Nobody really knows what causes chronic fatigue syndrome. Several theories about the causes have been proposed, and most experts believe that the causes are multiple.
One of the suggested causes of chronic fatigue syndrome is an overactive immune system. The immune system becomes hyper-reactive and T cell imbalances occur. This leads to a buildup of cytokines, which are inflammatory substances in the cells. Cytokines cause cell damage, which is the direct cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Another proposed cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is viral infection. Chronic fatigue syndrome behaves like a post-viral syndrome, and it often begins with a prolonged flu-like episode. The Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpes virus 6 are the most likely viral causes of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Abnormalities of the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis may be causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. Many people with CFS have low levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Problems with the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine may also be causes of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some have hypothesized a genetic link to the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, or at least a genetic predisposition to it.
There may also be psychological or emotional causes of chronic fatigue syndrome.
CFS treatment is difficult because we do not understand the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, and we aren't sure what mechanism generates the symptoms. CFS is debilitating, isolating and stigmatizing, and most sufferers would do nearly anything to find a good CFS treatment.
To be honest, efforts to discover a CFS treatment-or even symptomatic relief-have been disappointing. Most people try dietary changes, exercise, physical therapy, sleep aids, energy supplements, lots of caffeine.and the list goes on.
Nutritional deficiencies are often present when a person has CFS. Some researchers believe the nutritional deficiencies are a result, not a cause of the disease. Orthomolecular treatment to correct these deficiencies has helped some people. Orthomolecular medicine uses mega doses of safe, common substances to treat diseases. Orthomolecular CFS treatment consists of taking large doses of the following supplements under the supervision of a doctor:
- Vitamin B-50
- Folic acid
- Vitamin B12 by injection
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- CoQ10f
- L-carnitine
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- GLA (an omega 6 fatty acid)
- Tryptophan
In orthomolecular CFS treatment, vitamin B12 is taken by injection to make sure it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Some people cannot absorb vitamin B12, especially in large doses, from the gastro-intestinal tract. The B12 Patch would be an excellent option for CFS treatment with vitamin B12. The B12 Patch provides safe, reliable absorption of vitamin B12 through the skin.
