Check out your health: CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS)

GIDDAY!   You may wonder since I have shared the kiwi slang words, we may as well practice so you wouldn’t forget it, fair enough? Sweet as!

Living a marvellous life means good health. No amount of money or wealth can replace a sound mind and body. You wouldn’t want to trade places with me, not in your wildest imagination you would say.  Actually I am a picture of health in person.  Although my waistline is equally perpendicular to the top and bottom, I am not overweight.  A health buff who do not smoke nor drink (seldom on occasions but light) and sleeps eight hours every day, was down with Brain Tumour.

Brain tumour is still an enigma to the medical science. No one knows its exact cause I was told If you get one you are just being unlucky.  I believe that everything happens for a reason and I have a God bigger than my tumour, miraculously without any complications through very hard work, i am slowly getting back to my normal self again with a renewed zest in life.

Everything started with the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), refers to a relentless, debilitating exhaustion that makes a short walk feel like a Mt. Everest trek (Source: The Herbal Drugstore Book by L.White and S. Foster  reviewed by Dr. Ian Banks).  Do not be alarmed,    CFS alone do not result into a brain tumour. Both have no known cause,   research and doctor’s experience both suggest that some herbs and nutritional supplements can help ease the symptom.  

How to tell a CFS (From the same source)

This illness begins as a flu-like cold that won’t go away, followed by fatigue that rest won’t relive and tiredness that has nothing to do with overexertion. Other symptoms include sore throat, tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, impaired memory and concentration, depression, anxiety and insomnia, Symptoms tend to wax and wane, just when you think you’re getting better and attempt to get your life back, you relapse.

If you suspect you have CFS it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis to prevent being full blown.

Living with CFS

If you’re going to conquer chronic fatigue, lifestyle adjustments are probably the most important treatment.

• Rest, rest, rest
• Reduce stress. Researchers note that stress reduces immune function resulting in many of the changes that occur in CFS. One theory is that stress-induced immune impairment could increase vulnerability for a viral infection or for reactivation of latent viruses such as herpes.
• Exercise lightyly. Studies have found out that moderate amounts of aerobic exercise can significantly improve fatigue, muscle strength and overall fitness.  Ask your doctor how much exercise is good for you.
• Eat wisely. Avoid nutrient-depleting junk foods and eat a varied, wholefood diet including ample protein and complex carbohydrates.  Frequent small meals every three hours or so can help maintain energy levels.
• Avoid stimulants.  Flogging your system with stimulants drains energy reserves, so it makes sense to stay away from caffeine, though it's easier said than done. Try substituting carob-coated nuts for chocolate bars, herb teas and decaf or herbal coffee for caffeine-laden coffee.
• Go smoke-free.  Cigarette smoke, including the second-hand form (passive smoking), increases susceptibility to respiratory tract infections, reduces how much oxygen gets to your cells and generally wreaks immune system havoc. It's a challenge you don't need. 

Drug Treatment

Currently, no magic bullet exists, no single drug has proven significantly and consistent helpful. Non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve aching muscles and joints.

Some doctors prescribe benzodiazepine drugs such as Diazepam and Xanax when anxiety and insominia predominate, or antidepressants when sadness is among the symptoms.

Herbal Medicines

• Siberian Ginseng.  This well-known tonic supports adrenal function and bolsters resistance to stress. A German study found that taking this herb (10mg of fluid extract) three to four times daily for four weeks raised the number of immune cells in healthy volunteers.
• Echinacea,  This popular herb has been shown to enhance immune function in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Dosage. up tp nine 300 to 400 mg. capsules per day or 60 drops three times per day. Take either for two weeks. Caution. if you're allergic to other members of the daisy family, you may be allergic to echinacea. 
• Reishi.  Another traditional Chinese remedy. It protects the liver and figth allergies, inflammation and viruses. It is also an antioxidant. Furthermore, it helps calm anxiety and ease insomnia, and it is safe to use long term. typical dosage. up to five 420 mg. capsules per day.
• Liquorice.  This root delays the body's removal of cortisol, an adrenal hormone that tends to be low in those with CFS. . Donald Brown, N.D. author of Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health  starts his CFS patients on 2,000-3,000 mg. of liquorice root twice daily for four to eight weeks. Caution. do not take if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a disease of the throid, kidney, liver or heart, or if you take diuretics (water tablets). Do not use if you're pregnant.  See the book for more herbal options.

Vitamins for Inside and Out

Thew following supplements may help.

• Vit C, zinc and quercetin all fight the herpes simplex virus
• Amino Acid
• Garlic. Typical dosage. one to three fresh garlic cloves per day

As an old adage ." An ounce of  prevention is worth a pound of cure". My two big difficult brain operations were without complications simply because my immune system is very healthy and cardiorespiratory is remarkable. My cholesterol and sugar is normal mainly because I tried to live healthy, complications are scary that could lead to serious complications if  ignored. 

Patients for surgery together with me with unhealthy lifestyles have to wait for days till their sugar, cholesterol and ECG are normal before doing the surgery, a lot of risk is involve.  Others with the do or die attitude sneaking cigarettes at the ward perhaps its the addiction already. 

Blessed to have the best medical treatment and attention without paying a single cent. The least we can do is to get well fast, so as to sustain the next ones who is in need of treatment.  Keep watching your health so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.  

Have a fantastic and marvelous life!