It’s Entirely Natural - Articles

One of the biggest problems we have today is dealing with stress. Everyone gets stressed from time to time. Stress is actually a normal function of the body.

Under certain conditions stress can be helpful. One in four people suffer from the adverse health affects that stress can cause. It is estimated that seventy to ninety percent of adult visits to doctors are due to stress-related complaints. These problems cost an estimated 300 billion dollars annually in healthcare expenses.

Even though everyone can suffer from stress, the way we experience can be very different. There are some common symptoms and causes, however. What causes one person to be highly stressed may not bother another in the least.

When we are anxious, hurried, worried or feel threatened, our bodies begin to tense up. This reaction probably benefited us in caveman days—the well-known “fight or flight” reaction which prepared us for battle and allowed us to hunt prey. In the modern environment, the stress hormones released do not dissipate in the way that they did in our early history—we feel stressed, but don’t engage in physical activity. As a result, these stress hormones attack the organs and create long-term problems if not dealt with adequately.

Constant worry or mental anguish creates chronic tension. This tension begins to take a toll on the body, mind and emotions. This chronic tension can result in anger, depression, fatigue, physical pain, irritability and many other unpleasant and undesirable reactions.

If we can identify what it is that causes stress, then we can effectively manage it. There are several common approaches to alleviating stress that can help most people. These approaches don’t have to use drugs, but a natural approach that can produce long-term beneficial effects.

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to plan ahead. We can’t know everything that will happen, but there is an advantage to getting there on time or even a bit early. Be prepared—and not just if you’re a Boy Scout. Plan to arrive early for appointments; if you’re held up in traffic, you still arrive at the meeting stress-free.

Be prepared also means: make sure that you have enough gas in your car, enough change for the bus, enough of the basic supplies at home such as food staples, and have extra keys made for those times when they get misplaced. Getting things ready ahead of time removes time-imposed stress. Prepare a lunch the day before. Pick out your clothes the night before.

Be prepared to wait. If you have a few minutes before the appointment, have a book or magazine handy. This will help you to deflect concerns about the upcoming meeting.

Get organized. Create a place for everything at home and at your workplace. Put things away when you are finished with them so that you know where they are. Learn to say no and to delegate responsibilities and chores when possible. Taking on too much will surely lead to stress. By making these simple adjustments you are taking a natural approach to stress management.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Stress Management.

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Tags: Anger, Depression, fatigue, hormones, Stress Management

Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands. Many studies have been done in relation to the effectiveness of reflexology. This paper will review the practice of reflexology, and the results of studies on the practice of this art.

First, what is reflexology? Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin build-up in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. Reflexology is safe and effective for everyone. Furthermore, it can be used throughout one’s lifetime.

So how can reflexology really help you? Research has found that not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, detoxification, recovering from surgery, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. Reflexology has been shown to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems. Furthermore, in one study, women that had at least 10 reflexology sessions showed reduced labor times during delivery, and fewer complications of childbirth when compared to women who did not have the treatments.

Children can benefit from reflexology in many ways as well. A few of the most common reasons for conventional medical treatment today are ear infections, constipation, colic and bed-wetting. Reflexology has been shown to dramatically improve these problems. Research has shown that children with cerebral palsy who received reflexology work actually had increased growth rate over the kids who did not receive therapy. There are many additional benefits for children of the practice of this art.

In a society that relies on chemically-laden prescription drugs to cure the sick, especially in the elderly, reflexology provides success stories worth examining. Did you know that elderly patients that routinely get reflexology treatment reduce their levels of cholesterol, reduce and maintain lower blood pressure and treat painful digestion better than drugs? Elderly patients who have reflexology mats in their homes experience less pain and a greater sense of control when walking.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. For patients recovering from surgery, reflexology can be a dream come true. Studies have shown that patients that received reflexology treatment after surgery experienced far less pain than the patients that received painkillers alone. Moreover, reflexology was shown to be more effective than catheterization in patients with retention of urine after surgery.

