How to Treat Chronic Fatigue

Many diseases present fatigue as a common symptom. But chronic fatigue that is persistent for more than six months and is not caused by overexertion is an altogether different condition known as Chronic Fatigue Disorder or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).Chronic fatigue symptoms are not relieved by rest.

Medications:
Most doctors prescribe antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, e.g., amitriptyline and fluoxetine to relieve chronic fatigue.
Methods to treat chronic fatigue disorder aim to reduce the signs and symptoms.

Herbs:
Cordyceps sinensis (Chinese caterpillar fungus): It enhances fatigue resistance and stress tolerance. It also improves the immune function, general health, and well-being.

Alternative treatments include meditation, relaxation, massage, and yoga.

Recently, two effective chronic fatigue treatments have been researched:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It is useful to treat fatigue caused by emotional factors. CBT is used to identify the fear as well as false beliefs and helps the sufferer deal with them.

• Graded Exercise Therapy (GET): This involves avoiding overexertion and gradually increasing the activities over a period of time.

Treatment Advice:
• Eat fresh fruits, green vegetables, and nuts, as these help detoxify the body, provide good energy, and help fight fatigue.

• Quit smoking and stop consuming alcohol.

Caution: Before going for chronic fatigue treatments, another similar medical condition called fibromyalgia must be ruled out. In fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue in muscles manifest as pain, but requires different treatment.

For more information on chronic fatigue, see below:

Do I Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?