Everybody feels tired occasionally. After all, we do live in an increasingly active and stressful world!
But what isn’t common is fatigue over a long period of time. If you are experiencing persistent and debilitating exhaustion that affects your everyday life, you may be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affects everyone differently.
While some people only suffer for a few months, for others it may last for years. Symptoms my be mild for some and only slightly disruptive to everyday life and for others it can become so debilitating that it diminishes overall quality of life. Moderate symptoms may result in disrupted sleep patterns, multiple achy joints, headaches, difficulty concentrating, low energy and reduced mobility. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can severely impact overall health, lifestyle, career and relationships. It has no identifiable medical or psychological effects to account for.
Usually, CFS develops when people are in their early twenties to mid-forties, although it can affect children too. However, it is unclear what actually causes Chronic Fatigue. There is some evidence that stress may trigger CFS in people who are at risk for the disease because of genetic factors. Others in the medical community theorize it is a result of stress or a viral infection, while others think it may be due to prolonged stress on the immune system.
Whatever its cause, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a serious condition. That is why the Anderson Peak Performance team wants to help you to identify the symptoms early. This way, we can deal with the condition together, helping you to achieve peak performance once again!
What are the symptoms?
► Fatigue (especially 24 hours after an physical activity)
► Decreased memory and/or concentration
► Restless sleep
► Psychological issues (depression, irritability or panic attacks)
► Unexplained muscular pain
► Multiple joint pain without redness or swelling
► Severe headaches
► Symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation)
► Enlarged lymph nodes (small glands of the immune system) in armpits and neck
► Dizziness or problems with balance
► Feeling of decreased coordination
Many people who suffer from CFS will seek a medical opinion. While there is no definitive test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, making it difficult to make an official diagnosis, a general practitioner can rule out other health issues. Once they have, a visit to a Doctor of Chiropractic is a great form of relief. It can help decrease symptoms, improve energy, help to restore your body’s level of function and overall quality of life.
Here are our tips to deal with long term fatigue:
1. Eating a healthy balanced diet.
Anderson Peak Performance can provide personalized nutrition plans to help you maintain energy. Need a quick energy boost? Here are some healthy, easy-to-prepare snacks to combat fatigue:
► Cereal with yogurt and fruit
► Mixture of dried fruits, nuts & seeds
► Organic fruit or granola bars
► Steel cut oatmeal or whole grain quinoa
► Fruit, including figs
► Almond butter
► Dark Chocolate
► Sweet potatoes
► Veggies & hummus
► Green juices
2. Cut out the caffeine!
Try gradually reducing your caffeine drinks (coffee, tea and soda) over a three-week period. Completely cutting out caffeine for a month can help you feel far less tired than when you use it as a stimulant! Also, reduce the amount of alcohol drunk before bedtime. Without a glass of wine before bed, you will get a better night’s sleep and have more energy the following day.
3. Drink more water.
Dehydration can cause fatigue. Hydration after exercise will help retain your energy. In fact, world health organizations recommend drinking around 64 ounces (2 liters) of water a day or 80% of your body weight.
4. Reduce stress to combat fatigue.
A lot of energy is used up on stress. Try introducing relaxing activities into your day. For example, listening to music, reading or socializing with friends are great ways to relieve anxiety. Another practice could be through calming breathing exercises. Meditation and yoga will help with this.
5. Spinal alignment is a great way to decrease symptoms.
Patients experience a natural improvement in energy once their bodies are properly aligned. Misalignment in your spine is called a vertebral subluxation. Research has proven that by removing the pressure on the nerve from the misalignment by a series of Chiropractic adjustments, normal function can be restored. Detecting and removing those blockages in the spine can increase your ability to heal via the communication of the nervous system to the rest of the body.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, and are seeking a natural alternative, get in touch with the Anderson Peak Performance Team today to schedule an appointment!
Please mention this blog for a Courtesy Consultation with Dr. Jeannette M. Anderson, Chiropractor.
Book your appointment via our online booking form, email frontdesk@andersonpeakperformance.com, or call our office at 212-581-5776. You can find us in Midtown at 39 West 56th St. 4th Floor New York, NY 10019.
