While the exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is unknown, researchers agree that it is likely very complex and caused by multiple factors. Recent studies have shown that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be caused by inflammation of pathways in the nervous system. Many leading experts thus believe that CFS is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system is so geared up to defend the body against invaders, that it attacks the body's own tissues. This is not a far fetched idea since many CFS patients suffer from gastrointestinal overgrowth of candida, allergies, and heavy metal toxicity—all of which can directly lead to impaired immune function.^6,10

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may occur when a viral illness is complicated by an inadequate or dysfunctional immune response. Though no distinct viral cause has been identified as of yet, CFS often develops following infections such as Epstein-Barr, rubella, herpes, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leading some experts to believe that a viral infection of some type may indeed play a role. Other factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetic disposition may also play a role.^6,10

A dysfunction in the endocrine/hormone system, or the HPA-axis, may also play a significant role in the onset and prolonged nature of CFS. Other possible causes of CFS may include a defect in the mechanisms that regulate blood pressure, anemia, chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, sleep problems, and fibromyalgia.¹⁰

Additional Information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Overview
2. Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
3. Natural and alternative treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome
4. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome
5. Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for chronic fatigue syndrome

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Article ID: 279