Reflexology has made its mark in the world of alternative therapies because it works. Try it and see the results for yourself. Once you try it, you too will become a believer. Find yourself a good reflexologist, or better yet, learn the techniques for yourself. Having the knowledge to treat yourself and your family is one of the smartest things you can do.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Reflexology.

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Tags: anxiety, blood flow, blood pressure, cholesterol, colic, constipation, Detoxification, digestion, fatigue, Fertility, Menopause, Reflexology, sleep, stress

Endometriosis is a growing problem for women, particularly those who delay having children until their thirties. Endometriosis can be described as the abnormal growth of cells that form in the lining of the uterus. This growth can produce a host of symptoms that can be quite severe, including

• unspeakable pain in the uterus, lower back and areas of the pelvic cavity;
• painful intercourse, extremely heavy menstrual cycles;
• nausea; vomiting; constipation; dysuria and
• sometimes infertility.

No one knows just what causes endometriosis, but several theories have been proposed over the years. One theory that is popular among naturopaths and holistic practitioners is that it is caused when endometrial cells spread to the other parts of the body through blood and lymphatic channels. Research has also shown that exposure to environmental PCB’s and dioxins, two types of hazardous waste materials, can cause spontaneous endometriosis.

Most women that have endometriosis have never been pregnant. Furthermore, as many as 40 percent of women who have fertility problems actually have endometriosis. According to the Endometriosis Association, women who develop this problem have a history of more vaginal yeast infections, hay fever and chronic sinus problems, eczema and food sensitivities.

There are many ways to treat endometriosis naturally. Here are just some of the most common recommendations.

Herbs such as alfalfa are a good source of vitamin K, an imperative nutrient necessary for blood clotting and tissue healing. Most patients with endometriosis are iron-deficient. For this the herb Nettle is very beneficial.

Astragalus, garlic, goldenseal, pau d’arco and red clover have antibiotic and anti tumor properties.
Burdock root and red raspberry leaf help to balance hormone levels, and endometriosis symptoms depend on hormone cycles.

It is important to eat a diet of which 50 percent of it is raw fruits and veggies. In addition, you should eliminate all refined flour products and consume only whole-grain products, raw nuts and seeds. A fiber rich diet is also very important.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, animal fats, dairy products, fried foods, food additives, fast food, red meats, refined and processed foods, salt, shellfish and sugar.

One common recommendation is to fast for three days each month, before the onset of your menstrual period. For this, I would consult a natural health care practitioner.

Reflexology can be beneficial for endometriosis for many reasons. Reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages the release of endorphins; natural feel good hormones to our entire system.

Reflexology is based on the belief that applying pressure to reflexes on the feet and hands can effectively treat the entire body. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, reflexology stimulates blood flow and eliminates toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.

Reflexology is a beneficial tool for promoting relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. Many with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; chronic fatigue, fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Reflexology.

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Tags: constipation, diet, endometriosis symptoms, fatigue, Fertility, garlic, Menopause, Reflexology, stress

Did you know that problems such as lack of concentration, headaches, skin problems, fatigue, backache, lung, and sinus congestion could all be caused by a build up of toxins in the body? If you are unaware of the importance of detoxification, please read this article.

Toxins are everywhere. The food we eat, the products we clean ourselves with, as well as the air we breathe all contribute to the build up of toxins in our bodies. Without effectively eliminating those toxins from our organs, they will eventually wreak havoc and we risk contracting a number of illnesses. In a society that relies heavily on chemically-laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, it is more than time to put matters into your own hands. Pursue a strategy of detoxification—it will help you to stay healthy!

When the digestive system experiences imbalances, the whole body is affected. Most diseases and even common problems such as poor concentration, constipation and gas result from having digestive system malfunctions. So, what causes digestive malfunction and imbalance? There are many causes, but stress is the most common and most destructive. Stress targets the digestive system and if it gets a hold there, the rest of the body is in for a rough ride. According to a number of research studies, most diseases start from a digestive system problem. To cure the diseases of today, we must dig into the digestive system and fix the problem at the source.

Reflexology presents a solution to this common problem of toxin buildup in the body. Reflexology applies pressure strategically to points (or to ‘reflexes’ of the feet and hands), which are thought to correspond to specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.

