Natural therapies for Chronic Fatigue syndrome

December 30, 2004

Natural Therapies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Ginseng And Echinacea

Essential Fatty Acids

Coenzyme Q10

NADH

L-Carnitine

Magnesium

DHEA

Digestive Enzymes Glutamine

Whey Protein

Adapton

Folate

Licorice

Tyrosine

MATÉ

A report in the Annual Review of Medicine stated that Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome " is an illness characterized by activation of the immune

system, various abnormalities of several hypothalamic-pituitary axes,

and reactivation of certain infectious agents " (Komaroff et al.

1998). This suggests that an individual with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

should follow a regimen that involves protecting and enhancing the

immune system with proper nutritional supplements, proteins, and

hormones. Free radicals play a role in causing damage to the immune

system.

A comprehensive approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would address

several key areas, based on the results of laboratory tests,

including:

Immune support (antiviral): ginseng, echinacea, essential fatty acids

Supplements involved in energy metabolism: CoQ10, NADH, L-carnitine,

and magnesium

Adrenal support: DHEA, licorice, and sodium

Stress: glutamine and Adapton

Brain hormones and neurotransmitters: tyrosine

Homocysteine metabolism: B6, B12, folic acid, and SAMe

Antioxidants: glutathione, N-acetyl-cysteine, and alpha-lipoic acid

Fatigue: ginseng and Maté

Digestive support: digestive enzymes

Ginseng and Echinacea

Commission E, the group of scientists that advises the German

government about herbs, endorses ginseng " as a tonic to combat

feelings of lassitude and debility, lack of energy and ability to

concentrate, and during convalescence " (Bahrke et al. 2000).

Ginseng is highly prized in China as an herb that increases energy.

The higher grades are extremely expensive.

Echinacea has become very popular in the United States as " the herb "

to take for colds and flus. It is known for its ability to stimulate

the immune system and suppress infection-causing microbes.

Essential Fatty Acids

The use of essential fatty acids in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is

controversial. It has been proposed that essential fatty acids play a

role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. One possible mechanism is that

viruses, as part of their attack strategy, may reduce the ability of

the cells to make 6-desaturated essential fatty acids (Horrobin 1990;

Gray et al. 1994).

The use of essential fatty acids for postviral fatigue syndrome was

examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 63 adults

(Behan et al. 1990). The patients had been ill for 1-3 years after an

apparent viral infection and had severe fatigue, myalgia, and a

variety of psychiatric symptoms. The patients received either placebo

or a preparation containing linoleic, gamma-linolenic,

eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids (8 500-mg capsules daily)

over a 3-month period. Participants were asked to assess their

improvement at months 1 and 3. The treatment group showed continual

improvement, whereas many in the placebo group reverted toward

baseline.

Improvement with Essential Fatty Acid Treatment Time Treatment Group

Placebo

1 month 74% 23%

3 months 85% 17%

The essential fatty acid composition of the subjects' red cell

membrane phospholipids was analyzed at the first and last visits. The

essential fatty acid levels were abnormal at the baseline and

corrected by active treatment. The authors concluded that essential

fatty acids provide a rational, safe, and effective treatment for

patients with postviral fatigue syndrome (Behan et al. 1990).

A follow-up study of 50 patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome found no significant difference between the placebo group

and those treated with Efamol marine, an essential fatty acid

formula. In addition, no difference was seen in red cell membrane

lipids between the patients and control group (Warren et al. 1999).

These results sharply contrasted the previous study by Behan et al.

(1990).

Essential fatty acids are termed " essential " because they play a

vital role in health. Essential fatty acids are found in healthy

oils, such as fish, flax, borage, and perilla. Unfortunately, fatty

acids are damaged by heat, and many people are deficient because of

the high heats used to process packaged foods.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 has long been prescribed for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

patients. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that aids in metabolic

reactions including the process of forming ATP, the molecule the body

uses for energy. Virtually every cell in the body contains CoQ10. It

is concentrated in the mitochondria, the area of the cells where

energy is produced.

Judy (1996) presented a study of 20 female patients with Chronic

Fatigue Syndrome who required bed rest following mild exercise and 20

healthy controls: 80% of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients were

found to be deficient in CoQ10, which further decreased following

mild exercise or over the course of normal daytime activity. After 3

months of CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg/day), the exercise tolerance

(400 kg-meters of work) of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients more

than doubled. All patients had improved: 90% had reduction and/or

disappearance of clinical symptoms, and 85% had decreased

postexercise fatigue (Judy 1996).

NADH

NADH (reduced B-nicotanimide dinucleotide) is a coenzyme molecule

formed from vitamin B3 (niacin). NADH (along with CoQ10) is essential

for the production of energy (ATP) in a process called oxidative

phosphorylation.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

examined the use of NADH in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: 26 eligible

patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome received either 10

mg of NADH or placebo for a 4-week period. Eight of 26 (31%)

responded favorably to NADH in contrast to two of 26 (8%) to placebo.

Based upon these encouraging results, the authors decided to conduct

a larger study to establish the efficacy of NADH in Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome (Forsyth et al. 1999).

NADH (5-10 mg/day) is most effective when taken in the morning, 30

minutes before breakfast.

L-Carnitine

Several studies have found deficiencies of the amino acid L-carnitine

in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, although other studies

fail to confirm this. L-carnitine is known to boost energy levels.

The lack of consistency in the research literature suggests that

there may be a number of marginal nutritional deficiencies that have

etiologic relevance to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. These deficiencies

may include carnitine along with the B-complex vitamins, essential

fatty acids, L-tryptophan, zinc, magnesium, and others (Werbach 2000).

Studies show that carnitine given as a supplement to Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome patients results in better functional capacity and

improvement of disease symptoms (Plioplys et al. 1995; Plioplys et

al. 1997). Other studies have shown a dose of 1000-2000 mg daily has

resulted in improvement in those with low levels of energy (Kelly

1998; Werbach 2000).

Magnesium

Magnesium, a mineral utilized by every cell of the body, participates

in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The body vigilantly

protects blood magnesium levels, in part because 350 enzymatic

processes depend upon magnesium status for activation. Magnesium is

stored in tissues and bone, sharing skeletal residency with calcium

and phosphorus (Dimai et al. 1998).

An article in Lancet described a randomized, double-blind, placebo-

controlled study of 20 patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients were found to have lower red cell

magnesium concentrations. In a clinical trial, 32 Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome patients received either placebo or intramuscular magnesium

sulfate every week for 6 weeks. Patients treated with magnesium

reported having improved energy levels, better emotional state, and

less pain, as judged by changes in the Nottingham Health Profile. Red

cell magnesium returned to normal in all patients on supplemental

magnesium, but in only one patient on placebo. The authors concluded

that these results demonstrate that magnesium may have a role in

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cox et al. 1991).

