How to Alleviate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue vs. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome are common conditions which affect millions of Americans. While their symptoms are similar in nature, there are several differences between the two.

Keep reading as we dive into how chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue are different, the possible causes for each, and ways you can take a more natural approach to alleviate fatigue symptoms at home or with wellness solutions at Nova Vita.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is more than feeling general tiredness. It impacts your daily routine, mood levels, and the amount of energy you have. Chronic fatigue is often caused by personal lifestyle habits, including:

• Excess physical activity
• Alcohol or drug use
• Medications, including antihistamines
• Not getting enough sleep
• Unhealthy eating
• Lack of physical activity

Chronic Fatigue Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Dizziness that worsens when moving from sitting to standing
• Unrefreshing sleep

Natural Remedies for Chronic Fatigue

Coenzyme Q10

People with chronic fatigue syndrome may not produce enough ATP, which is what provides the cells in your body with energy. When levels of ATP get low, you feel extremely tired. Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, helps your body produce more ATP. In a study of 155 people with chronic fatigue, people who took CoQ10 had increased energy levels and the ability to exercise.

Nova Vita Wellness Centers offers CoQ10 in low-level and high-level boosters administered via an intramuscular injection.

Essential Fatty Acids

People living with chronic fatigue often have low levels of essential fatty acids. These important fatty acids aid in reducing inflammation and boosting the health of the immune system. Research found that people living with chronic fatigue who supplemented their diet with more essential fatty acids experienced fewer symptoms after eight to twelve weeks.

Common Food Sources of Essential Fatty Acids

• Fish (especially cold-water fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines)
• Nuts and seeds
• Plant oils
• Avocados

Melatonin

If you believe your chronic fatigue symptoms are associated with poor sleep quality, melatonin may be a helpful solution. Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness. To increase sleep quality, take the recommended dose of melatonin an hour before bed.

Although no research directly supports melatonin for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, data shows it can improve energy levels following a night of better-quality sleep.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is important to maintain the health of nerve cells and blood cells. Nerve cells receive signals from the brain which drive muscle function. A lack of healthy red blood cells depletes the amount of oxygen being carried to your body’s tissues, making you feel weak and exhausted.

Vitamin B12 also plays a crucial role in energy production and supports the release of energy by enabling your body to properly utilize folic acid (folate).

What Causes Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

• Following a vegan or plant-based diet (which lacks meat, fish, poultry, and eggs)
• Gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease
• Bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass or gastrectomy

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, primarily in women. Symptoms often last longer (six months or more) and become more severe over time.

Chronic fatigue syndrome differs from general chronic fatigue because it is often caused by underlying health conditions such as:

• Viral infections
• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Weakened immune systems

For most people, a primary cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is hormone imbalance stemming from the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, or sex hormones.

What Causes Hormone Imbalance?

As we age, hormone production and hormone receptor sensitivity naturally change. Some hormone levels increase, others decrease, and some remain unchanged. Hormonal metabolism also slows down.

Additional Causes of Hormone Imbalance

• Chemotherapy
• Pituitary tumors
• Benign or cancerous tumors
• Eating disorders
• Stress
• Certain medications

Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy Risks

Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses synthetic medications in the form of pills, patches, gels, or intramuscular injections. These treatments, however, can cause side effects in some people, including:

• Nausea
• Acne
• Bloating
• Changes in bleeding patterns
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Higher risk of certain diseases and cancers

How to Fix Hormone Imbalance Naturally

Fixing hormone imbalance naturally is the safest approach, whether due to aging or external factors. Recommended lifestyle changes include:

• Maintaining a healthy gut
• Consuming adequate protein
• Maintaining a moderate weight
• Exercising regularly
• Decreasing sugar intake
• Reducing stress
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating healthy fats

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

Some people continue to experience hormone imbalances despite lifestyle changes. This ongoing imbalance can increase the likelihood of developing chronic fatigue.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is an effective, natural alternative for men and women. It uses plant-based pellets that are molecularly identical to your body’s natural estrogen and testosterone—resulting in minimal side effects.

If you’re a candidate, Nova Vita Wellness Centers uses lab panels and a custom dosing calculator to evaluate your sleep, stress, lifestyle, and hormone levels. Based on this, a personalized plan is developed and custom pellets are ordered from a certified compounding pharmacy.

These pellets are inserted just under the skin near the upper buttocks in a quick, minimally painful procedure. Most people return to normal activities immediately. The pellets release hormones consistently over three to six months, making BHRT more stable and longer-lasting than synthetic HRT—especially helpful for those with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Not a Candidate for BHRT?

If BHRT isn’t right for you, Nova Vita’s comprehensive lab panels provide an in-depth look at your body’s needs. Our healthcare team can recommend alternative wellness services to help reduce your chronic fatigue symptoms.