What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Have you been feeling extra sluggish lately, and rest isn’t helping? You could be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, 35% of all primary care visits are due to fatigue related issues. Before you chug that entire pot of coffee, it’s important to figure out WHY you’re experiencing chronic fatigue. 

The problem is that there isn’t one underlying cause. Chronic fatigue syndrome can happen due to many factors, and it can look different for everyone. For example, it could be related to an autoimmune condition, thyroid health, adrenal burnout or even stress and trauma. 

To give you a better understanding, we’re going to go over what chronic fatigue syndrome is and the main causes of it. Along with this information, you can sign up for our free online holistic health courses online to learn more about how gut health, how to detox the leaky liver, adrenal fatigue and trauma are connected to chronic fatigue. You’ll also learn about homeopathy, herbs, supplements and other treatments for how to reverse adrenal fatigue naturally! Let’s get into it. 

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disorder that can affect everyday life. When you’ve been dealing with unexplainable fatigue for 6 months or more, it’s considered chronic fatigue syndrome. Those who have experienced it know how unpleasant it is when you can barely get yourself out of bed in the morning. 

The main characteristic of CFS is being extremely tired no matter how much rest you get. Coffee, sleeping and other methods don’t help. Chronic fatigue symptoms may also get worse if you do physical activity. This syndrome can come on out of nowhere and last for years. Here are several possible symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome to look out for:

• Fatigue
• Light sensitivity 
• Insomnia
• Brain fog
• Forgetfulness
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Trouble concentrating 
• Depression
• Anxiety 

It’s important to note that CFS has symptoms similar to other conditions, so discussing it with your naturopathic doctor can help you get a diagnosis. 

Who is at Risk for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Research shows that women are 4 times more likely to experience CFS than men. It also mainly affects middle-aged people, but it can happen at any point in your life. 

How it Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed 

Once you’ve been experiencing fatigue and other CFS symptoms for more than six months, it’s time to consult with your naturopathic doctor or a health specialist. They will assess the severity of your symptoms and the duration to determine whether it’s CFS or something else. 

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

While the main root cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, there are several conditions that have been connected to it. Sometimes it’s a medical condition, and other times it may just be from chronic stress. We’re going to go over the main causes of chronic fatigue syndrome and how natural treatments may help. 

Adrenal Fatigue/Burnout & Chronic fatigue syndrome

Adrenal fatigue, or adrenal burnout is what’s used to describe when your adrenal glands are tired. Typically, this happens after a long period of stress or an illness. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol, which is commonly referred to as the stress hormone.

When you’re experiencing chronic stress, the adrenal glands work in overdrive to compensate with extra cortisol. This can leave them drained, leading to adrenal burnout. Along with managing stress, cortisol also helps the body to:

• Maintain blood sugar levels 
• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce allergies 

So, when you’re experiencing adrenal burnout, it can result in chronic fatigue syndrome. Symptoms of adrenal burnout to look for include:

• Low energy
• Brain fog
• Depression
• Craving salty foods
• Lightheadedness 

Thyroid Health & Chronic Fatigue

Experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome could also mean your thyroid is in poor health. There are several thyroid issues that can cause fatigue, and not the kind that an afternoon nap can fix. Your thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormones which are used to regulate the body’s metabolic functions. 

When your thyroid isn’t working properly, you’ll feel yourself become more sluggish and fatigued. This is referred to as thyroid disease and there are several types including:

• Hashimotos hyperthyroidism
• Thyroiditis
• Hypothyroidism 
• Hyperthyroidism

People that have poor thyroid health or an underactive thyroid commonly experience fatigue. This is because when you have an underactive thyroid, your metabolism slows down. You’ll experience a tiredness that cannot be fixed with a nap or an energy drink. 