One study, however, found no difference in red blood cell magnesium

concentrations in samples from 89 patients with Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome when compared to an age- and sex-matched group selected from

the normal population. A magnesium-loading test on six patients found

no evidence of deficiency (Hinds et al. 1994).

A study of 93 patients with unexplained chronic fatigue (54% with

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) examined the relationship between magnesium

deficiency and oxidative stress. Magnesium-deficient patients (47%)

had lower total antioxidant capacity in plasma which was related to

serum albumin. Magnesium-deficient patients whose magnesium body

stores did not improve after oral supplementation with magnesium (10

mg/kg/day) had persistently lower blood glutathione levels. The

authors concluded that magnesium supplementation was followed by an

improvement in magnesium body stores, in serum vitamin E, and in its

interrelated stage of lipid peroxidation (Manuel y Keenoy et al.

2000).

Magnesium plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is needed for

activating B vitamins, relaxing muscles, and forming ATP, the energy

molecule. Fatigue, muscle cramps, and constipation are signs of

magnesium deficiency. Taking too much magnesium often leads to

diarrhea. The dose is increased until this occurs and then backed off

to maintain a normal consistency of stools.

DHEA

DHEA is a hormone secreted from the adrenal glands. It is a precursor

of the sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). DHEA-S has been

shown to have beneficial effects on memory, stress, anxiety, sleep,

and depression. Therefore, the deficiency of DHEA-S might be related

to the symptoms in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. DHEA has

been reported to improve energy levels in chronic fatigue patients

(Kuratsune et al. 1998).

One study demonstrated the value of DHEA and vitamin C infusion

treatment in the control of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Kodama et al.

1996).

A study of 15 subjects with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 15 subjects

with major depression, and 11 healthy subjects found that DHEA and

DHEA-S levels were significantly lower in the Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome subjects compared to the healthy group. DHEA-S levels, but

not DHEA, were lower in the depressives. The authors concluded that

DHEA has a potential role both therapeutically and as a diagnostic

tool in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Scott et al. 1999).

Another study of DHEA levels in 22 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients

and 14 healthy controls found normal basal DHEA levels, but a blunted

serum DHEA response curve to ACTH (adreno-corticotropic hormone)

injection. ACTH normally stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete

DHEA. The authors concluded that endocrine abnormalities play a role

in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and that a relative glucocorticoid

deficiency might contribute to the overall clinical picture in

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (De Becker et al. 1999).

DHEA is contraindicated in both men and women with hormone-related

cancers (refer to the DHEA Replacement Therapy protocol before

embarking on DHEA therapy).

Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes are responsible for every activity of life. There are two

primary classes of enzymes responsible for maintaining life

functions: digestive and metabolic. The primary digestive enzymes are

proteases (to digest protein), amylases (to digest carbohydrate), and

lipases (to digest fat). These enzymes function as a biological

catalyst to help break down food. Raw foods also provide enzymes that

naturally break down food for proper absorption. Metabolic enzymes

are responsible for the structuring, repair, and remodeling of every

cell, and the body is under a great daily burden to supply sufficient

enzymes for optimal health. Metabolic enzymes operate in every cell,

every organ, and every tissue, and they need constant replenishment.

The capacity of the living organism to make enzymes diminishes with

age. Some scientists believe that humans could live longer and be

healthier by guarding against the loss of our much-needed enzymes.

Supplementation with digestive enzymes helps the body to better

absorb nutrients from food and lessens the need for the secretion of

natural enzymes, thereby preserving them to assist in vital cellular

metabolic functions.

Glutamine

An article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine described a

study of athletes during an intense training period before the 1992

Olympics (Kingsbury et al. 1998). The athletes were divided into

three groups that differed in training fatigue and were considered

separately. Group A (21 track-and-field athletes) had no lasting

fatigue; group B (12 judo competitors) reported heavy fatigue at

night but recovered overnight to continue training; group C (18 track-

and-field athletes and one rower) had chronic fatigue and had been

unable to train normally for at least several weeks. Plasma amino

acid analysis showed that group A had a normal amino acid pattern,

and both groups B and C had decreased plasma glutamine (average 33%)

with, especially in group B, decreased histidine, glucogenic,

ketogenic, and branched chain amino acids. Ten athletes in group C

presented with infection.

After 3 weeks of additional protein intake, virtually all of the low

glutamine levels increased to above 500 micromole/L. Total amino

acids increased, and the amino acid pattern normalized: six of the 10

athletes on this protein intake returned to increased training within

the 3 weeks. An analysis of the pattern in group C showed a

persistent decrease in plasma amino acids (but mainly glutamine) in

those with chronic fatigue and infection. Inadequate protein intake

appeared to be a factor (Kingsbury et al. 1998). Supplementation with

glutamine would benefit chronic fatigue patients by enhancing gut

motility, improving plasma glutamine levels, and boosting glutathione.

Whey Protein

In a large proportion of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,

abnormalities are often found in both humoral and cellular immunity.

The exact cause of this is not fully understood. One fairly

consistent finding in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an

impaired lymphocyte (T-cell) response to a challenge. That is, the

lymphocyte does not respond appropriately or rapidly when presented

with an immune challenge. As early research has shown, the ability of

lymphocytes to react to an immune challenge is directly related to

glutathione levels (Bounous et al. 1999). Continued use of

glutathione by lymphocytes may lead to cellular glutathione depletion

and immune failure. Because whey is the most effective way to deliver

precursors for glutathiol as a recognized way to raise glutathione

levels in humans and animals, it is theorized that whey may be

especially effective for persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Adapton

The active ingredients in Adapton (extracts from Garum armoricum, a

deep sea fish called the Great Bluefish that is native to Brittany in

France) are a class of unique precursors to endorphins and other

neurotransmitters that exert a regulatory effect on the nervous

system. Adapton is widely used throughout Europe and Japan for the

treatment of a wide range of stress-induced disorders (see " A Natural

Therapy for Stress, Fatigue and Anxiety " in the February 1996 issue

of Life Extension Magazine).

A study was conducted on 20 patients who had been ill with various

forms of chronic fatigue for 1-3 months. Patients were registered and

information was collected in accordance with the protocol of the

European Fatigue Study Group, which includes scales to measure

anxiety, depression, muscle fatigue, mental fatigue, sleep disorders,

and headache. Four placebo capsules were given to these patients

daily during the first 2 weeks of the study. Then 4 capsules of garum

extract were given daily for the next 2 weeks of the study. After 2

weeks on placebo, fatigue symptoms were reduced by an average of 14%,

and overall symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia were

reduced by 4%. On the other hand, after 2 weeks of taking garum

extract, fatigue symptoms were reduced by 51%, and overall symptoms

were reduced by 65%. In 2 weeks after discontinuing garum extract

therapy, fatigue symptoms increased 15%, and overall symptoms

increased 7%. These results demonstrate the broad-spectrum benefits

of garum extract for people with chronic stress and fatigue. It is

interesting to note that the beneficial effects of garum extract

persisted even after the treatment was stopped (Elbaz 1988).

