The treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS and adrenal fatigue in Naturopathy often requires a multi-faceted approach. This means that there is no one magic supplement that will fix your adrenals and fatigue overnight. I find I get the best results when I recommend treatment and lifestyle approaches which are based on the individual’s presentation. Part of this presentation takes into account the circumstances leading to the CFS. For example there is often a viral trigger associated with CFS, treatment in this case would include treatment of the original virus and support of the immune system combined with Nervous system support and replenishment.
Other primary triggers of CFS include hormonal change, childbirth, chronic long term stress, hectic lifestyles, recreational drug and alcohol abuse/misuse, exposure to chemical or environmental toxins, pharmaceutical medication, Irritable bowel syndrome, amalgam fillings, bacterial infections and many more. While some aspects of the treatment will be similar the initial trigger must be assessed and addressed to have an impact on the exhaustion.
Failure to consider these causes often leads to treatment that is mildly effective but not restorative, which for someone who is chronically exhausted is frustrating and trying. In my practice and my work in Flannerys, clients who fall into the CFS category will often be on a range of herbal and nutritional products which change as their symptoms do. This approach also requires that the individual be aware of their own triggers, approach to life in general and to a certain degree they must be willing to change and adapt to their new situation. My primary recommendation is that the best way to ensure you receive treatment that is specific for your circumstances is to consult a Naturopath or holistic General Practitioner who can carry out necessary assessments, physical exam, salivary and blood tests to assess your individual presentation and prescribe based on this knowledge.
The following are general recommendations of some of the more common products I will prescribe:
Rhodiola: A fantastic herb used in cases of fatigue and nervous system repair. Several companies now have stress and anxiety formulas containing this herb which is regarded as a tonic and stimulant and used to increase physical endurance, attention span, memory and work productivity, treatment of fatigue, depression, anaemia, impotence, infections (including colds and influenza).
Withania: Promotes physical and mental health, augments resistance of the body against disease and adverse environmental factors, revitalises the body in debilitated conditions and increases longevity.
Licorice: The herbal preparation of Licorice is considered an adrenal tonic. Its cortisol like action has seen Licorice being used successfully in cases of adrenal insufficiency such as Addison's disease. Licorice may increase blood pressure in individuals and must be assessed for suitability before use.
B Vitamins: A good quality high dose B vitamin or multi vitamin is the basis of any fatigue based protocol. Providing your body with essential nutrients ensures that any compromise to digestive function or nutrient metabolism is covered by the addition of a broad multivitamin. B vitamins are regarded as playing a vital role in the energy production processes of the body.
Minerals: Essential nutrients may be lost in food processing and preparation. I recommend the use of a colloidal liquid based mineral formula like Citramin from SAFE. The addition of basic minerals to the everyday diet often carries with it an overall increase in energy and well being.
Probiotics: Digestive under-function and dysbiosis (disorded bowel flora) is a common presentation alongside a diagnosis of CFS. The digestive system is often affected negatively by stress and lifestyle factors. Treatment of the digestive system and providing quality beneficial bacteria ensures that the body is a given a chance to break down and assimilate food s and nutrients. A large part of our body’s immune system is dependent on the health of the digestive system. Probiotics play a huge role in this immune health.
Zinc: An essential mineral often deficient in individuals with CFS. This mineral is important for immune function, the synthesis of essential fatty acids and hormone production, tissue repair and a myriad of important chemical reactions within your body.
Vitamin C: Regarded as one the primary antioxidant vitamins and as such plays a role in supporting the antioxidant network and antioxidant defences of the body. Vitamin C is a water soluble antioxidant and plays a role in: (a) adrenal function and the synthesis of norepinephrin; (b) synthesis of carnitine, a critical nutrient involve in mitochondrial function; (c) synthesis of collagen, one of the most important components of connective tissue in the body.
Iodine: Iodine is an essential mineral required for the healthy function of the thyroid gland. It is not uncommon to see under-active or sluggish thyroids accompanying CFS. The use of Iodine in supplemental or food form may help the correct function of the thyroid gland and balance its hormonal and metabolic action. It is important to note that Iodine is not suitable for everyone and is often best used under the supervision of a practitioner when used in supplemental form.
Cod Liver Oil: A valuable source of Vitamin D, Vitamin A and essential fatty acids. Cod liver oil is used for general immune health, mineral absorption and assimilation, skin and tissue repair and aids in the production of quality hormones within the body.
Antioxidants: In any oxidative stress situation antioxidants are indicated. These can be taken in supplemental form or by the addition of plant based super-foods like Acai, Goji berries, Spirulina and Chlorella. Antioxidants play a vital role in decreasing the harmful production of free radicals in the body as well as functioning as nutrients, vitamins and minerals in their own right. The inclusion of high strength antioxidants like the super-foods listed above will often benefit the individual by providing an increase in overall energy and well being as well as an increased resistance to infection.