Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Good Morning!

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that is debilitating with a

variety of symptoms that resemble those of flu or other viral

infections. This is why it is mistaken many times for other

disorders. Often mistaken by some to be a result of infection with

the Epstein-Barr virus, which is a member of the herpes family and

the same virus that causes mononucleosis. There can be many ways to

find temporary relief. Medical specialists consider exercise and

stress reduction as important as nutritional therapy. Chronic fatigue

syndrome is does not have to be a lifelong sickness. Many people have

recovered well after being sick. Exercise,stress reduction and good

nutrition all have amazing effects and will help with the ups and

downs, with the downs becoming less severe and less frequent.

 

 

INDIVIDUAL HERBS

Herbs such as Garlic, raw or in tincture form, should be taken twice

daily. Take Astragalus root for its antiviral and immunity-enhancing

properties. Two doses daily. Newer research suggests that CFS may be

partially due to low adrenal function resulting from different

stressors such as mental stress, physical stress, and even viral

illness impacting the normal communication between the hypothalamus,

pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. Licorice root is known to

stimulate the adrenal glands and to block the breakdown of active

cortisol in the body. It takes 2.5 grams of licorice root daily to

make a significant improvement in CFS. While there have been no large

clinical trials to test licorice in patients with CFS, it may be

worth a trial of six to eight weeks using 2–3 grams of licorice root

daily.

 

Adaptogenic herbs such as Asian Ginseng and Eleuthero may also be

useful for CFS patients—they not only have an immunomodulating effect

but also help support the normal function of the hypothalamic-

pituitary-adrenal axis, the hormonal stress system of the body. These

herbs are useful follow-ups to the six to eight weeks of licorice

root and may be used for long-term support of adrenal function in

persons with CFS.

 

EXERCISE

 

Twenty to thirty minutes of aerobic activity at least four days a

week. This may be the last thing you feel like doing, but force

yourself to do it. Keep the intensity of your activity below the

level that leads to exhaustion. Exercise is important to prevent the

worsening of fatigue. Many patients report feeling better after

undertaking a moderate exercise plan. If exercise seems to lead to

consistently worsening fatigue, individuals should consult a

physician before continuing. Highly stressful situations should be

avoided; coping mechanisms for dealing with stress can sometimes be

maximized by behavioral therapy.

 

NUTRITION

 

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the

best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day. Eat a healthy, balanced diet

overall. Consider a low-protein, low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet.

 

Take an antioxidant vitamin C and E plus a B-100 B-complex

supplement.

 

Some nutritional doctors believe that for people with CFS who have

low blood pressure, salt should not be restricted. In CFS sufferers

who have a form of low blood pressure triggered by changes in

position (orthostatic hypotension), some have been reported to be

helped by additional salt intake.

 

People with CFS considering increasing salt intake should consult a

nutritional doctor before making a change. Nutritional supplements

such as the combination of Potassium Aspartate and Magnesium

Aspartate has shown benefits for chronically fatigued people in

several studies. Usually 1 gram is taken twice per day. Results have

been reported within one to two weeks.

 

Magnesium levels have been reported to be low in CFS sufferers. Oral

magnesium supplementation has improved symptoms in those people with

CFS who had low magnesium levels.

 

Magnesium deficiency appears to be very common in people with CFS.

The reason for this discrepancy remains unclear. If people with CFS

do consider Magnesium supplementation, it makes sense to have

Magnesium status checked beforehand by a nutritional doctor.

 

It appears that only people with magnesium deficiency benefit from

this therapy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatigue. In one trial,

2,500–5,000 mcg of vitamin B12 given by injection every two to three

days, led to improvement in 50–80% of a group of people with CFS;

most improvement appeared after several weeks of B12 shots. While the

research in this area remains preliminary, people with CFS

considering a trial of vitamin B12 injections should consult a

nutritional doctor.

 

Oral or sublingual B12 supplements are unlikely to obtain the same

results as injectable B12 because the body's ability to absorb large

amounts is relatively poor.

 

Carnitine is required for energy production in the powerhouses of the

cells (the mitochondria). There may be a problem in the mitochondria

in people with CFS. Deficiency of carnitine has been seen in some CFS

sufferers. One gram of carnitine taken three times daily led to

improvement in CFS symptoms in a recent preliminary investigation.

 

STONE & CRYSTAL REMEDIES:

Crystals have both piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. This

means that the polarities of the crystal will change when subjected

to pressure or heat (even body heat from the hands). This will

radiate energy from the crystal due to this reversal of polarities.

It provides the transfer, storage and transformation of energy.

Offering a balanced energy field, energy modification, amplifies both

energy and thought, clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment

with the chakra energy areas.

 

Petrified Wood:

Sympathetic to the maladies of the skin, muscle tissue, and

circulatory system. Usually comes in shades of brown but can also

have stripes of black or gray in it. Found worldwide. Athletes are

well-advised to carry Petrified Wood with them and use it in healing

layouts. Benefits people with arterial sclerosis, arthritis,

rheumatism, senility, chronic fatigue and blood clots. Can help us to

investigate past-life experiences. Makes the user more aware of

nature.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Alternative medicine and therapies

for healing mind, body & spirit!