Other studies involved 40 patients who had also been experiencing

various forms of chronic fatigue for 1-3 months. Four capsules of

garum extract were prescribed daily for 2 weeks. The results, based

on the Fatigue Study Group criteria, showed an average benefit of 50%

for the 10 functions that most accurately measure fatigue and

depression (Crocq et al. 1978; Bugard 1984).

Recognizing the challenge of managing the anxiety and depression,

which often appear together and require more than one drug for

effective treatment (Sussman 1993a), and also the concerns about

typical drug therapy and habituation (Gabe et al. 1991; Sussman

1993b), Dorman et al. (1995) conducted a study to examine the

efficacy of Garum armoricum in what was termed " free-floating "

anxiety. The study subjects were otherwise healthy college students

who experienced significant stress and anxiety from final

examinations. The study was controlled and vigilance was maintained

to watch for possible side effects. Administration of Garum armoricum

resulted in a statistically significant difference in mean anxiety

test scores, with the subjects taking Garum armoricum demonstrating

lowered anxiety test scores during the second and third weeks.

Interestingly, Dorman et al. (1995) also reported that Garum

armoricum had a lingering anxiolytic (tranquilizing) effect following

its use (beyond a week) in subjects who were experiencing anxiety.

In a study based on the positive results of an earlier study of Garum

armoricum in the areas of weakness and fatigue-related depression and

anxiety, Le Poncin et al. (2000) conducted a double-blind versus

placebo study to examine the effects of Garum armoricum on memory and

cognitive disorders. Their results demonstrated statistically

significant positive effects, especially in the group of subjects who

were 40-50 years of age. Significant improvement was noted in

refreshing sleep, motivation, concentration, and memorization skills.

Le Poncin et al. (2000) reported that the favorable effects on

weakness and fatigue-related depression appeared to be factors in

improved memory and cognitive function. Le Poncin et al. (2000)

concluded that Garum armoricum had no harmful side effects, was not

addictive, and had proven efficacy in their studies. Any reactions

were mild, without the necessity of interrupting the treatment.

Therefore, it appears that garum extract is extremely well-tolerated

and is without contraindications.

A Japanese researcher reported that when garum extract reduces

anxiety, it results in improved learning, including enhanced EEG

(electroencephalogram) brain wave activity (Haruyama undated report).

Even though studies demonstrate that Garum armoricum extract relieves

depressive symptoms and anxiety that are often associated with

chronic stress and fatigue, it may not be effective or appropriate

for more complex conditions, such as clinical depression or bipolar

manic depression. Use of Adapton for these more complex conditions

should be only under the supervision of a physician.

Folate

Folic acid is involved in red blood cell health and proper cell

division, as well as other functions in maintaining healthy tissues.

Folic acid has been shown to prevent neural tube defects and to

function as a methyl donor to lower homocystine (Butterworth 1993).

Folic acid has a role in the prevention of heart disease and some

cancers.

An article in the journal Neurology described a study in which serum

folate levels were measured in 60 patients with Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome. Researchers found that 50% had values below 3.0 mcg/L. The

authors concluded that some patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

are deficient in folic acid (Jacobson et al. 1993).

Licorice

Licorice is highly valued as a medicinal herb by the Chinese and is

an ingredient in almost all of the Chinese patent herbal formulas.

Licorice has a sweet taste and helps combat fatigue. The active

constituent in licorice, glycyrrhizin, stimulates the production of

hormones, including cortisone, and stimulates the production of

interferon, which boosts immunity. Licorice is an old herbal remedy

that has been used medically for Addison's disease and adrenal

insufficiency (Baschetti 1995a; 1995b).

Tyrosine

Tyrosine (and phenylalanine) are amimo acid precursors of the

neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine (which

used to be called adrenaline and noradrenaline). Deficiencies in

these neurotransmitters are known to cause low levels of energy.

An article in the journal Medical Science of Sports Exercise

described a study of the effects of tyrosine on exercise tolerance

and brain neurochemistry of mice. Tyrosine injections improved maze

performance and prevented increased levels of serotonin (5-HT) in the

hypothalamus after exercise. Tyrosine administration significantly

improved food consumption, cognitive behavior, and activity

performance. The authors concluded that tyrosine may improve exercise

tolerance and delay fatigue (Avraham et al. 2001).

An article in the journal Brain Research Bulletin described a study

of the effects of tyrosine on a group of 21 cadets during a demanding

military combat training course: 10 subjects received 5 daily doses

of a protein-rich drink containing 2 grams of tyrosine, and 11

subjects received a carbohydrate-rich drink with the same amount of

calories (255 kcal). The group supplied with the tyrosine-rich drink

performed better on a memory and a tracking task than the group

supplied with the carbohydrate-rich drink. In addition, the

supplementation of tyrosine decreased systolic blood pressure. No

effects on mood were found. The authors concluded that these findings

suggest that supplementation with tyrosine may, under operational

circumstances characterized by psychosocial and physical stress,

reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on cognitive task

performance (Owasoyo et al. 1992; Deijen et al. 1999).

MATÉ

Commission E approves using 1-2 tsp (2-4 grams) a day of maté (Ilex

paraguayensis) leaves in a brewed tea for banishing mental and

physical fatigue. Ilex paraguayensis is an evergreen shrub that is

found in certain areas of South America. Most of maté's energy-

boosting activity comes from caffeine; however, the effect is quite

different from that of coffee. The energy boost takes about 30

minutes to become apparent and lasts several hours. Flavonoids

including rutin, isoquercitin, and glycosides are also found in its

leaves. Maté tea is reported to be a favorite tea among dancers in

Brazil and is traditionally served in a gourd. Homeopathic

preparations of maté are also available in tablets, globules, or as a

tincture.

Source: American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, c/o

Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA

98104

December 31, 2004

Hello Yvonne,

I agree this is a good list of natural therapies.

Here are some of my observations that I have mmade over the years.

Take them for what they are worth to you personally. You do not have

to believe them and I certainly do not feel compelled to " prove " them.

Everyone that I can remember who has developed this syndrome or amny

others of similar symptoms has been suffereing from some type of toxic

overload. Most that I have known have been on long term use of

allopathic drugs before devloping this. The toxic load can be composed

of mercury and other heavy metals, poisons from their enviourment

including foods, air, water, jobs, etc., pharmacutical drugs (this is

a big source), vaccines, smoking, and others but is usually

accumulated over time but could be from one exposure if it were great

enough. Big Medicine and Big Pharma usualy shy away from this disease

and really trying to pinpoint any cause because they are the ones

mainly responsible for it.

