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Fatigue therapies

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
I'm 19 years-old and I've had chronic fatigue syndrome for six years now. I also have Gilbert's disease and after all this time I still feel very tired and washed out, and have a poor appetite and look pale. Can you advise me on any vitamins that will help me along the way to my recovery? Also, lately, every time I wash my hair, strands just seem to come out. The last thing I want is for my hair to fall out!

answer
If you have been ill and not eating properly, hair is often one of the first parts of your body to suffer. This can also be triggered by the stress of ill health as the hair cycles come together and lots of hairs are shed together rather than over a longer period of time. As your health and nutrition improves, your hair loss should improve. Select a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement supplying additional antioxidants and B group vitamins.

An evening primrose oil and fish oil supplement is also a good idea for essential fatty acids. A recent study provided preliminary evidence that B vitamin status, especially pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is low in people with chronic fatigue syndrome and it is therefore worth trying an oral B complex supplement to see if this helps.

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance that is essential for oxygen uptake and production of energy in cells. Supplements can help to improve fatigue - it usually takes three weeks and occasionally up to three months before energy levels are noticeably increased, however. Olive leaf extracts have a powerful antiviral action and they are often helpful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome, while Siberian ginseng helps your body adapt to the changes caused by illness.

For improved energy levels, try my own range of supplements, Trilogy.

To support the liver, someone with Gilbert's syndrome may benefit from milk thistle extracts. As you have a complex medical history you would benefit from seeing a qualified medical herbalist or nutritionist.
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