Viral infections 

Another reason you may be experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome is a viral infection. There isn’t much research to back this up, but some doctors think that viral infections can trigger CFS. Viruses that have been thought to be connected to chronic fatigue syndrome include the Epstein-Barr virus and the herpes virus. It’s common to feel tired after you experience a viral infection, but if it persists you should contact your naturopathic doctor to rule out CFS and a chronic viral infection. 

Trauma & Chronic fatigue

When we experience trauma, it can manifest physically in the body. If you aren’t working on healing your trauma, there’s a chance it can turn into chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s extremely important to take care of not only your physical health, but mental health. You can learn more about healing trauma in our free online holistic health courses online.

Physical trauma can also lead to chronic fatigue. Injuries and surgeries can lead to emotional stress which can again manifest itself physically in the form of chronic fatigue. 

Natural Treatments for How to Reverse Adrenal Fatigue Naturally

Once you’ve gotten a diagnosis, don’t worry, there’s hope! Chronic fatigue can be treated naturally with holistic remedies. Being in tune with your body and knowing why you’re experiencing chronic fatigue is essential to finding a natural treatment that works for you. 

Visiting a naturopathic doctor will help you find the perfect solution for a natural treatment, but let us help you with our guide to get started! Here’s a list of natural remedies for chronic fatigue and adrenal burnout that many doctors use

Herbs for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Herbal remedies are a tried and true natural treatment for chronic fatigue. Here are some of the best ones to take as a supplement, brew in tea or cook in a meal. 

Ginseng 

Ginseng is notorious for improving energy levels, so it should be no surprise that it will help with chronic fatigue symptoms. Studies have shown that ginseng is widely used to help combat fatigue. 

Echinacea 

This natural treatment has been known to help boost the immune system. It’s important to note that those with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Hashimoto’s should stay away from this natural treatment for chronic fatigue.

Adaptogenic Herbs for Your Adrenal Glands

Because your adrenal glands may be the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, check out these famous herbs for adrenal fatigue in my article on adrenal fatigue syndrome.  

Homeopathy 

Another fantastic natural treatment for chronic fatigue is homeopathy. If you’re not familiar, you can learn more from our article here as well as our free holistic health courses online. Some of the best homeopaths for chronic fatigue syndrome are:

• Kali phosphoricum 
• Gelsemium
• Phosphoric Acid
• Picric Acid
• Fluoric Acid
• Muriatic Acid
•  

Acupuncture

Don’t be afraid of the needles! Acupuncture is a natural treatment that may help with chronic fatigue symptoms. This therapy involves inserting very thin needles into the skin at pressure points to alleviate pain, and manage stress. Along with CFS, you may be able to treat other conditions, as well. Research recommends acupuncture as one of the best alternative therapies for chronic fatigue.  

Mindfulness & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Never underestimate the power of practicing mindfulness. If you're experiencing chronic fatigue, you’re likely also dealing with depression, anxiety or stress. Trying herbs for anxiety and depression, natural treatment for anxiety and depression, methods like meditation, yoga and breathing exercises can help calm your mind and improve chronic fatigue symptoms. 

Learn More with Dr. Ameet’s Free Holistic Health Courses Online

Tired of dealing with chronic fatigue? Sign up for our free holistic health courses online today! We go into the natural treatments for chronic fatigue more in depth. You’ll also learn more about the causes of chronic fatigue such as adrenal burnout and inflammation. We will get you on track to begin the healing process and start feeling like yourself again! 

You can also check out the holistic medicine books and Dr Ameet's best book on gut health. 

If you’d like to know more: 

Start your Free Holistic Medicine Courses to learn all about on Natural Home Remedies to Heal Leaky Gut in 2 Weeks.

Click here to read my bestselling Holistic Medicine Books, Liver health books, Best books about gut health and more.

Book an appointment at Holistic Medicine & Naturopathic Doctor Near Me to heal from depression, anxiety, weight, inflammation, hormones, fatigue, libido, gut health, liver toxicity, adrenal fatigue and emotional pain. 

Would you like to attend an in-person course with holistic Naturopathic doctors? Click here!

Get well soon!