The toxic load becomes larger than can be handled by the body's

ability to detoxify it. This may be due to many things. The individual

capacity of one's liver, the amount of basic building blocks to

produce sufficient compounds to detox the substances. The amount of

poisons the body was exposed to. The continuing ingesting of other

toxic substances which takes all of the liver's ability and not

allowing any resources to go to detoxing the backed up and stored

toxins and many other things in a complex interplay.

When the body's toxic intake is greater than the body's ability to

detox it, the body will store these toxic substances anywhere that it

can. The liver, the bones, the " meat " of our bodies, etc. The

alternative would be for the toxic stuff to just build up in the

circulationg sytems until we were poisoned to death. These chemical

substances do much damage within the body. They damge most parts of

it. The liver becomes damaged and also reduces the ability to detox

even further. Brain damage and other regulatory organs get affected so

many of the body's regulatory systems get affected. Basic parts of

cells are damaged so they work very ineffeciently also. The resulting

diseases can come out in many different symptoms and get " labeled "

many different things by the allopaths (it is best not to get hung up

on the labels because it will mainly mislead us in our understanding

of what is really happening). The person could be labeled CFS, fibro,

arthritic, gulf war syndrome, or about 20 more.

The body was never designed to handle concentrated purified heavy

metals, complex modern day manmade chemical structers, etc. A few of

these modern chemicals have a very long half life in the body.

The body will store a lot of these chemicals, heavy metals, etc.

anywhere it can to be able to keep on living. Most of the information

concerning this has been suppressed to " protect " big financial interests.

Many are very hard to get out and when the body finds to capacity to

finally deal with them and releases them into the sytem it can be

painful and produce more illness temporarily on top of the level of

illness already being experienced by the sufferer. When we exercise it

helps break " loose " (for lack of a better word) these chemilcals. It

lets them reinter back into our system to detox them, but we feel

worse at that time because the level of circulations poisons is up.

So, the choice becomes. feel better for the moment or feel worse short

term to get well over the long term faster.

Do not confuse this type of detoxing with the idiots who run around

and tell you to take laxitives or purges. When detoxing we need to

give the body what it needs to do so and supportive therapies. It then

can do the job in which it was intnded to do.

Some obvious ones that I see missing are things that are basic to detoxing like

vitamin C. Ascoric acid actually grabs of toxic substances in the body, locks on

detoxifies it and takes it out of the body in a process called ascorbinization

(sp?). Vitmain E in large doses for similar reasons and many more nutritional

buildong blocks.

just my 2 cents,

Frank

, " Yvonne "

<simplicity46@h...> wrote:

>

> Natural Therapies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

>

> Ginseng And Echinacea

> Essential Fatty Acids

> Coenzyme Q10

> NADH

> L-Carnitine

> Magnesium

> DHEA

> Digestive Enzymes Glutamine

> Whey Protein

> Adapton

> Folate

> Licorice

> Tyrosine

> MATÉ

>

> A report in the Annual Review of Medicine stated that Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome " is an illness characterized by activation of the immune

> system, various abnormalities of several hypothalamic-pituitary axes,

> and reactivation of certain infectious agents " (Komaroff et al.

> 1998). This suggests that an individual with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

> should follow a regimen that involves protecting and enhancing the

> immune system with proper nutritional supplements, proteins, and

> hormones. Free radicals play a role in causing damage to the immune

> system.

>

> A comprehensive approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would address

> several key areas, based on the results of laboratory tests,

> including:

>

> Immune support (antiviral): ginseng, echinacea, essential fatty acids

> Supplements involved in energy metabolism: CoQ10, NADH, L-carnitine,

> and magnesium

> Adrenal support: DHEA, licorice, and sodium

> Stress: glutamine and Adapton

> Brain hormones and neurotransmitters: tyrosine

> Homocysteine metabolism: B6, B12, folic acid, and SAMe

> Antioxidants: glutathione, N-acetyl-cysteine, and alpha-lipoic acid

> Fatigue: ginseng and Maté

> Digestive support: digestive enzymes

> Ginseng and Echinacea

> Commission E, the group of scientists that advises the German

> government about herbs, endorses ginseng " as a tonic to combat

> feelings of lassitude and debility, lack of energy and ability to

> concentrate, and during convalescence " (Bahrke et al. 2000).

>

> Ginseng is highly prized in China as an herb that increases energy.

> The higher grades are extremely expensive.

>

> Echinacea has become very popular in the United States as " the herb "

> to take for colds and flus. It is known for its ability to stimulate

> the immune system and suppress infection-causing microbes.

>

> Essential Fatty Acids

> The use of essential fatty acids in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is

> controversial. It has been proposed that essential fatty acids play a

> role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. One possible mechanism is that

> viruses, as part of their attack strategy, may reduce the ability of

> the cells to make 6-desaturated essential fatty acids (Horrobin 1990;

> Gray et al. 1994).

>

> The use of essential fatty acids for postviral fatigue syndrome was

> examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 63 adults

> (Behan et al. 1990). The patients had been ill for 1-3 years after an

> apparent viral infection and had severe fatigue, myalgia, and a

> variety of psychiatric symptoms. The patients received either placebo

> or a preparation containing linoleic, gamma-linolenic,

> eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids (8 500-mg capsules daily)

> over a 3-month period. Participants were asked to assess their

> improvement at months 1 and 3. The treatment group showed continual

> improvement, whereas many in the placebo group reverted toward

> baseline.

>

> Improvement with Essential Fatty Acid Treatment Time Treatment Group

> Placebo

> 1 month 74% 23%

> 3 months 85% 17%

>

> The essential fatty acid composition of the subjects' red cell

> membrane phospholipids was analyzed at the first and last visits. The

> essential fatty acid levels were abnormal at the baseline and

> corrected by active treatment. The authors concluded that essential

> fatty acids provide a rational, safe, and effective treatment for

> patients with postviral fatigue syndrome (Behan et al. 1990).

>

> A follow-up study of 50 patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome found no significant difference between the placebo group

> and those treated with Efamol marine, an essential fatty acid

> formula. In addition, no difference was seen in red cell membrane

> lipids between the patients and control group (Warren et al. 1999).

> These results sharply contrasted the previous study by Behan et al.

> (1990).

>

> Essential fatty acids are termed " essential " because they play a

> vital role in health. Essential fatty acids are found in healthy

> oils, such as fish, flax, borage, and perilla. Unfortunately, fatty

> acids are damaged by heat, and many people are deficient because of

> the high heats used to process packaged foods.

