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Loading ...What Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Means
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) can change a normal daily activity into an exhaustive process for those feeling its symptoms. While the origins and causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are still unknown, the symptoms have been linked to stress, poor dietary effects, and illnesses with long-term effects. The effects of chronic fatigue syndrome can vary in length for an individual, ranging from a few years, to even several years.
Lessening the Effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
While chronic fatigue syndrome can significantly reduce a person’s energy level, the effects can be managed with proper treatment. This can be done through diet, exercise, sleep habits, and daily nutritional supplements, such as vitamins. One such vitamin that has been said to help relieve the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome is Vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps to regulate immunity functions of monocytes and neutrophils, and plays an important role in affecting the immune system and maintaining organ systems, such as bone formation and mineralization. While Vitamin D is largely found in sunlight, it can also be found in such foods as milk and cereals, fish and related oils such as salmon, catfish, and tuna, eggs, yogurt and bread.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
According to a December 2004 article published by Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vitamin D deficiency has been misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, stating that common symptoms such as aching bones and muscle discomfort are often misdiagnosed due to their similarities. Vitamin D deficiency can also result due to inadequate exposure to sunlight, medical disorders that impair Vitamin D conversion, and some heredity disorders.
Without adequate dosages of Vitamin D, there is an increased risk of bone softening diseases, and a potential link to colon cancer, as indicated by research.
Take Vitamin D in Moderation
While Vitamin D is an important necessity for the body, too much can be as problematic as too little exposure. Excess amounts of vitamin D can cause dangerously elevated levels of calcium in the blood, high blood pressure, and can cause Vitamin D toxicity, resulting in increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, and renal failure. Once Vitamin D levels have risen in a person’s body, it can take weeks or even months to return to their original levels.
It is for this reason that there are restrictions on allowed dosages for Vitamin D. The recommended allowable limit for adults and children is 2,000 units a day and 1,000 units a day for infants. If an individual chooses to exceed these limits, they should consult with a physician to have their blood calcium levels checked.
Consult with Your Doctor before Making Changes
Each person affected by chronic fatigue syndrome may not have the same symptoms as other people. As with any health or medical related issue, it is important to consult with a doctor to see what dosages are safe to recommend, as well which recovery techniques will be the most effective.
Sources:
http://heartspring.net/fibromyalgia_symptoms.html
http://www.newstarget.com/004776.html
http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/69/5/842?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=1&fulltext=arthritis&searchid=1055272518103_6528&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=80&sortspec=relevance&journalcode=ajcn
Written by Allen James for MicroNutra Health™