Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition.  The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but it doesn’t improve with simple rest.  It most commonly affects people between 40 and 60 years old.  Adult women are typically more prone to CFS than adult men.

The symptoms of CFS can come and go, but a person can also experience the symptoms all the time.  Initial symptoms can be similar to flu symptoms, but the primary symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Feeling tired even after sleeping
• Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• Unexplained muscle or joint pain
• Headaches
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits

The actual cause of CFS has yet to be determined because there may be more than one cause behind the condition.  Additionally, it is possible that two or more triggers could work together to cause CFS.  Researchers speculate that viruses, a weakened immune system, stress, or hormonal imbalances, are among some of the primary culprits.  Other causes may include:

• Viral infections
• Immune system disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Stress
• Depression

• Studies have shown that graded exercise therapy can help those with CFS.  This type of therapy allows you to start exercising gradually with stretching and guided movements that involve a controlled method of breathing.  Given that it is gradual, you should be able to increase the intensity and duration of the exercises over time.  This can significantly reduce fatigue.
• Many people with CFS suffer from insufficient sleep and even insomnia.  Increasing sleep time (at least 8 hours each night) can help replenish the body’s energy and heal its muscles in order to reduce the constant tiredness associated with this condition.
• Ribose is a sugar that is of great importance to the body, due to its role in helping with energy production.  Research has found that ribose can reduce CFS symptoms, specifically sleep problems, mental fogginess, and pain.  It can be taken as a supplement, although consuming it in natural foods such as mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and broccoli, is much better because it is absorbed more easily from these raw foods.
• Eat foods that are rich in magnesium!  CFS patients commonly have low magnesium levels, and this accounts for a low red blood cell count.  Increasing the intake of magnesium can improve energy levels, and can lead to a more balanced emotional state.

• Broccoli
• Bananas
• Sweet potatoes
• Hazelnuts
• Garlic
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Asparagus
• Almonds
• Black beans
• Kefir
• Avocados