>

> Coenzyme Q10

> Coenzyme Q10 has long been prescribed for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

> patients. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that aids in metabolic

> reactions including the process of forming ATP, the molecule the body

> uses for energy. Virtually every cell in the body contains CoQ10. It

> is concentrated in the mitochondria, the area of the cells where

> energy is produced.

>

> Judy (1996) presented a study of 20 female patients with Chronic

> Fatigue Syndrome who required bed rest following mild exercise and 20

> healthy controls: 80% of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients were

> found to be deficient in CoQ10, which further decreased following

> mild exercise or over the course of normal daytime activity. After 3

> months of CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg/day), the exercise tolerance

> (400 kg-meters of work) of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients more

> than doubled. All patients had improved: 90% had reduction and/or

> disappearance of clinical symptoms, and 85% had decreased

> postexercise fatigue (Judy 1996).

>

> NADH

> NADH (reduced B-nicotanimide dinucleotide) is a coenzyme molecule

> formed from vitamin B3 (niacin). NADH (along with CoQ10) is essential

> for the production of energy (ATP) in a process called oxidative

> phosphorylation.

>

> A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

> examined the use of NADH in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: 26 eligible

> patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome received either 10

> mg of NADH or placebo for a 4-week period. Eight of 26 (31%)

> responded favorably to NADH in contrast to two of 26 (8%) to placebo.

> Based upon these encouraging results, the authors decided to conduct

> a larger study to establish the efficacy of NADH in Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome (Forsyth et al. 1999).

>

> NADH (5-10 mg/day) is most effective when taken in the morning, 30

> minutes before breakfast.

>

> L-Carnitine

> Several studies have found deficiencies of the amino acid L-carnitine

> in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, although other studies

> fail to confirm this. L-carnitine is known to boost energy levels.

> The lack of consistency in the research literature suggests that

> there may be a number of marginal nutritional deficiencies that have

> etiologic relevance to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. These deficiencies

> may include carnitine along with the B-complex vitamins, essential

> fatty acids, L-tryptophan, zinc, magnesium, and others (Werbach 2000).

>

> Studies show that carnitine given as a supplement to Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome patients results in better functional capacity and

> improvement of disease symptoms (Plioplys et al. 1995; Plioplys et

> al. 1997). Other studies have shown a dose of 1000-2000 mg daily has

> resulted in improvement in those with low levels of energy (Kelly

> 1998; Werbach 2000).

>

> Magnesium

> Magnesium, a mineral utilized by every cell of the body, participates

> in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The body vigilantly

> protects blood magnesium levels, in part because 350 enzymatic

> processes depend upon magnesium status for activation. Magnesium is

> stored in tissues and bone, sharing skeletal residency with calcium

> and phosphorus (Dimai et al. 1998).

>

> An article in Lancet described a randomized, double-blind, placebo-

> controlled study of 20 patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The

> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients were found to have lower red cell

> magnesium concentrations. In a clinical trial, 32 Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome patients received either placebo or intramuscular magnesium

> sulfate every week for 6 weeks. Patients treated with magnesium

> reported having improved energy levels, better emotional state, and

> less pain, as judged by changes in the Nottingham Health Profile. Red

> cell magnesium returned to normal in all patients on supplemental

> magnesium, but in only one patient on placebo. The authors concluded

> that these results demonstrate that magnesium may have a role in

> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cox et al. 1991).

>

> One study, however, found no difference in red blood cell magnesium

> concentrations in samples from 89 patients with Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome when compared to an age- and sex-matched group selected from

> the normal population. A magnesium-loading test on six patients found

> no evidence of deficiency (Hinds et al. 1994).

>

> A study of 93 patients with unexplained chronic fatigue (54% with

> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) examined the relationship between magnesium

> deficiency and oxidative stress. Magnesium-deficient patients (47%)

> had lower total antioxidant capacity in plasma which was related to

> serum albumin. Magnesium-deficient patients whose magnesium body

> stores did not improve after oral supplementation with magnesium (10

> mg/kg/day) had persistently lower blood glutathione levels. The

> authors concluded that magnesium supplementation was followed by an

> improvement in magnesium body stores, in serum vitamin E, and in its

> interrelated stage of lipid peroxidation (Manuel y Keenoy et al.

> 2000).

>

> Magnesium plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is needed for

> activating B vitamins, relaxing muscles, and forming ATP, the energy

> molecule. Fatigue, muscle cramps, and constipation are signs of

> magnesium deficiency. Taking too much magnesium often leads to

> diarrhea. The dose is increased until this occurs and then backed off

> to maintain a normal consistency of stools.

>

> DHEA

> DHEA is a hormone secreted from the adrenal glands. It is a precursor

> of the sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). DHEA-S has been

> shown to have beneficial effects on memory, stress, anxiety, sleep,

> and depression. Therefore, the deficiency of DHEA-S might be related

> to the symptoms in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. DHEA has

> been reported to improve energy levels in chronic fatigue patients

> (Kuratsune et al. 1998).

>

> One study demonstrated the value of DHEA and vitamin C infusion

> treatment in the control of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Kodama et al.

> 1996).

>

> A study of 15 subjects with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 15 subjects

> with major depression, and 11 healthy subjects found that DHEA and

> DHEA-S levels were significantly lower in the Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome subjects compared to the healthy group. DHEA-S levels, but

> not DHEA, were lower in the depressives. The authors concluded that

> DHEA has a potential role both therapeutically and as a diagnostic

> tool in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Scott et al. 1999).

>

> Another study of DHEA levels in 22 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients

> and 14 healthy controls found normal basal DHEA levels, but a blunted

> serum DHEA response curve to ACTH (adreno-corticotropic hormone)

> injection. ACTH normally stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete

> DHEA. The authors concluded that endocrine abnormalities play a role

> in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and that a relative glucocorticoid

> deficiency might contribute to the overall clinical picture in

> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (De Becker et al. 1999).

>

> DHEA is contraindicated in both men and women with hormone-related

> cancers (refer to the DHEA Replacement Therapy protocol before

> embarking on DHEA therapy).

>

> Digestive Enzymes

> Enzymes are responsible for every activity of life. There are two

> primary classes of enzymes responsible for maintaining life

> functions: digestive and metabolic. The primary digestive enzymes are

> proteases (to digest protein), amylases (to digest carbohydrate), and

> lipases (to digest fat). These enzymes function as a biological

> catalyst to help break down food. Raw foods also provide enzymes that

> naturally break down food for proper absorption. Metabolic enzymes

> are responsible for the structuring, repair, and remodeling of every

> cell, and the body is under a great daily burden to supply sufficient

> enzymes for optimal health. Metabolic enzymes operate in every cell,

> every organ, and every tissue, and they need constant replenishment.

