Chronic Fatigue in Grapevine, TX

No one really knows the cause of chronic fatigue, but our opinion at Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine is that this is a lifestyle illness. After the post-industrial revolution in the United States, there was a change in dietary habits, food supply, exposure to chemicals, and stress levels, to name a few. Living with chronic fatigue today can make every daily task seem like it takes all of your energy to get things done. Sometimes this chronic fatigue can last for years if left untreated.

Our skilled team of physicians understands how this can be detrimental to your health and livelihood. We offer consultations and health evaluations at our office in Grapevine, TX to patients of all ages. When the body ecology breaks down, our solution at Kotsanis Institute is to test function, address any malfunctioning organs or hormones, adjust nutrition, deal with infections, cleanse the body, and then do what we can to rebuild the immune system. Find out more in a one-on-one consultation by requesting an appointment today.

Chronic fatigue is a complex and debilitating condition characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity. This condition significantly impairs daily functioning and can affect various aspects of a person's life, including physical health, mental well-being, and social interactions. Some of the common symptoms associated with chronic fatigue include:

• Persistent, unexplained fatigue lasting six months or more
• Post-exertional malaise (PEM) or a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion
• Sleep problems, including unrefreshing sleep and insomnia
• Muscle pain and joint pain without swelling or redness
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Cognitive difficulties, such as problems with memory, concentration, and information processing (often referred to as "brain fog")
• Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or other sensory inputs
• Dizziness or fainting (orthostatic intolerance)
• Flu-like symptoms, including chills and night sweats
• Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

If you experience chronic fatigue or are overwhelmed by exhaustion and burnout, it is important to identify some of the root causes of your individual case. At the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine, we uncover the root causes of your fatigue from a holistic perspective. While there are no established medical causes for chronic fatigue, we can examine a number of lifestyle and environmental factors like hormone imbalance, stress, busyness, relationships, and more. Our approach targets stress-related factors, delves into lifestyle changes and personalized treatment plans.

There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome in Grapevine, TX. Some of these include:

• Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep can all contribute to ongoing fatigue. These habits can also worsen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Medical conditions: Fatigue can occur as a secondary condition to other illnesses like autoimmune disorders or fibromyalgia.
• Stressful events: Traumatic or stressful life experiences can trigger long-term fatigue. These include major life events like a job loss, divorce, or death in the family.
• Genetics: Some research suggests that certain genetic factors make some individuals more prone to developing chronic fatigue syndrome than others.

Diagnosing chronic fatigue can be challenging, as there is no specific test or biomarker for the condition. Additionally, symptoms of chronic fatigue can overlap with those of other medical conditions. At the Kotsanis Institute, we use a comprehensive approach to forming a diagnosis. If you have at least two of the following issues for six consecutive months or more, you may have chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Muscle pain
• Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
• Sleep that leaves you feeling unrefreshed
• Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours

Our team in in Grapevine, TX will take into account your medical history and perform exams to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. We understand that chronic fatigue can be a complex and frustrating condition, which is why we are dedicated to finding personalized solutions.

Every patient who is treated for chronic fatigue will have their own treatment plan to follow based on their presenting symptoms, blood work, and medical history. We will provide education, as well as appropriate medication options in traditional and integrative medicine to help you get back to feeling normal again. Our team at Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine can also talk to you about your nutrition, self-care, fitness, vitamins, supplements, and sleep schedule to help you along the way.

How common is chronic fatigue syndrome?

According to studies, in America, as many as 2.5 million adults are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Women are four times more likely than men to experience CFS.

Am I just tired, or do I have CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome)?

Chronic fatigue syndrome differs from regular tiredness and exhaustion in several ways, including:

• Affecting memory and concentration
• Worsening symptoms
• Being too tired to do normal activities
• Feeling tired after a night's sleep

Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cured?

Currently, there are no treatments to permanently cure CFS, only to manage its symptoms. For many patients, diet, exercise, nutrition and lifestyle changes, stress management, improving gut biome, and more can have a significant improvement in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Is there anyone who is more at risk of chronic fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect anyone, but it's more common in women and typically develops in individuals between their mid-20s and mid-40s. Factors like high stress levels, genetic predisposition, and certain viral infections may increase the risk. However, the exact cause of CFS is still not fully understood.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help manage chronic fatigue?
To manage chronic fatigue, consider these lifestyle changes:

• Consistent sleep patterns: Establish a regular sleep schedule to improve rest quality.
• Balanced diet: Focus on a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Gentle exercise: Incorporate low-intensity exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming, tailored to your energy levels.
• Stress reduction: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
• Pacing activities: Learn to balance activity with rest periods to avoid overexertion.

How does chronic fatigue affect my overall health and wellness?
Chronic fatigue syndrome can significantly impact overall health and wellness. Physically, it leads to persistent tiredness that isn't relieved by rest, muscle pain, and disrupted sleep. Mentally, it can contribute to difficulties with concentration and memory, known as "brain fog." The condition can also affect emotional well-being, potentially leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, or depression due to its limitations on daily activities and lifestyle.

Our staff at Kotsanis Institute combine traditional mainstream medical care with complementary medical treatment methods for a dynamic, individualized approach to health. This is especially true for medical conditions, like chronic fatigue, that present like so many other illnesses, we will strive to help you feel better and find new ways to have more energy so that you can live your best life. Make an appointment at our office in Grapevine, TX to discuss your chronic fatigue symptoms and learn about your treatment options.