Chronic fatigue is hard to diagnose. It mimics several different sicknesses and has varying symptoms. When you hear the words Chronic Fatigue, you probably are thinking about extreme and excessive tiredness. Well, you're partially right, but it goes much deeper than this.

People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), often find that just living everyday life can be a chore. Everything they do takes effort. The fatigue keeps hanging on for months or even years. The slightest activity will cause those suffering to face such exhaustion that living a normal life just isn't possible.

Symptoms may vary, but may include the following:

• Mild fever
• Recurrent sore throat
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Hypersomnia
• Forgetfulness
• Muscle pain
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Irritability
• Painful lymph nodes
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Recurrent headache
• Prolonged fatigue after activity
• Poor concentration
• Confusion

NOTE: Remember these can also be symptoms of other diseases as well. Check with your doctor to determine a proper diagnosis.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? CFS is associated with a combination of several symptoms which are mentioned above. It has been referred to by a variety of different names including Yuppie flu, post-viral fatigue syndrome, and others. It is closely related to a condition called neurasthenia. It is defined as fatigue that causes a 50 percent reduction of activity for at least six months and is only diagnosed after all other illnesses that cause fatigue have been ruled out.

What causes CFS? Causes of CFS are unclear, but people with low immune systems or impaired adrenal functions seem to be more susceptible.

Is there a cure? There is no cure for CFS, but the symptoms can be treated. In some people the disease does go away gradually, for others it's a lifelong battle.

What can I do? Doctors can prescribe medication to treat the symptoms or there are supplements that may be taken that may cause significant improvement. Working on the immune system and the adrenals will definitely be a plus. Make sure to note when taking supplements that it may take up to several months to notice improvement. This is because your body has been broken down in some way and the nutrition will gradually feed to restore and rebuild. So be patient.

• Take a high potency multi-vitamin daily
• 3,000 to 8,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily
• Potassium
• Magnesium (Best to take at bedtime because it has a relaxing effect. You'll know if you're taking too much if you develop diarrhea. If this happens, just cut back a bit).
• An additional 1,200 IU of vitamin E
• The herbs kelp, Siberian ginseng, and spirulina will also be very beneficial