience a worsening of their symptoms after even minor physical or mental activities. These tasks wouldn’t have been an issue before they became ill. This is known as Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM).
PEM can lead to a frustrating cycle of “pushing” to do more, only to then “crash” afterwards. During these crashes, individuals with CFS may face a variety of debilitating symptoms, such as difficulty thinking, problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, dizziness, or severe fatigue.
It can take days, weeks, or even longer for someone with CFS to recover from a crash. Some may become confined to their bed or home. For example:
- Attending a school event may leave someone homebound for days afterwards
- Grocery shopping may require a nap in the car before they can drive home.
- Running errands may necessitate getting a ride home.
- Showering may leave someone bedridden for days.
- Working may mean spending nights and weekends resting and recovering.
Sleep problems (required).
Even after a full night’s rest, people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may still feel tired and not fully refreshed. Some may also struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.
Additional symptoms (At least 1 required).
To be diagnosed with CFS, you’ll need the three required symptoms plus one of the following two additional symptoms.
Memory and thinking problems.
Individuals living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) frequently struggle with mental clarity. They often report feeling “stuck in a brain fog,” finding it difficult to think sharply, recall information, and focus on details. This “brain fog” sensation stems from the inability to think and process information as clearly as they’d like.
Problems being upright.
People with CFS often experience a worsening of their symptoms when they stand or sit upright. This is known as orthostatic intolerance. They may feel lightheaded, dizzy, weak, or even faint when moving from a lying or seated position to standing. Some also report vision changes like blurring or seeing spots.
Other symptoms.
Many people with CFS experience a variety of other debilitating symptoms beyond just fatigue. While not everyone with the condition has these additional symptoms, they are very common.
Pain is a pervasive issue for those with CFS. The type, location, and severity of the pain can vary greatly from person to person. Importantly, this pain is not caused by any injury, but rather is a direct result of the illness. The most common pain symptoms include:
- Muscle aches and soreness
- Joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches, either new or worsening
Some people with CFS may also experience:
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
- Frequent sore throat
- Digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome
- Chills and night sweats
- Allergies or sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, light, and noise
- Muscle weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
Mitochondria.
Maintaining healthy mitochondria is essential for sustaining energy levels and vitality. Reduced levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular energy currency, can lead to feelings of depletion and fatigue. While the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of fatigue are still being investigated, mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to contribute to these symptoms. Improving mitochondrial function can enhance ATP production, thereby boosting cellular energy reserves.
The Research.
A 2021 observational study examined mitochondrial respiration of older patients (average age 76.6 years) with and without fatigue symptoms. Patients experiencing fatigue showed lower mitochondrial respiration and more functional limitations and depressive symptoms compared to those without fatigue. In CFS patients, another 2021 study found severe fatigue and altered mitochondrial metabolism, affecting cellular energy production
Energy support
Nutrient Repletion
Nutritional interventions that support mitochondrial function may alleviate fatigue symptoms. Nutrition coaching recommending anti-inflammatory diets rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, and plant-based nutrients like polyphenols promote mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Additionally, vitamin injections or vitamin IV therapy, tailored to individual nutritional needs, has shown promise in enhancing mitochondrial efficiency and overall health.
What your body is lacking.
Poor nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies may exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction and fatigue, particularly in older adults. Functional medicine addresses nutrient deficiencies through nutrition coaching, which promotes mitochondrial health with an anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic, gluten-free, and high-quality fat-focused approach.
Conclusion.
Impaired mitochondrial function contributes to both general and chronic fatigue, and nutritional strategies offer potential support for mitochondrial and overall health. Functional medicine practitioners are equipped to explore the root causes of chronic conditions and collaborate on personalized dietary treatments to enhance health outcomes.
Our unique approach to health optimization.
At BionwoRx, we view our patients as partners in care. If you’re looking for a collaborative relationship with your practitioner, then we may be right for you. That being said, it’s important to understand that health optimization is not a quick fix. Some modalities take time to show results. It’s a journey, not a sprint, that requires commitment and dedication.
Annamarie Salyer FNP-C
Founder – BionwoRx