>

> The capacity of the living organism to make enzymes diminishes with

> age. Some scientists believe that humans could live longer and be

> healthier by guarding against the loss of our much-needed enzymes.

> Supplementation with digestive enzymes helps the body to better

> absorb nutrients from food and lessens the need for the secretion of

> natural enzymes, thereby preserving them to assist in vital cellular

> metabolic functions.

>

> Glutamine

>

> An article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine described a

> study of athletes during an intense training period before the 1992

> Olympics (Kingsbury et al. 1998). The athletes were divided into

> three groups that differed in training fatigue and were considered

> separately. Group A (21 track-and-field athletes) had no lasting

> fatigue; group B (12 judo competitors) reported heavy fatigue at

> night but recovered overnight to continue training; group C (18 track-

> and-field athletes and one rower) had chronic fatigue and had been

> unable to train normally for at least several weeks. Plasma amino

> acid analysis showed that group A had a normal amino acid pattern,

> and both groups B and C had decreased plasma glutamine (average 33%)

> with, especially in group B, decreased histidine, glucogenic,

> ketogenic, and branched chain amino acids. Ten athletes in group C

> presented with infection.

>

> After 3 weeks of additional protein intake, virtually all of the low

> glutamine levels increased to above 500 micromole/L. Total amino

> acids increased, and the amino acid pattern normalized: six of the 10

> athletes on this protein intake returned to increased training within

> the 3 weeks. An analysis of the pattern in group C showed a

> persistent decrease in plasma amino acids (but mainly glutamine) in

> those with chronic fatigue and infection. Inadequate protein intake

> appeared to be a factor (Kingsbury et al. 1998). Supplementation with

> glutamine would benefit chronic fatigue patients by enhancing gut

> motility, improving plasma glutamine levels, and boosting glutathione.

>

> Whey Protein

> In a large proportion of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,

> abnormalities are often found in both humoral and cellular immunity.

> The exact cause of this is not fully understood. One fairly

> consistent finding in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an

> impaired lymphocyte (T-cell) response to a challenge. That is, the

> lymphocyte does not respond appropriately or rapidly when presented

> with an immune challenge. As early research has shown, the ability of

> lymphocytes to react to an immune challenge is directly related to

> glutathione levels (Bounous et al. 1999). Continued use of

> glutathione by lymphocytes may lead to cellular glutathione depletion

> and immune failure. Because whey is the most effective way to deliver

> precursors for glutathiol as a recognized way to raise glutathione

> levels in humans and animals, it is theorized that whey may be

> especially effective for persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

>

> Adapton

> The active ingredients in Adapton (extracts from Garum armoricum, a

> deep sea fish called the Great Bluefish that is native to Brittany in

> France) are a class of unique precursors to endorphins and other

> neurotransmitters that exert a regulatory effect on the nervous

> system. Adapton is widely used throughout Europe and Japan for the

> treatment of a wide range of stress-induced disorders (see " A Natural

> Therapy for Stress, Fatigue and Anxiety " in the February 1996 issue

> of Life Extension Magazine).

>

> A study was conducted on 20 patients who had been ill with various

> forms of chronic fatigue for 1-3 months. Patients were registered and

> information was collected in accordance with the protocol of the

> European Fatigue Study Group, which includes scales to measure

> anxiety, depression, muscle fatigue, mental fatigue, sleep disorders,

> and headache. Four placebo capsules were given to these patients

> daily during the first 2 weeks of the study. Then 4 capsules of garum

> extract were given daily for the next 2 weeks of the study. After 2

> weeks on placebo, fatigue symptoms were reduced by an average of 14%,

> and overall symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia were

> reduced by 4%. On the other hand, after 2 weeks of taking garum

> extract, fatigue symptoms were reduced by 51%, and overall symptoms

> were reduced by 65%. In 2 weeks after discontinuing garum extract

> therapy, fatigue symptoms increased 15%, and overall symptoms

> increased 7%. These results demonstrate the broad-spectrum benefits

> of garum extract for people with chronic stress and fatigue. It is

> interesting to note that the beneficial effects of garum extract

> persisted even after the treatment was stopped (Elbaz 1988).

>

> Other studies involved 40 patients who had also been experiencing

> various forms of chronic fatigue for 1-3 months. Four capsules of

> garum extract were prescribed daily for 2 weeks. The results, based

> on the Fatigue Study Group criteria, showed an average benefit of 50%

> for the 10 functions that most accurately measure fatigue and

> depression (Crocq et al. 1978; Bugard 1984).

>

> Recognizing the challenge of managing the anxiety and depression,

> which often appear together and require more than one drug for

> effective treatment (Sussman 1993a), and also the concerns about

> typical drug therapy and habituation (Gabe et al. 1991; Sussman

> 1993b), Dorman et al. (1995) conducted a study to examine the

> efficacy of Garum armoricum in what was termed " free-floating "

> anxiety. The study subjects were otherwise healthy college students

> who experienced significant stress and anxiety from final

> examinations. The study was controlled and vigilance was maintained

> to watch for possible side effects. Administration of Garum armoricum

> resulted in a statistically significant difference in mean anxiety

> test scores, with the subjects taking Garum armoricum demonstrating

> lowered anxiety test scores during the second and third weeks.

> Interestingly, Dorman et al. (1995) also reported that Garum

> armoricum had a lingering anxiolytic (tranquilizing) effect following

> its use (beyond a week) in subjects who were experiencing anxiety.

>

> In a study based on the positive results of an earlier study of Garum

> armoricum in the areas of weakness and fatigue-related depression and

> anxiety, Le Poncin et al. (2000) conducted a double-blind versus

> placebo study to examine the effects of Garum armoricum on memory and

> cognitive disorders. Their results demonstrated statistically

> significant positive effects, especially in the group of subjects who

> were 40-50 years of age. Significant improvement was noted in

> refreshing sleep, motivation, concentration, and memorization skills.

> Le Poncin et al. (2000) reported that the favorable effects on

> weakness and fatigue-related depression appeared to be factors in

> improved memory and cognitive function. Le Poncin et al. (2000)

> concluded that Garum armoricum had no harmful side effects, was not

> addictive, and had proven efficacy in their studies. Any reactions

> were mild, without the necessity of interrupting the treatment.

> Therefore, it appears that garum extract is extremely well-tolerated

> and is without contraindications.

>

> A Japanese researcher reported that when garum extract reduces

> anxiety, it results in improved learning, including enhanced EEG

> (electroencephalogram) brain wave activity (Haruyama undated report).

>

> Even though studies demonstrate that Garum armoricum extract relieves

> depressive symptoms and anxiety that are often associated with

> chronic stress and fatigue, it may not be effective or appropriate

> for more complex conditions, such as clinical depression or bipolar

> manic depression. Use of Adapton for these more complex conditions

> should be only under the supervision of a physician.

