Guest guest Posted January 2, 2005 Report Share Posted January 2, 2005 http://www.weightcontroldoctor.com/healthtopics/a-z/cfs.asp This condition is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral syndrome or " yuppie flu " , describing the fact that it primarily affects young adults and resembles a prolonged flu-like illness. By definition the symptoms must be present for at least six months before it can be labeled as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). What are the symptoms? Of the large cluster of possible symptoms, fatigue is obviously the predominant feature. This may be chronic and persisting, or relapsing, coming and going unpredictably. It is frequently overwhelming and may immobilize the patient. The fatigue is often exacerbated by even minor exertion, although sometimes the exhaustion will be delayed anything up to 24 hours after the exercise. Other possible symptoms include a feeling of weakness and heaviness of the limbs, poor memory and concentration, sleep disturbance, depression, mood swings, muscle and joint aches and pains, lymph gland swelling, recurrent viral infections, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. All of these symptoms may fluctuate. What causes it? The cause of CFS is unknown. It is likely that there is no single underlying disease process in those diagnosed with the condition. The onset is usually fairly abrupt rather than gradual, and may sometimes follow a viral infection (such as glandular fever). The contributing factors of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are - • Recurrent and/or chronic viral infections • Hidden infections in the body • An imbalance of gut flora associated with infestation with unfriendly bacteria and candida. • The long term outcome of a depressive illness, which is inadequately treated • Auto-immune diseases, which must be investigated and treated • Any chronic medical illness • Liver dysfunction • Hormonal deficiencies caused by poor function of the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands • Nutritional deficiencies - in women, one of the most common underlying causes of 'that tired feeling' is iron deficiency. How is it diagnosed? There is no simple test to tell you whether you have chronic fatigue syndrome or not. Although many sufferers have minor abnormalities in certain blood tests that assess immune function, these are of no real help in verifying the diagnosis.Rather, the diagnosis of CFS is made by excluding other possible diseases. It is important to strengthen the immune system and detoxify the body. This is achieved by improving the function of the liver by increasing the amount of raw vegetables in the diet and taking a powerful liver tonic in powder or capsule form. Excerpt from " The Liver Cleansing Diet " by Dr Cabot Another symptom of a sluggish liver is fatigue and this is usually put down to the “wastepaper basket disease” of chronic fatigue syndrome into which diagnoses are thrown when tired people cannot find a cause for their ill health. In 99 per cent of such cases I find that the dietary history will give me the clue and these patients are eating too much saturated and damaged fats and not enough raw vegetables and fruits. As we have seen before, the liver and the immune system are intimately related; just like a married couple they are dependent upon each other and each one’s happiness depends upon the other. To overcome chronic fatigue syndrome we must take the load off the overworked immune system by cleansing the liver. Treatment Unfortunately, just as there is no known cause for CFS, there is no known cure. However, most cases are self-limiting and with the naturopathic approach the vast majority of sufferers can find some relief. The naturopathic approach concentrates on building up immune function. Our immune system helps to protect us against infections, cancer, allergic disorders, inflammatory and degenerative diseases. A poorly functioning immune system is thought to be a significant factor involved in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. General Recommendations • See " Your Immune Health Check-up " . • Rest is not a cure for CFS. Excessive rest will only induce muscle wasting, depression and social isolation. • A gentle exercise programme has been shown to be beneficial. This should be graded aerobic exercise and under supervision. Tai chi is excellent. Hydrotherapy is also worthwhile. • Concentrate on your strengths and avoid your weaknesses. Stress management can be very helpful and may take the form of counseling, relaxation exercises, psychotherapy or biofeedback. You should try to lead as normal a life as possible, and carry out your usual activities, within limits. • The environment in which CFS sufferers live is very important, and they should avoid toxins, for example, cigarette smoke, pesticides, many household chemicals, petrochemical solvents and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. There is some evidence that mercury-containing amalgam fillings can cause CFS in susceptible people. If you suspect mercury poisoning is causing your fatigue, we advise you to see a dentist who would replace your amalgam fillings with porcelain inlays, crowns or composite resin restoration. • Instead of patented cleaning products, CFS sufferers should use old-fashioned bicarbonate of soda, 'Sunlight' soap and vinegar to keep the house clean. • Acupuncture may be helpful. Diet • It is important to improve liver function to reduce the workload of the immune system. Excerpt from " The Liver Cleansing Diet " The vast majority of people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) will get a big improvement after eight weeks on the LCD because if the liver is continually overworked the general energy level in the body is drained. This is wonderful news for these poor patients who have often given up hope after years of being told that there is no proven treatment for CFS, because the cause is unknown. In my experience a cause can always be found if you have a curious mind and put on your Sherlock Holmes cap—the cause is usually dietary, environmental, genetic, or stress related, and several of these factors may be acting together to make the disease worse. They all need to be addressed and in CFS patients, depression and stress will have to be treated, as well as the liver. The