Feeling tired every day can be pretty tiring. No matter how much sleep you get, you still feel exhausted. If this is the case, you may be experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome, and luckily there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel somewhat energized again.
Chronic fatigue is a complicated condition with no easy fix, I should know because I suffered from CFS for 25 years now.
Supplements are an excellent choice and can make you feel rejuvenated and give you that extra kick. Here's what you should know:
Supplements to Take for Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is extremely unpleasant and frustrating, and it is easy to feel like you'll never escape this never-ending exhaustion. I suffered from CFS myself, and after trying various things, I realized that the best way is to beat chronic fatigue naturally; this meant changing my diet and taking nutritional supplements.
I developed Super Green Tonik to help me overcome many of the symptoms of CFS, but I also take other supplements to overcome CFS too.
Here are some of the best options I think you should try:
Antioxidant Supplements
Antioxidants protect our cells from being damaged by free radicals. A free radical attacks a molecule to steal what they do not have; this causes a chain reaction. It can cause a lot of damage to our DNA and cells and bring on diseases. Antioxidants work to diminish all of this damage and keep our bodies healthy.
Antioxidants also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to depression and diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome.
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Magnesium Malate
Studies have shown that magnesium malate can potentially manage your symptoms of Chronic Fatigue. Magnesium can produce energy for our cells through adenosine triphosphate (use of energy at the cellular level). A lack of magnesium can encourage excitotoxicity, which means our cells are overstimulated and die.
So, magnesium malate can help boost our energy levels. Magnesium is one of my favorite supplements for chronic fatigue syndrome!
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a natural energy booster and helps the body adapt to mental and physical stressors. It supports the immune system and promotes healing. Ashwagandha can increase our body's resistance to stress, stress lowers our immune function, which can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.
So, this natural herb can boost our energy levels and ensure that our body is strong and healthy.
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Essential Fatty Acids
Omega 3s reduce inflammation, lower our risk of diabetes and cancer, aid brain development, and alleviate oxidative stress. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can cause chronic fatigue, and Omega 3s can combat this inflammation, thereby decreasing our chances of getting chronic fatigue syndrome.
Low levels of Omega 3s can lead to depression, which is also linked to chronic fatigue syndrome. A suitable dosage of omega-three fatty acids can boost energy levels and improve symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine produces thyroid hormones in our body and builds up proteins. Tyrosine can help our thyroid, and if our thyroid is underactive, it can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome, so having a healthy thyroid can prevent this. It can also help your body conserve energy and helps your body react to stress.
DHEA
DHEA is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, and our bodies use this hormone to make androgens and estrogens. Our natural DHEA levels decline as we age, so taking these supplements can prevent adrenal insufficiency, heart disease, and depression. These are all things that can contribute to chronic fatigue.
Citrulline
Citrulline increases certain chemicals in our body to make protein. It also reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow. Citrulline increases our blood flow due to the increase in nitric oxide, which gives our body more energy and the extra boost we may need. So, it can play a role in reducing chronic fatigue.
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is a natural chemical in our body that turns fat into energy. It is also great for brain function and can reduce our risk of specific disorders. Our body doesn't produce enough of it in some cases, and sometimes a supplement is needed. It plays a crucial role in giving our cells energy to keep them working efficiently and powered up, reducing fatigue symptoms.
L-Theanine
Theanine is an amino acid, and it transmits nerve impulses into our brain. It is used for stress and anxiety and improves one's mental function. Theanine can aid relaxation, boosts energy, and makes one more alert. L-Theanine elevates certain chemicals that work in our brain to regulate our mood, emotions, sleep, energy, and more.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is essential for nerve function and energy levels. Our bodies don't make folate, so we need to get it from the food we eat or, of course, supplements. Folic acid is a form of folate. If you have a folic acid deficiency, you could feel lethargic or tired. Folic acid also helps our bodies make new red blood cells, which is vital so that the rest of our body gets oxygen.
Folic acid can also regulate mood problems which can prevent depression, which is a cause of fatigue.
Beetroot Powder
Beetroot is very rich in nitrates. Our bodies convert nitrate into a nitric oxide; this increases blood flow and sends more oxygen to our cells, increasing our energy levels.
Beetroot is also a great source of potassium; this mineral helps our muscles and nerves function better. And if we have low potassium levels, we will likely feel very fatigued.
Related Articles: Best beetroot supplements
Vitamin C
The powerhouse! What can't Vitamin C do? This nutrient fights chronic illness, boosts energy, builds your immune system, and improves one's resistance to stress. Not providing your body with enough Vitamin C can expose your body to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Most people who have chronic fatigue syndrome tend to have under-functioning adrenal glands. Vitamin C synthesizes tyrosine to dopamine and then into adrenaline, making our adrenals function better.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D facilitates normal immune system function and improves our disease resistance. Vitamin D lowers our risk of bacterial infections and autoimmune diseases by supporting our immune health. It also decreases our risk of depression and regulates our mood. A clear symptom of Vitamin D deficiency is fatigue.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a herbal medicine that can temporarily relieve us of stress symptoms. It also promotes and supports energy and reduces depression, fatigue, and stress. It balances chemicals in our brain, such as serotonin and melatonin, which help our bodies fight off fatigue.