>

> Folate

> Folic acid is involved in red blood cell health and proper cell

> division, as well as other functions in maintaining healthy tissues.

> Folic acid has been shown to prevent neural tube defects and to

> function as a methyl donor to lower homocystine (Butterworth 1993).

> Folic acid has a role in the prevention of heart disease and some

> cancers.

>

> An article in the journal Neurology described a study in which serum

> folate levels were measured in 60 patients with Chronic Fatigue

> Syndrome. Researchers found that 50% had values below 3.0 mcg/L. The

> authors concluded that some patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

> are deficient in folic acid (Jacobson et al. 1993).

>

> Licorice

> Licorice is highly valued as a medicinal herb by the Chinese and is

> an ingredient in almost all of the Chinese patent herbal formulas.

> Licorice has a sweet taste and helps combat fatigue. The active

> constituent in licorice, glycyrrhizin, stimulates the production of

> hormones, including cortisone, and stimulates the production of

> interferon, which boosts immunity. Licorice is an old herbal remedy

> that has been used medically for Addison's disease and adrenal

> insufficiency (Baschetti 1995a; 1995b).

>

> Tyrosine

> Tyrosine (and phenylalanine) are amimo acid precursors of the

> neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine (which

> used to be called adrenaline and noradrenaline). Deficiencies in

> these neurotransmitters are known to cause low levels of energy.

>

> An article in the journal Medical Science of Sports Exercise

> described a study of the effects of tyrosine on exercise tolerance

> and brain neurochemistry of mice. Tyrosine injections improved maze

> performance and prevented increased levels of serotonin (5-HT) in the

> hypothalamus after exercise. Tyrosine administration significantly

> improved food consumption, cognitive behavior, and activity

> performance. The authors concluded that tyrosine may improve exercise

> tolerance and delay fatigue (Avraham et al. 2001).

>

> An article in the journal Brain Research Bulletin described a study

> of the effects of tyrosine on a group of 21 cadets during a demanding

> military combat training course: 10 subjects received 5 daily doses

> of a protein-rich drink containing 2 grams of tyrosine, and 11

> subjects received a carbohydrate-rich drink with the same amount of

> calories (255 kcal). The group supplied with the tyrosine-rich drink

> performed better on a memory and a tracking task than the group

> supplied with the carbohydrate-rich drink. In addition, the

> supplementation of tyrosine decreased systolic blood pressure. No

> effects on mood were found. The authors concluded that these findings

> suggest that supplementation with tyrosine may, under operational

> circumstances characterized by psychosocial and physical stress,

> reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on cognitive task

> performance (Owasoyo et al. 1992; Deijen et al. 1999).

>

> MATÉ

> Commission E approves using 1-2 tsp (2-4 grams) a day of maté (Ilex

> paraguayensis) leaves in a brewed tea for banishing mental and

> physical fatigue. Ilex paraguayensis is an evergreen shrub that is

> found in certain areas of South America. Most of maté's energy-

> boosting activity comes from caffeine; however, the effect is quite

> different from that of coffee. The energy boost takes about 30

> minutes to become apparent and lasts several hours. Flavonoids

> including rutin, isoquercitin, and glycosides are also found in its

> leaves. Maté tea is reported to be a favorite tea among dancers in

> Brazil and is traditionally served in a gourd. Homeopathic

> preparations of maté are also available in tablets, globules, or as a

> tincture.

>

> Source: American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, c/o

> Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA

> 98104

December 31, 2004

Thank you very much Frank,

for your kind thoughts.

And my sincere thanks to everyone else who has responded to me

regarding my CFS queries.

Although using high dose Vitamin C and other ways of detoxing have

always been the foundation of my own approach to tackling the

illness, I had not noticed that they were missing from that list;

That was careless of me, I am sorry about that.

I am sure, now that I come to think about it, there are probably many

other things missing from it, too. No doubt Jo will be able to fill

in the missing spaces.

I know exactly what you mean about labelling, conventional medicine

throws up such smoke screens.

I have spent years myself trying to help people understand that their

doctors arent actually trying to cure them; its such a very common

misconception; people find it hard to believe.

CFS is just another one of these labels, the suffering is very real,

but the name is meaningless.

In my own case, I was a dental chairside assistant for many years and

was exposed to high doses of mercury on a daily basis, (even the gold

rings I wore were notched with mercury)

After getting no joy through the NHS blood tests; I eventaully did a

challenge test for myself through great smokies laboratory in the

USA.

It came back more or less as I had expected, although there are other

harmful substances present in addition to mercury, all apparantly

from the toxic substances I was exposed to when I was a dental worker.

I have always thought there was quite a strong case for Mercury

Toxicity being at the root of my ill-health, and that is the primary

problem that I have been trying to deal with over the years.

(you only have to compare the symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning

with those of 'CFS' to see the connection)

I have had some very gradual improvement over time. Now that we are

absolutely certain, my practitioner and I are redoubling our efforts.

I am certain that the medical establishment has its own reasons for

keeping this sort of thing so quiet.

I understand, as I expect you do, that there are a great many

possibilities and other underlying reasons why a persons immune

system and nervous system should become so severely dysfunctional,

and I consider myself lucky that the cause in my own case has been

relatively easy to find.

thanks again for your thoughtful reply

All the Best

Yvonne

, " califpacific "

<califpacific> wrote:

>

> Hello Yvonne,

>

> I agree this is a good list of natural therapies.

>

> Here are some of my observations that I have mmade over the years.

> Take them for what they are worth to you personally. You do not have

> to believe them and I certainly do not feel compelled to " prove "

them.

>

> Everyone that I can remember who has developed this syndrome or amny

> others of similar symptoms has been suffereing from some type of

toxic

> overload. Most that I have known have been on long term use of

> allopathic drugs before devloping this. The toxic load can be

composed

> of mercury and other heavy metals, poisons from their enviourment

> including foods, air, water, jobs, etc., pharmacutical drugs (this

is

> a big source), vaccines, smoking, and others but is usually

> accumulated over time but could be from one exposure if it were

great

> enough. Big Medicine and Big Pharma usualy shy away from this

disease

> and really trying to pinpoint any cause because they are the ones

> mainly responsible for it.

>

> The toxic load becomes larger than can be handled by the body's

> ability to detoxify it. This may be due to many things. The

individual

> capacity of one's liver, the amount of basic building blocks to

> produce sufficient compounds to detox the substances. The amount of

> poisons the body was exposed to. The continuing ingesting of other

> toxic substances which takes all of the liver's ability and not

> allowing any resources to go to detoxing the backed up and stored

> toxins and many other things in a complex interplay.