Reflexology is not only effective for self-healing, but it also is known as an effective detoxification procedure as well. And maybe most importantly in today’s society, Reflexology can be free, if you are willing to learn the techniques yourself. Yes, unlike our current healthcare system, reflexology therapy is available to everyone!

Studies have been done that show that lack of concentration could be due to heavy metal buildup in the body. My daughter for example, suffers from ADHD and bipolar disorder. When tested for heavy metal toxicity, she was high in copper and mercury very low in zinc. When she was given zinc supplements and taken off vitamins that contain copper, her condition did improve dramatically. In addition, she benefited from a colon cleansing in order to reduce the amount of mercury buildup.

Reflexology treatment along with a good diet can make a substantial difference in concentration ability; sleep problems and many other common health complaints. I always advise that people at least go to one reflexology session to feel the difference for themselves. No matter what your physical or emotional problem may be chances are you will be hooked after just one treatment. In fact, many people find that they want to learn the techniques for themselves so that they can experience the benefits on a regular basis.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Reflexology.

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Tags: blood flow, Colon Cleansing, constipation, Detoxification, diet, fatigue, headache, Reflexology, self healing, sleep, stress, toxins, vitamins

Do you suffer from the symptoms of menopause? In addition to herbal and pharmaceutical remedies, there are massage methodologies which can help. This article deals with shiatsu’s beneficial effect on women in menopause.

The origins of the practice of shiatsu derive from the full oriental medical system which looks at the human body as a network or series of meridians. These networks allow the positive energy or vital life force (or chi) to flow through it. According to shiatsu practitioners, an individual becomes sick due to the flow of chi or energy becoming sluggish or disrupted in one way or another. This however can be easily remedied. The energy imbalance can be corrected by way of applying pressure to particular points on the body that correspond to a given meridian. This is all good news for women going through menopause, as the practice of shiatsu is an excellent one to try to help relieve your symptoms.

Treating Menopause Symptoms

In order for shiatsu to work at treating the symptoms of menopause, first an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms must be done by the qualified practitioner.

When patient with menopause symptoms experiences ringing in the ears, pain in the shoulder and/or dizziness, shiatsu can address the meridian of the small intestine, which can aid in the health of the ovaries.

Ask the shiatsu specialist to apply pressure to the stomach and spleen meridians if you find yourself suffering from any type of nervous or stomach disorders or if you have a tendency to eat too much because of anxiety and frustration.

The meridians for the heart, bladder and kidneys need to have pressure applied to them if as a menopause patient you suffer from any type of nervous disorders or heart palpitations.

If constant fatigue is a problem or if you suffer from headaches, then you need to look to the triple heater meridian.

If you suffer from constant weight gain or obesity and/or hormonal imbalance then you need to look to the gall bladder meridian for the help you need for relief.

In order for shiatsu to work at treating the symptoms of menopause, first an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms must be done by the qualified practitioner.

If you suffer from anxiety and a great deal of tension on a regular basis then look to the shiatsu technique described below to bring relief:

• First you must find the middle point that exists between the eyebrows and to make it easier for you, this point is to be found directly above where the bridge of the nose is found.
• Apply a circular type of massage technique to this area and count slowly from one to 30 and while so doing make sure to exhale as well as inhale as deeply as you can for maximum benefits.
• Do this once and then repeat the process again. To get as much relief as possible from this technique, shut your eyes and then take the time to pay close attention to both your steady breathing and your heartbeat.
• Do this technique as many times as you feel it is necessary to do.

Choose the type of massage that works best for you whether it be smooth, pulsating or a stroking type of massage. Always go with what works best for you as not everyone will respond well to the same kind.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Massage Therapy.

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Tags: anxiety, fatigue, Massage Therapy, Menopause, nervous disorders, obesity, shiatsu, stomach disorders

Shiatsu is an excellent pain reliever for many health conditions such as stress related disorders, endometriosis, menopause (and accompanying symptoms), and constipation. Shiatsu can decrease both the level of fatigue (or tsubo) and stress that has built up in the human body. Shiatsu can improve the circulation of both lymph and blood systems. Shiatsu helps to decrease the stiffness of muscles and joints as it lowers blood pressure. Shiatsu also helps to improve a person’s level of energy (or qi), vitality and stamina.

