Fatigue and Cannabis Marijuana.

Any extreme exercise or activity will lead to fatigue. There’s the exhaustion that follows a day of skiing, flag ball, or pick-up basketball. You may suffer fatigue after a day of working in the heat and humidity, a long international flight or keeping up with your kids. Such fatigue is short-lived and not the issue we’re looking at here.

Some people, more than you might think, suffer from chronic fatigue with various causes, symptoms, and difficulty in diagnosing. There’s a name for the problem: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Some cannabis strains will perk you up when tired. Some will smooth muscle pains from an exhausting activity. And, others will help you rest and recover. The focus here is on how cannabis can treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

5 things you need to know about CFS.

1. CFS is “A debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer, is not improved by bed rest, and may be worsened by physical or mental activity” (Medicinenet).
2. CFS-related impaired memory, insomnia, mental concentration, muscle pain, and weakness affect family, social, and work interactions.
3. CFS affects about 1 million Americans, but women are two to four times more likely than men to be diagnosed with ME/CFS” (WomensHealth).
4. CFS patients find “there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments specific for ME/CFS” (WomensHealth).
5. CFS has no clear cause, but research is focused on factors like “stress, the immune system, toxins, the central nervous system, and activation of a latent virus…. may be caused by inflammation of the nervous system, and that this inflammation may be some immune response or process. Other factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetics may also play a role” (MedicalNewsToday).

5 CFS treatment regimens

With no clear cause, research focuses on treating symptoms. As the condition continues, this becomes increasingly complex. For instance, the core problems can provoke anxiety, depression, and risky self-medication.

1. Doctors will start treating pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
2. Doctors may prescribe Modafinil, Lisdexamfetamine, Duloxetine, Amantadine, or Armodafinil. Or, they may prescribe medications for specific symptoms like depression and anxiety. Some of these medications have a high potential for abuse, and all of them have a negative impact on pregnancy.
3. They will direct patients to cognitive behavior therapy under directions of professionals with CFS specialization. They may, in turn, recommend stretching and movement therapies, gentle massage, heat, toning exercises, and water therapy for healing” (CDC.gov).
4. Nutritionists recommend avoiding potential allergens like gluten, lactose, casein, caffeine, and more. Some recommend a candida diet high in probiotics and eliminating alcohol, fruit, grains, and sugar.
5. Patients should increase their intake of potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B-6 and B-12.

CFS patients are advised to integrate therapies for their individual symptomology. They should seek help in support groups and change their life pattern to emphasize nutrition, exercise, and rest.

Also. Finally. In Conclusion. Also. Finally.