Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition characterized by persistent feelings of tiredness and lack of energy.
Clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), symptoms can vary but include muscle and joint pain, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, dizziness, nausea and cognitive impairment.
The CDC predicts 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans have ME/CFS. The Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America believes that as many as 90% of people who have the syndrome go undiagnosed.
Many people with ME/CFS have difficulty working, exercising and performing daily activities.
Anyone can get ME/CFS, but women are four times more likely than men to develop it. Middle-aged adults are especially at risk, but all age groups are affected.
There is no standard treatment, however, there are many options for managing symptoms and improving quality of life including lifestyle changes, stress management, therapy and medications.
Following this, more energy supplements for chronic fatigue have entered the market with promising results.
Research shows people with ME/CFS may benefit from such integrative interventions like roburin-rich French oak wood extract.
One study found that patients with ME/CFS treated with 200 mg/day of Robuvit® oak wood extract for a minimum of six months had 63% reduction in muscle pain, 51% reduction in joint pain, 33% reduction in headaches and 47% reduction in tender lymph nodes in the armpit and neck.
Supplements to aid your energy level include carnitine, CoQ10, creatine, D-ribose, magnesium malate, NADH, SAM-e, vitamin B12. On the other hand, if sleep is eluding you, try melatonin or valerian to help you doze off.
Pain and tenderness are common symptoms of ME/CFS and if you want to stay away from pain killers, supplements like lysine, magnesium malate, omega-3 (fish oil), turmeric and vitamin D may help.
Depression is prevalent among those diagnosed and DHEA, folic acid and lysine can help boost your mood while 5-HTP, rodiola, SAM-e, carnitine and omega-3s can help to build better brain function.
If you’re low on energy, be sure to also get your iron levels checked. And before you start a supplement regimen, talk to your doctor.