When you decide to begin practicing shiatsu, always dress in loosely-fitting, comfortable clothing that is made of natural as opposed to synthetic fibers. Doing this helps to encourage the flow of positive energy in the body or what is referred to as “ki.” Always make sure you practice shiatsu in a room that has plenty of empty space and is uncluttered, clean and very neat. Also make sure the room you practice in is warm and quiet. If you do not do these things then it can have a negative impact on the flow of energy.

The practitioner of shiatsu should lie on the floor for treatment. It is recommended that the person lie on a futon (which is also a quilted form of a Japanese mattress) or else a floor mat. If the patient needs them, pillows and/or cushions can make them even more comfortable.

It is always important to be as comfortable as possible when you are having a shiatsu treatment. Shiatsu is not good to have after a large meal. A lightly-loaded stomach is important for both the receiver and the giver of shiatsu treatment as well. It is best to wait a number of hours after a large meal to have shiatsu or to perform it on another person.

Shiatsu is not recommended for those who have varicose veins. If one does have this problem, one should make sure that no undue pressure is exerted on the sore and swollen veins. In turn no shiatsu pressure should ever be applied to injuries or traumas to the body such as cuts, tears, bruises or breaks in muscles or bones.

Shiatsu is perfectly safe for women who are pregnant. There are four areas, however that should be avoided for pregnant women: the stomach, the legs from the knees and down to the feet, the area at the left and right side of the neck where the shoulder begins and the fleshy area of the skin that is a web like and is located between the thumb and the index finger. It is important to tell the shiatsu practitioner that you are pregnant or that you could be pregnant. It is always important that a pregnant woman about to engage in a shiatsu treatment be both relaxed and as calm as possible.

Shiatsu is a generally safe practice but it should not be performed on everyone. Individuals who suffer from serious health diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and heart disorder should not engage in shiatsu. In some cases an experienced shiatsu practitioner can work on a person with a serious disease but only if he or she has been apprized of the person’s health situation and their prognosis.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Massage Therapy.

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Tags: blood pressure, constipation, fatigue, Massage Therapy, Menopause, shiatsu massage, stress

Do you feel that a massage is a luxury and something you should only have as a treat to yourself? Therapeutic massage is certainly a luxury you can enjoy, but it is also a great way of relieving pain and promoting range of motion. This article will help you understand what therapeutic massage is, the benefits and the risks of receiving a massage.

More than half of the body is made of muscle whose main role is to keep the body moving. Muscles give the body shape and help to protect internal organs. The tendons are attached to the muscles and the muscles are connected to the brain with nerves. The brain sends the message to the muscles to move. When the muscle moves it causes the muscle to contract and that motion pulls the tendon.

Massage therapy is manipulation of the soft tissue of the body including muscles, connective tissue, the skin and tendons. Connective tissue is the soft tissues that surround, separate, and connect the different organs and parts of the body.

What can cause muscles and the connecting tissue to become stiff and sore? There are many things that can do that: repetitive motions, too much pull on a specific muscle, stress, bad posture, surgery, injuries, and even doing nothing at all and relaxing on the couch can make your muscles sore and tender. Manipulating soft tissue, muscles, and other connective tissues are massaged by applying pressure to parts of the body.

Researchers and scientists are not sure why massage therapy works for some people but not for others. There is a good deal of evidence that massage has beneficial effects in three ways: physically, physiologically, and psychologically. Physically the pressure of the massage on the skin can loosen stiff muscles. Physiologically it can improve the functioning of the organs. Psychologically it can release endorphins and develop an overall feeling of well-being.

Therapeutic massage can stimulate the body to release certain chemicals that help improve your mood, improve circulation and help your body expel toxic substances that build up in the muscles. Psychologically a massage can feel pampered and taken care of. It gives a person a feeling of self-worth and helps the client connect with another human. The touch and the contact are important ingredients to the psychology of a person’s health and welfare.

