Chronic Fatigue and Epstein-Barr Virus

The official cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is still undecided by doctors and scientists, even though it was first diagnosed and named nearly two decades ago.

Epstein-Barr virus appears to be almost universally associated with CFS, along with probabilities of one or more (usually several) of the following maladies (a syndrome is a grouping of specific disorders) :

Aches and pains

Adrenal insufficiency

Allergies

Candidiasis

Chills/ fever

Cysts

Chemical sensitivities

Chronic infections

Concentration difficulties

Depression and anxiety

Fatigue/ exhaustion

Fibromyalgia

Heavy metal poisoning

Hormone imbalance

Immune disorders

Impaired detoxification

Loss of appetite

Low blood pressure

Low blood sugar

Low thyroid function

Memory loss

Muscular weakness

Neurological issues

Nutritional deficiencies

Parasites

Sleep disorders

Swollen or sore lymph nodes

Epstein-Barr is a herpes-like virus that is an advanced form of mononucleosis. Some people are able to carry this chronic fatigue virus and feel fine, while others can be almost completely debilitated.

Poor digestion, unhealthy food choices, and the inability to handle life's stresses can be considered root causes of CFS, although the causes and symptoms are so intertwined, it can be difficult to get to the bottom of things. So to treat Chronic Fatigue will usually involve a number of lifestyle changes in addition to any nutritional supplements required.

It is so important to stay away from junk food - caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars, and other nutrition-stripped foods may aggravate (and will certainly not help) the depressed immune system that goes along with CFS.

Massage and Lymphatic Drainage are two bodywork therapies that seem to be especially helpful to people with CFS and/or Epstein-Barr virus.

The blood type diet (Eat Right 4 Your Type by D'Adamo) can give you a guideline on foods that will help or harm your efforts (don't know your blood type? Get a blood type testing kit here). Wheat sensitivity, and gluten in particular, seem to be very common among persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Proper food combining can also make things easier for a compromised digestive system.

My favorite stress-reducing remedy is Rescue Remedy� from the collection of Bach Flower Essences. Of course, the long term answer to stress has to be a change in your lifestyle, but the Flower Remedies are extremely helpful in the meantime.

And try to take a morning walk every day, even if it's just a short one. The early morning sunshine will do you good, and the movement will help to stimulate your immune system while alleviating the depression and anxiety that often accompanies CFS.

Back to Viral Infection
Although it's true that a viral infection "just has to run its course," there are many things that can help.

More on Infection
Empowering your immune system is the best possible way of avoiding infection, and is also many times the best treatment.

Personalized Wellness Plan
Get your own customized, just-for-you report. Here's how.

From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Back to Organic Cures from
Your Personal Wellness Consultant