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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lyudmila Artyushkevich Explains Why It Occurs
22.03.2023 20:33
Updated: 14.04.2023 19:42
A state of constant fatigue and decreased performance that is not relieved by rest and adequate sleep are the main symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. It may also be accompanied by headaches, sleep disturbances, irritability, loss of appetite and memory impairment.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can be a sign of one or another disease.
Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Unbalanced diet
A lack of vitamins and microelements in the body can be the result of an unbalanced diet. Although vitamins themselves are not a source of energy, they activate many metabolic processes and can affect well-being.
Some of the important vitamins and minerals include:
- vitamins D, C, B12, B1, H (biotin);
- iron;
- folic acid;
- copper;
- chromium;
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- iodine.
Oncologist of the 1st category of the HappyDerm medical center Lyudmila Artyushkevich recommends taking vitamin complexes with the listed microelements in the winter-spring period, and special attention should be paid to vitamin D.
Excessive consumption of sweets
Excessive consumption of sweets quickly raises blood glucose levels, causing the production of large amounts of insulin, which helps cells quickly utilize sugar.
However, such fluctuations in sugar levels can cause a feeling of weakness, loss of energy and drowsiness. To maintain health and energy, it is important to reduce the consumption of sweets, sugar and other carbohydrates, introducing more protein into the diet. In the morning, it is recommended to choose a protein breakfast, such as scrambled eggs or an omelet.
Low physical activity
Low physical activity can also lead to a rapid decline in strength and a slowdown in the body's recovery. To avoid this, proper and regular physical activity is necessary. This can be:
- Yoga.
- Running.
- Dancing.
- Swimming.
- Routine morning exercises.
Regular exercise will help strengthen your body, improve your mood and fight fatigue.
Lack of rest and sleep
Lack of sleep and rest can also lead to a loss of strength and poor health. It is recommended to sleep at least 7-8 hours during the dark hours of the day to produce enough melatonin, which helps fight stress.
It is important to give yourself time to relax and change your environment, take a couple of weeks off at least twice a year. In the evenings, you can set aside a few hours for your own needs, and on weekends, do some active recreation.
Anemia
Anemia syndrome can cause increased fatigue. With a reduced level of hemoglobin in the blood, the supply of oxygen to the muscles and brain is difficult, which leads to general weakness, fatigue, drowsiness and decreased performance.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the modern world. Not only does it cause a constant feeling of sadness and dissatisfaction with life, but it also manifests itself on a physical level. In addition to fatigue, depression can also cause sleep, appetite, and concentration problems.
Endocrine diseases
Hypothyroidism can cause frequent fatigue. Hypothyroidism is associated with a lack of thyroid hormones and can manifest itself as dry skin, hair loss, swelling, constipation, chills, memory loss, and menstrual irregularities in women.
Infectious diseases
Fatigue is also a common symptom of acute and chronic infectious diseases such as viral hepatitis, HIV infection, herpes simplex virus infections, etc.
If you feel constantly tired, you should see a doctor and get tested. At the first stage, tests may include:
- Complete blood count with formula and ESR.
- General urine analysis.
- Biochemical blood test (glucose, creatinine, urea, ferritin, liver enzymes – ALT, AST, bilirubin, protein, vitamin D).
- Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4).
If any of the indicators deviate significantly from the norm, it is necessary to conduct additional examination and consult with specialists such as a hematologist, endocrinologist, infectious disease specialist or neurologist.
