Do you feel overworked and exhausted despite a good night's rest? Do you experience impaired memory, poor concentration, lethargy, and muscle pain? You could be lacking in omega-3 vitamins, or you might be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This complex but fairly common disorder is characterized by a state of extreme exhaustion that is aggravated by mental or physical activity. In today's busy world, there's no avoiding stress, but what sets CFS apart is that the exhaustion does not go away with rest. For many years, doctors dismissed CFS as "all in the mind", but brain scans revealed that CFS sufferers experience physical changes in the brain.
There is no universal cure for this condition because symptoms, their causes, and their severity vary from person to person. However, there are various treatments aimed at symptom relief so that anyone with CFS can recover faster and experience improved function. One such treatment is a combination of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA). In a study at Hammersmith Hospital, adults with CFS were given state-of-the-art brain scans to observe the differences in their brain. The researchers found out that their brains had abnormally high amounts of choline, a water-soluble essential nutrient. The brain needs a combination of fatty acids and choline to form phospholipids, which are essential for communication between neurons. However, the high levels of choline indicate the improper formation of phospholipids due to a deficiency in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Another study obtained blood samples from CFS patients; the analysis also revealed a deficiency in fatty acids. Clinical trials that used omega-3 fatty acids show that patients with CFS finally experienced relief from the chronic exhaustion they experience.
Omega 3 Vitamin D
Based on the current research on CFS and omega-3 supplementation, experts recommend using a supplement with pure EPA rather than a combination of EPA and another long-chain fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Even if DHA also forms the structure of phospholipids, new studies show that EPA is the more beneficial fatty acid in terms of nervous system functions. Additionally, some research suggests that DHA might inhibit the actions of EPA.
Fatigue can also be successfully managed through self-care at home. While total rest seems like an obvious solution, it may actually just aggravate the symptoms. Instead, adults suffering from CFS should work at a comfortable pace and learn to know when to stop so as not to aggravate their fatigue. People suffering from this condition should also avoid emotional stress and physical stress. Maintain an easygoing daily routine with moderate activity to avoid a relapse of symptoms.