Chronic fatigue & blood pressure
One study indicates that low blood pressue may contribute to the fatigue experienced by CFS patients. Usually, blood pressure rises slightly during periods of stress or physical activity. But in some people, blood pressure remains constant or goes down, resulting in fatigue. These people may be salt-resistant and need a higher salt intake to raise blood pressure. Researchers have noted that many CFS patients have low-salt diets, which may explain their hypotension and fatigue. Symptoms became less severe when the patients increased their intake of salty foods.
Some alternative practitioners advocate injections of vitamin B12 along with supplements of vitamins A and C, iron, and zinc, to treat CFS. But a balanced diet is preferable to taking supplements. Another approach that appears hopeful is for patients to take a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil; in one study, 85 percent reported some improvement after 15 weeks. Caution is needed when taking herbal remedies—many contain potentially harmful stimulants.
