Supplements that Help Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Customers who seek advice for a chronic lack of energy often confront retailers. Something as simple as eating a healthy diet and supplementing with the very best nutrition can help you manage many health challenges, and that includes the persistent fatigue and mental strain of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). I know it doesn’t sound sexy. But it couldn’t be truer.
• Fatigue • Loss of memory or concentration • Sore throat • Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits • Unexplained muscle pain • Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness • Headache of a new type, pattern or severity • Un-refreshing sleep • Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
The onset of chronic fatigue may be sudden and occur immediately after a viral illness such as the flu. However, it can also be gradual, with no distinct association to a specific event or time. The economic burden of CFS, including annual health care costs, is estimated to be between $1.9 billion and $7.2 billion. Retailers can truly lend a hand.
Healthy Alternative’s shelves are full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other supplements that are not only good for overall nutrition but can also have powerful nutritional impact on people with CFS. Many of the following are best used synergistically to help improve energy levels and overall health.
• Amino Acids: Glycine, taurine, carnitine, tyrosine and others are essential for the production of energy in the body. They are also essential for brain function.
• D-Ribose: This compound is needed to increase the synthesis of cellular energy in muscles. Muscle energy synthesis is found to be lower in those with CFS. When taken as a supplement, D-ribose has been shown to enhance muscle cell energy and recovery, improve fatigue and other symptoms in individuals with fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome in several studies. In fact, one group of researchers found that 3 grams of D-ribose twice daily for three weeks in adults over 50 years of age who complained of tiredness for at least one month lessened physical fatigue. This was demonstrated by statistically significant improvements in tests of cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The subjects also had significant subjective improvements in mental outlook and vitality.
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): The presence of “good bacteria” in the intestinal tract is vital for improving digestive health, central to overall health.
• Inositol: Enhances immune function by increasing natural killer cells and increasing arterial blood flow.
• Magnesium: Nutritionists believe that many CFS sufferers can significantly improve their symptoms by supplementing with magnesium. This is because magnesium has the ability to increase the body’s production of DHEA, a hormone that has beneficial effects on memory, stress, sleep and depression. It also enhances immune function by increasing natural killer cells. Furthermore, magnesium is critical for the relief of muscle pain.
• Vitamin E: Helps to relieve pain in CFS patients. It can also improve leg cramps at night, which interfere with sleep.
• Selenium: Supports immune function by enhancing antibody production.