Energy Supplements For Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition in which you experience severe fatigue that is not relieved by rest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that physical or mental activity may worsen your fatigue, and that this disorder can significantly reduce your quality of life. Certain dietary supplements may boost your energy levels and reduce your chronic fatigue, although it is always wise to clear the use of supplements with your doctor before using them.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, is a disorder characterized by extreme tiredness and weariness that is not directly associated with -- or caused by -- other conditions. Chronic fatigue syndrome is most commonly experienced by people between the ages of 30 and 50. Contributing factors to this condition may include the Epstein-Barr virus, nervous system inflammation, age, previous illnesses, environmental factors, genetics and stress. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you may also experience muscle aches and muscle weakness.

Helpful Supplements

Numerous dietary supplements have traditionally been used in treating chronic fatigue. Examples of herbal supplements that help combat stress-related fatigue include eleuthero root, licorice root, oat seed, sarsaparilla root and prickly ash bark, states herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual." Helpful non-herbal dietary supplements for this condition include lecithin granules, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and vitamin C. Further scientific testing may be necessary to validate the purported health benefits of these dietary supplements.

Featured Supplement

Bark from the prickly ash tree may be helpful in treating your chronic fatigue. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert Sharol Tilgner notes that prickly ash bark is a stimulating agent that may be particularly helpful for the elderly and those recovering from sickness or injury. Prickly ash bark has been used in treating various conditions, including chronic fatigue, rheumatic conditions, gastric irritation and a weakened immune system.

Considerations

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a potentially-debilitating health condition that requires the assistance of a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor can assess your condition and make appropriate treatment recommendations that may help mitigate your symptoms or speed your recovery. Dietary supplements are a time-tested approach to treating chronic fatigue, although dietary supplements should not replace other, more conventional therapies in the treatment of your chronic fatigue syndrome. Not all supplements may be right for you.