Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.
Information from Your Family Doctor
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: How to Help Yourself
Am Fam Physician. 2002 Mar 15;65(6):1095.
What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
No one is sure what causes chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The symptoms may be caused by an immune system that isn't working well. They may be caused by a kind of virus. Researchers are looking for a cause of CFS.
How can I help myself?
The best chance for you to feel better is to be as physically active as possible. Below are some ideas to get you started.
Exercise
Modest exercise reduces fatigue and improves functioning and fitness in up to 75 percent of people with CFS. It's important to exercise within your limits. Begin with as little as 5 minutes of light to moderate exercise a day. Then slowly increase how long and how hard you exercise. Always stop exercising before you feel overly tired.
Try different forms of physical activity, such as walking, swimming, pool exercises, stationary exercise machines, stretching, T'ai chi, and yoga.
Diet
Eat a well-balanced diet that's low in fat but high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Avoid eating too many simple sugars such as candy and sweets. Eat more fruits and vegetables. They're good sources of energy and vitamins and minerals.
Sleep habits
If possible, go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Do not watch TV in bed; it will make it harder for you to fall asleep. Avoid daytime napping.
Reduce stress
Set reasonable limits for yourself. Trying to do too much will only make things worse. Share responsibilities and plan your day's activities for times when you usually feel better. There are many relaxation techniques that can help you manage stress and chronic pain, such as deep breathing, meditation, and massage therapy.
Get informed
There are many resources available with information about CFS. The following are good Internet sources for information and various types of support:
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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CFS Information Page
This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other health-related information is available from the AAFP online at http://familydoctor.org.
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
Copyright © 2002 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. Contact
afpserv@aafp.org for copyright questions and/or permission requests.
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