What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue?
There are several things to look out for if you think you may have chronic fatigue syndrome. If you have prolonged fatigue, it is highly recommended that you see your healthcare provider.
Here are the symptoms (* are those that I suffered from):
Problems with memory or concentration *
Fatigue will affect your concentration, and you may feel like you don't have the mental energy to pay attention. And most times, if you struggle to concentrate on anything, it also gets harder to remember anything. Trying to focus can feel exhausting.
Feeling unrefreshed after a night's sleep *
No matter how much rest you get, you still feel utterly exhausted. You could be going to bed at a decent time, getting at least 8 hours of sleep, and still wake up feeling drained. Even lying down or taking a nap does not solve the problem.
Orthostatic intolerance
If the movement from lying down or sitting to standing upright causes you to feel symptomatic arterial hypotension, you likely have orthostatic intolerance. In simple terms, it means that you have low blood pressure, or your pressure drops quickly and results in you feeling lightheaded, dizzy, faint, or blurs your vision. It can also increase your heartbeat.
Muscle pain *
It may feel like your muscles can't work correctly; there's less force and a dull ache. You may even lack the motivation and energy to perform your daily tasks due to the pain and feeling extremely tired. You could feel sharp pains, deep pains, or dull aches all over your body or only in specific areas.
Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits *
If your lymph nodes are swollen, it is generally a significant sign of infection, disease, or injury. Your body is responding to a problem, which is usually a sign that you should see a health care professional. You will be able to feel the swollen lymph nodes with your fingers and, in some cases, see them under the skin. Other than being swollen, they may be tender and sore to touch.
The early days with CFS I suffered from swollen glands and chronically infected tonsils, not pleasant at all!
Frequent headaches
Headaches aren't usually anything to worry about, but I recommend getting them checked out if they are almost constant. Headaches can be a sign of dehydration, sleep disorder, or various chronic illnesses. It is said that fatigue and headaches are interconnected.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Chronic Fatigue?
The actual cause of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown, but certain things can contribute to it, and factors can trigger it. If you do not sleep enough, you will feel exhausted. It can also negatively impact your well-being and health, hormonal imbalances, viral infections, emotional or physical trauma, and issues with your immune system.
Sleep apnea is a common cause – this is a sleep disorder that causes one to stop breathing for short periods while asleep. Drinking, smoking, and being overweight contribute to sleep apnea, and can also happen if you don't eat enough or are lacking a varied, nutritious diet. Anemia or iron deficiency can cause fatigue as your body likely isn't getting enough oxygen for energy.
Depression can come with physical symptoms, one being fatigue. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can cause fatigue. High consumption of caffeine and caffeinated products can cause fatigue, urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, heart disease, and certain food allergies that can all cause or contribute to fatigue.
When I was competing in Triathlons before getting CFS
FAQs
What is chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme tiredness or fatigue that doesn't go away no matter how much one sleeps or how well-rested they are. There isn't a single cause, and any other underlying medical conditions can't necessarily explain it.
What should I eat if I have chronic fatigue syndrome?
You should eat food that is rich in nutrients and balanced. You should eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fermented dairy, seafood, legumes, beans, dark chocolate, healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts, tofu, tempeh, and spices. Stay away from fast foods and anything that is processed and packaged.
Related: Healhiest fruits and vegetables you should eat
Does chronic fatigue syndrome get worse with age?
It differs from person to person. In some people, the symptoms get better over time, and the symptoms may worsen with others. In most cases, the symptoms are generally quite bad in the first year and possibly the second. After that, they often start to stabilize.
How can I lose weight with chronic fatigue?
Losing weight when suffering from chronic fatigue can be achieved by looking at your calorie intake as often exercise is difficult to maintain.
The Mediterranean Diet has been successful for many CFS patients as eating several small meals throughout the day can help keep energy levels up.
The Bottom Line
It is clear that chronic fatigue syndrome is relatively complicated, and it cannot be explained by any other conditions. The best thing to do is to look out for the various common symptoms; this will indicate if you are experiencing chronic fatigue and if you should see your doctor.
Thankfully, there are ways to keep your body strong and healthy to minimize your symptoms. There are various supplements for chronic fatigue. They all have their own unique benefits and help our bodies in different ways. I cannot emphasize the importance of fueling your body with the nutrients and supplements it needs, as this blog has shown.
Not only will the supplements help you with your fatigue, but they will also benefit your body in many ways, from fixing nutritional deficiencies, and regulating blood pressure, to improving brain and physical function.
When I suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, supplements helped me, so all I can say is to listen to your body and look after it, perhaps with the assistance of supplements.
LifeHacker Guy Greens Recommendation
Some Call This An "Extreme" Step...
Most super greens supplements are disappointing.
I learned this the hard way. After creating this blog in 2018, I spent months buying and testing all the most popular brands.
I wasn’t happy with the results so I did something you might call "extreme"....
In 2019 I created my own brand that ticks every single box of what I look for in a super greens product:
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No more worrying about ineffective ingredients or too low dosages. I finally have a product I KNOW does the job it’s made to do.
I use it every day and, after years of battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), I now have my energy (and my life!) back.
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