power of changing your diet and eating liver-friendly foods is tremendous and is the basic foundation upon which the recovery from CFS depends. • Include often - raw fruits and vegetables (preferably organically grown), unprocessed whole grains,raw nuts and seeds, legumes, garlic, onions, ginger, and seafoods, especially cold water fish. • Drink two liters of purified water every day to detoxify the immune system. • For a wonderful spring clean consider a juice fast for two days every week. On these days consume only fresh organic raw fruit and vegetable juices such as carrot, beetroot, celery, cucumber, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, parsley, broccoli, oranges, apples and pineapple. Combine these freely according to your taste. If you get too hungry, try munching on some raw vegetables. Consume these juices often on non-fasting days also. • Avoid - saturated fats including fatty meats, fried foods and dairy products, processed and " junk " foods, refined sugars, alcohol, salt, fizzy soft drinks and diet colas, and preserved meats (bacon, ham, salami, smoked meats). Juices Chronic fatigue is an ever-increasing problem in the community today and many people find it is difficult to find a solution. There is no doubt that raw juicing can help revitalize the immune system in such patients. Hormones and CFS If you suspect that hormonal imbalances are contributing towards your fatigue, ask your doctor to check the function of your thyroid and adrenal glands. In cases of adrenal gland exhaustion it may be necessary to use natural hormone replacement therapy with DHEA, natural progesterone or pregnenelone. These hormones are available in cream or lozenge form. Replacement with these hormones can make a huge difference to those with chronic fatigue syndrome. DHEA stands for the hormone “Dehydroepiandrosterone”, which is made naturally in the adrenal glands. With age the production of DHEA diminishes greatly, and by the time you are in your seventies, your adrenal glands only manufacture around 20% of the amount of DHEA that they did in your twenties. Some anti-aging researchers believe that the relative deficiency of DHEA accelerates the aging process. Lack of DHEA can result in : • More rapid aging • Lack of muscle strength and tone • Muscular weakness • Loss of libido • Chronic fatigue • Depression Thankfully in this day and age we are able to replace the lost DHEA, with the natural hormone that is identical to the DHEA that your youthful adrenal glands used to pump out. Each capsule of DHEA contains: • DHEA 25mg DHEA SHOULD NOT be taken by those under 40 years of age unless recommended by your health care practitioner. DHEA should only be used after consulting with a health care practitioner. It is wise to establish each individuals base line level of DHEA, and to continue to monitor DHEA levels as part of a rejuvenation program. Minerals such as selenium, boron, chromium, molybdenum and zinc are of great benefit in those with chronic fatigue. These can be obtained in Selenomune powder together with anti-oxidants and maleic acid which is vital for energy production in the cells • " Co-enzyme Q10 " Dose: One capsule daily, or as directed by your health care professional Can increase energy production in the body as this is an integral part of every cell in your body. It provides the molecules of each cell with energy, equaling approx. 95% of the total energy of the body. A magnesium formula containing a mixture of different types of magnesium, with magnesium aspartate, amino acid chelate, orotate and phosphate, is recommended with the dose varying from two to four tablets daily. Magnesium plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and a deficiency, even of a slight degree, could seriously reduce the body’s production of energy Other supplements • Vitamin C with bioflavonoids 5000 to 10000 mg daily is a superb antioxidant that protects the immune system, supports adrenal gland function and is anti-viral. For those with a severely depressed immune system, a course of intravenous vitamin C can be very effective with doses of up to 30000 mg daily. This may be combined with vitamin B12 injections which will boost energy levels. • Vitamin B3 (in the form of niacinamide) 400 to 600 mg daily is important for the production of a molecule called NADH which generates energy within cells. • Flaxseed (linseed) oil is important for immune function and intracellular regulation of inflammation. This can be taken as “Organic Flaxseed Capsules” in a dose of two capsules twice daily. Organic Flax Seed Oil • “Olive leaf capsules are beneficial, containing olive leaf extract which is a natural antibiotic, as well as fenugreek, rosehips, vitamin C, zinc and lysine. Orthodox Medical Treatment Those suffering from a post-infective type of CFS have a good prognosis with a high rate of spontaneous remission. Explanation and reassurance may be all that is required. Dear Dr. Cabot, My 16-year-old daughter has developed chronic fatigue syndrome and is always coming down with a virus or respiratory infection. She is always on anti-biotics and these drugs are making her highly allergic. She has no energy and is very miserable. Please help. Marita Dear Marita, Your daughter has an overloaded immune system, which is unable to fight infections. These recurrent infections often cause chronic fatigue. Please get her to follow the principles of " The Liver Cleansing Diet " . She must avoid all dairy products and eat only fresh foods. She must eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, salads and take raw juices everyday. To help fight the infections she needs to take natural antibiotics. The best ones are olive leaf extract, garlic (raw is best!), horseradish, Vitamin C, and the minerals zinc and selenium. All these things reduce the ability of the viral particles to replicate. References Lapp CW. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a real disease. North Carolina Family Physician 43(1):6-11, 1992; Cox IM, Campbell MJ, Dowson D. Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet 337:757-60, 1991; Behan PO, Behan WM, Horrobin D. Effect of high doses of essential fatty acids on the postviral fatigue syndrome. Acta Neurol Scand 82(3):209-16, 1990.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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