Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder that can affect the quality of life due to its severity, and it is characterized by extreme tiredness or fatigue that won’t go away even after proper rest. As a result, it has a negative impact on the people suffering from it, and people belonging to different age groups suffer from it. The symptoms appear mild in the beginning and remain undiagnosed in some people. Even though different treatments are available, people also prefer using CBD oil to mitigate the symptoms due to its many therapeutic and medical benefits. This primer will explore chronic fatigue syndrome and understand what does CBD oil does to mitigate its symptoms? Read on to know more.
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious condition that causes severe tiredness or fatigue and occurs in multiple ways. For some people, the onset of its symptoms is sudden, whereas for others the symptoms reveal gradually. Because the tiredness persists even after proper rest, it can cause serious implications at work, home, school, or college life. Its technical name is myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) and is considered to be a long term condition according to physicians. As the name indicates, individuals experience severe fatigue after any physical excretion or activity.
Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Apart from experiencing severe fatigue, some people show symptoms like sore throat, fever, and headaches. It is also known that patients who are undergoing treatments for this experience cognitive disruptions and depression. There is no test that can diagnose it directly as there is no known underlying medical condition and it is pinpointed by eliminating other factors that can cause severe tiredness. As a result, the diagnosis takes time because the physician has to test for other underlying diseases. Based on the result of the diagnosis the treatment plan is decided. Listed below are the other disorders causing severe fatigue.
- Thyroid Or Heart Issue: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, heart diseases, and anemia can cause fatigue and weakness.
- Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia can cause weakness and severe fatigue.
- Mental Health Disorders: Mental disorders such as depression, stress disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder can cause sleep disorders and in turn result in severe fatigue.
Chronic fatigue syndrome treatments use a multi-pronged approach to reduce the severity of symptoms and give relief. However, there is no permanent cure for it and the usual treatment procedures for it are multi-modal.
Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome experience minor physical body pain and suffer from depression. Physicians prescribe antidepressants to regulate mood along with medication for chronic fatigue. The antidepressants also help patients with sleep, improve appetite and reduce headache. But, it is a known fact that antidepressants have side effects and since this is a lifelong disease it won’t be a desirable choice for some people.
For those who do not want to use antidepressants, physicians go for a two-pronged approach of using psychotherapy and exercise. In psychotherapy, a licensed professional will engage the patient in talking therapy and self-talk therapy sessions to reduce the symptoms of depression. They also use meditation techniques to relieve stress. With exercise sessions they engage in bodily physical activities like yoga, cardio exercises to bring overall physical well-being and reduce the effects of fatigue from physical activities. Other options include a change in eating habits by introducing a balanced diet to improve physical health and aid in better sleep.
What Does CBD Oil Do To Mitigate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The cannabidiol or CBD oil is useful in treating chronic fatigue syndrome due to its effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It works by influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS and thereby enhancing its functioning. Besides, it improves the serotonin levels of the brain which is vital for homeostasis. Also, it improves immune system response and results in a reduction of symptoms like sore throat and fever.
Also, its direct activation of the TRPV1 receptor that is responsible for pain perception may be responsible for the reduction in slight muscle pain and headache experienced by chronic fatigue syndrome patients. Moreover, it increases the level of neurotransmitter anandamide; this determines the action of dopamine and serotonin in the body. As a result, it improves mood and feeling bringing overall improvement in wellness.
Dosage
To achieve the best results, you must administer the optimal dosage of pure CBD oil that is suitable for the individual and you should determine this with the help of your physician. However, in some individuals, as CBD reduces stress and calms down the symptoms, it may cause drowsiness and tiredness.
Pure CBD oil for chronic fatigue syndrome appears to be a good option for reducing the severity of its prominent symptoms. It would be more beneficial if CBD oil is used as a complementary option along with regular treatments.