There are many types of therapeutic massage based on different techniques and focusing on areas of the body that heightens relaxation and relieves stress. Many people use massage therapy as a way to relieve stress and relax stiff and sore muscles. It can help improve the function of the lymph system helping to move waste products out of the body. Massage strengthens muscles and allows the joints to move more freely. Range of motion is improved and therapy promotes recovery from injuries, fatigue and minor pain.

Massage therapy may increase blood circulation and help boost the immune system. It also is great for stimulating the skin and giving it a fresh healthy glow.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Massage Therapy.

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Tags: fatigue, immune system, Massage Therapy, stress

With the growing consciousness over the concerns like eating disorders, obesity, anemia, etc., it is high time that people learn about the importance of nutritional food and balanced diet. Nutritional food means that the food contains all the required nutrients in it to keep you going throughout the day. There are a few points which should be considered while eating or planning for a meal.

The most important point is, to plan a meal containing all nutrients. Ideally, a meal should have seasonal vegetables, fruits, white or red meat, and dairy products like, milk, curd, cheese, etc. As, it is not practically possible to intake all types of nutrients in a single meal or even in all three meals daily, you may need to take these remaining nutrients through supplementary food items.

After diet, comes physical exercise. To stay fit, one has to have his body and organs toned and functioning properly, which can be achieved by doing some simple exercises. Basic exercises are of two types; one which is related to heart (cardio exercises), and the other which is to do with other muscles (resistance exercises). Cardio exercises basically improve the inner strength of a person and heart. This also helps a person cope with the stress and odds he has to face everyday. Resistance exercises basically tones and build muscles, which further help, improve a person’s physical work capabilities.

Other than the basic exercises, there are several target specific exercises too. One can follow exercise(s), which are specifically meant for loosing weight. There are also special exercises for breathing problem, back problems, legs and joints, and so on. These exercises not only strengthen you physically, but mentally too.

Besides the above mentioned nutritional steps, it is up to an individual to decide as which type or types of food and exercise combination suits his lifestyle. Once you have understood the required quantity and type of food that you should take, including extra nutrients supplement foods, you are less at risk of nutrition related problem, which includes obesity, fatigue, anemia, and other such problems.

Having a nutritional diet is not only beneficial for your physical health; it directly or indirectly influences your professional life as well, by providing you with the required energy needed. In order to lead a healthy lifestyle one needs to understand, and apply, proper nutrition and exercise.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition & Health.

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Tags: diet, exercise, fatigue, Nutrition & Health, obesity, stress

When you have the flu, your first priority is getting well. Here are some things that you can try in order to get better from the flu:

Stay at home. There are limits to the air filtration systems in almost all settings. When you are in a store, you may also leave behind virus particles that can infect other people. As an example, one person going to work while suffering with the flu can infect everyone else in the office in a matter of hours. Your co-workers and supervisors will appreciate it more if you take the proper care of yourself, and at the same time, refrain from passing the flu on to them.

The flu is often accompanied by fatigue and muscles aches. Unnecessary stress should not be made on the body during this time. Bed rest is often advisable. While you may want to take a leisurely walk, this is not the time to start an intensive fitness regime. If at all possible, try to let the sunshine and fresh air into your room. Not only will this brighten up the atmosphere, it will help clear out the flu particles from the air. Avoid becoming chilled; as reduced temperature will slow down your circulation, and therefore, decrease the speed at which white blood cells can get to infected areas. While being warm is very important, you should also combine that with plenty of rest in order to conserve energy.

Get treatment as soon as possible. As soon as you think that you are coming down with the flu, make it your business to get tested. Waiting until you are sure that you have the flu makes little sense. By the time you are sure, the virus has already gotten a good 2 - 3 days jump start on any medication you might be given.

Make a few lifestyle changes. While you are trying to keep warm and resting in bed, you have the perfect opportunity to stop drinking alcohol or stop smoking. Both alcohol and nicotine wreak havoc on the entire body. Weakening the immune system with these drugs leaves you more vulnerable to the attacks of the flu virus and many other diseases.

