Check the Obvious Causes of Fatigue First

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition that may involve the immune system, adrenal glands, and cellular energy production. Think of it like a car that won’t start. The first things you check are whether it has gas, whether the battery is charged, and whether it is in park. That is what this article is doing. Poor adrenal function and reduced cellular energy production may be two of those basic issues. More complex problems may also be involved, but it makes sense to start with the simple things first.

Fatigue Means “Low Energy” So, Let’s Boost Your Energy

If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you may not be producing enough cortisol (an adrenal hormone). There have been some studies to support this1,2. You may have read that chronic fatigue syndrome often starts with a viral infection. That makes sense, because plasma cortisol levels decrease in various infections, including the flu2.

Mitochondria are the energy factories of the cells. Some scientists believe that the poor function of the mitochondria can cause chronic fatigue syndrome3. CoQ10 and NADPH are two supplements that can enhance mitochondrial function and help patients with chronic fatigue4,5.

Try This:

  1. Roadmap to Health Diet: Avoiding sugar, chemical additives, and refined food help ensure the health of the adrenals and the mitochondria.
  2. CoQ10: 200 mg, 2x/day. Studies show it improves the health of the mitochondria.
  3. NADPH is important for cellular energy production. Standalone oral NADPH supplements are rarely used because the molecule is degraded in the digestive tract before reaching cells. Instead, niacin is often used because it is a precursor used by the body to produce NADPH.
  4. Magnesium: Most people with adrenal issues are deficient in magnesium. Studies have also shown that magnesium supplementation is beneficial to people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Take 400 mg on an empty stomach, right before bedtime.
  5. Adrenal support: Many companies make adrenal supplements. They generally contain adrenal glandular tissue, B vitamins (especially thiamin and pantothenic acid), and other substances that support the adrenals. Take according to manufacturer directions.

Selected References:

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 73, Issue 6, 1 December 1991, Pages 1224–1234 Evidence for Impaired Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  2. Medical Hypothesis (1991;34:198-208) Mild Adrenocortical Deficiency, Chronic Allergies, Autoimmune Disorders, and the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Continuation of the Cortisone Story.
  3. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2009 Jan 15;2(1):1–16. Chronic fatigue syndrome and mitochondrial dysfunction
  4. Mitochondrial dysfunction and coenzyme q10 supplementation in post-viral fatigue syndrome: an overview. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(1):574. 
  5. Effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation on fatigue perception and health-related quality of life in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2658.