Take your vitamins regularly. Vitamin C is a wonderful supplement for the immune system. Even if you do not have the flu, taking Vitamin C each day will improve your body’s capacity to fight infection, and put you on the road to recovery when necessary.

Drink plenty of fluids. This allows your body to do a better job of disposing of toxins. It also facilitates a number of your bodily processes. When you have a fever, the body becomes dehydrated. Water, fruit juices, and soup are all great candidates to help your body recover. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, sip water regularly.

Take paracetamol aspirin, or ibuprofen. These drugs will relieve your headaches and any inflammations, aches, and pains. Decongestants, cough medicines, gargles, and lozenges can all serve to alleviate respiratory symptoms.

By using these common sense methods to beat the flu, you should be able to get up and running before you know it. Last but not least, perhaps the most sensible “cures” for the flu are the ones that happen before you come in contact with the virus. Washing you hands and being mindful of what touches the mucus membranes of your eyes, nose, and mouth can go a long way towards preventing the flu virus from getting into your body. Yearly vaccination is also a very important weapon in the arsenal against the flu. Not only may you have reduced symptoms, you may not get sick at all!

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site.

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Tags: alcohol, bed rest, fatigue, Flu, immune system, nicotine

Did you know that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ( CFS ) is sometimes referred to by other names? Two of the most common are myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) While CFS is often known to impair the immune system, it also affects the central nervous system (CNS) and a variety of other body systems and organs.

Did you know that chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS ) is an illness defined by both “profound” as well as “prolonged” exhaustion? As opposed to the normal and occasional feelings of tiredness, individuals with CFS do not get better simply by getting the usual amount of sleep and rest. At the same time, sleep and rest are about all they can do. When no other sicknesses or health conditions can be found to bring about extreme tiredness, CFS is often considered to be the culprit.

Did you know that it is estimated that more than 800,000 individuals suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome? At the same time, are you aware that of those 800,000 people, less than 10 % have been properly diagnosed? Some researchers believe as many as 20% of all people suffering with CFS have been diagnosed. Nevertheless, compared to other diseases, this lack of correct diagnosis is a shockingly low percentage. The remaining 80 - 90 % of people that do not receive adequate care for their condition is, as may be expected, extremely high.

Did you know that chronic fatigue syndrome is three times more prevalent in women than in men? Some researchers are now arriving at the conclusion CFS is as high as four times more prevalent in females than in males. Among women, chronic fatigue syndrome is a great deal more common than media spotlighted diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and HIV.

Did you know that the most common age for a person to develop chronic fatigue syndrome is middle age? A majority of cases diagnosed are of individuals between the ages of 40 and 49.

Did you know that there has not been any one specific cause that has been isolated to explain why chronic fatigue syndrome occurs? CFS has been known to show up after a person has gotten over a cold, the flu or any other type of viral infection. In other instances, CFS begins when a person is suffering from a great deal of emotional or physical stress. Sometimes the disease appears all of the sudden and it is intense. Other individuals experience a slower progression of the disease, with no obvious point of origin.

Did you know that bacterial infections have, at times, been proposed as a possible cause to explain chronic fatigue syndrome? The most common bacterial infections modern medicine has come across have all taken their turn as suspect. These include tick-borne bacterial diseases such as Lyme disease and air-borne Q fever. Sexually transmitted diseases such as, Chlamydia, brucella, and mycoplasma have also been considered possible causes of CFS . Some food/water -borne bacterial organisms once believed to cause CFS include E coli, Campylobacter jejuni, salmonella, Clostridium botulinum, shigella, cholera, ciguatera, Listeria monocytogenes, toxoplasma, and Yersinia enterocolitica.

Did you know that parasitic infections have also been hypothesized as causes of CFS ? These parasites include tapeworms, flatworms, Giardia, cyclospora cayetanensis, E histolytica, trichinella spiralis and cryptosporidium parvum. Fungal infections, such as chronic yeast infections of Candida albicans have also been considered as being causative agents of CFS .

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site.

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Tags: chronic fatigue syndrome, fatigue, stress