>

> When the body's toxic intake is greater than the body's ability to

> detox it, the body will store these toxic substances anywhere that

it

> can. The liver, the bones, the " meat " of our bodies, etc. The

> alternative would be for the toxic stuff to just build up in the

> circulationg sytems until we were poisoned to death. These chemical

> substances do much damage within the body. They damge most parts of

> it. The liver becomes damaged and also reduces the ability to detox

> even further. Brain damage and other regulatory organs get affected

so

> many of the body's regulatory systems get affected. Basic parts of

> cells are damaged so they work very ineffeciently also. The

resulting

> diseases can come out in many different symptoms and get " labeled "

> many different things by the allopaths (it is best not to get hung

up

> on the labels because it will mainly mislead us in our understanding

> of what is really happening). The person could be labeled CFS,

fibro,

> arthritic, gulf war syndrome, or about 20 more.

>

> The body was never designed to handle concentrated purified heavy

> metals, complex modern day manmade chemical structers, etc. A few of

> these modern chemicals have a very long half life in the body.

> The body will store a lot of these chemicals, heavy metals, etc.

> anywhere it can to be able to keep on living. Most of the

information

> concerning this has been suppressed to " protect " big financial

interests.

>

> Many are very hard to get out and when the body finds to capacity to

> finally deal with them and releases them into the sytem it can be

> painful and produce more illness temporarily on top of the level of

> illness already being experienced by the sufferer. When we exercise

it

> helps break " loose " (for lack of a better word) these chemilcals. It

> lets them reinter back into our system to detox them, but we feel

> worse at that time because the level of circulations poisons is up.

> So, the choice becomes. feel better for the moment or feel worse

short

> term to get well over the long term faster.

>

> Do not confuse this type of detoxing with the idiots who run around

> and tell you to take laxitives or purges. When detoxing we need to

> give the body what it needs to do so and supportive therapies. It

then

> can do the job in which it was intnded to do.

>

> Some obvious ones that I see missing are things that are basic to

detoxing like vitamin C. Ascoric acid actually grabs of toxic

substances in the body, locks on detoxifies it and takes it out of

the body in a process called ascorbinization (sp?). Vitmain E in

large doses for similar reasons and many more nutritional buildong

blocks.

>

> just my 2 cents,

>

> Frank

>

> , " Yvonne "

> <simplicity46@h...> wrote:

> >

> > Natural Therapies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

> >

> > Ginseng And Echinacea

> > Essential Fatty Acids

> > Coenzyme Q10

> > NADH

> > L-Carnitine

> > Magnesium

> > DHEA

> > Digestive Enzymes Glutamine

> > Whey Protein

> > Adapton

> > Folate

> > Licorice

> > Tyrosine

> > MATÉ

> >

> > A report in the Annual Review of Medicine stated that Chronic

Fatigue

> > Syndrome " is an illness characterized by activation of the immune

> > system, various abnormalities of several hypothalamic-pituitary

axes,

> > and reactivation of certain infectious agents " (Komaroff et al.

> > 1998). This suggests that an individual with Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome

> > should follow a regimen that involves protecting and enhancing

the

> > immune system with proper nutritional supplements, proteins, and

> > hormones. Free radicals play a role in causing damage to the

immune

> > system.

> >

> > A comprehensive approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would

address

> > several key areas, based on the results of laboratory tests,

> > including:

> >

> > Immune support (antiviral): ginseng, echinacea, essential fatty

acids

> > Supplements involved in energy metabolism: CoQ10, NADH, L-

carnitine,

> > and magnesium

> > Adrenal support: DHEA, licorice, and sodium

> > Stress: glutamine and Adapton

> > Brain hormones and neurotransmitters: tyrosine

> > Homocysteine metabolism: B6, B12, folic acid, and SAMe

> > Antioxidants: glutathione, N-acetyl-cysteine, and alpha-lipoic

acid

> > Fatigue: ginseng and Maté

> > Digestive support: digestive enzymes

> > Ginseng and Echinacea

> > Commission E, the group of scientists that advises the German

> > government about herbs, endorses ginseng " as a tonic to combat

> > feelings of lassitude and debility, lack of energy and ability to

> > concentrate, and during convalescence " (Bahrke et al. 2000).

> >

> > Ginseng is highly prized in China as an herb that increases

energy.

> > The higher grades are extremely expensive.

> >

> > Echinacea has become very popular in the United States as " the

herb "

> > to take for colds and flus. It is known for its ability to

stimulate

> > the immune system and suppress infection-causing microbes.

> >

> > Essential Fatty Acids

> > The use of essential fatty acids in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is

> > controversial. It has been proposed that essential fatty acids

play a

> > role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. One possible mechanism is that

> > viruses, as part of their attack strategy, may reduce the ability

of

> > the cells to make 6-desaturated essential fatty acids (Horrobin

1990;

> > Gray et al. 1994).

> >

> > The use of essential fatty acids for postviral fatigue syndrome

was

> > examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 63 adults

> > (Behan et al. 1990). The patients had been ill for 1-3 years

after an

> > apparent viral infection and had severe fatigue, myalgia, and a

> > variety of psychiatric symptoms. The patients received either

placebo

> > or a preparation containing linoleic, gamma-linolenic,

> > eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids (8 500-mg capsules

daily)

> > over a 3-month period. Participants were asked to assess their

> > improvement at months 1 and 3. The treatment group showed

continual

> > improvement, whereas many in the placebo group reverted toward

> > baseline.

> >

> > Improvement with Essential Fatty Acid Treatment Time Treatment

Group

> > Placebo

> > 1 month 74% 23%

> > 3 months 85% 17%

> >

> > The essential fatty acid composition of the subjects' red cell

> > membrane phospholipids was analyzed at the first and last visits.

The

> > essential fatty acid levels were abnormal at the baseline and

> > corrected by active treatment. The authors concluded that

essential

> > fatty acids provide a rational, safe, and effective treatment for

> > patients with postviral fatigue syndrome (Behan et al. 1990).

> >

> > A follow-up study of 50 patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue

> > Syndrome found no significant difference between the placebo

group

> > and those treated with Efamol marine, an essential fatty acid

> > formula. In addition, no difference was seen in red cell membrane

> > lipids between the patients and control group (Warren et al.

1999).

> > These results sharply contrasted the previous study by Behan et

al.

> > (1990).

> >

> > Essential fatty acids are termed " essential " because they play a

> > vital role in health. Essential fatty acids are found in healthy

> > oils, such as fish, flax, borage, and perilla. Unfortunately,

fatty

> > acids are damaged by heat, and many people are deficient because

of

> > the high heats used to process packaged foods.

> >

> > Coenzyme Q10

> > Coenzyme Q10 has long been prescribed for Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome

> > patients. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that aids in metabolic

> > reactions including the process of forming ATP, the molecule the

body

> > uses for energy. Virtually every cell in the body contains CoQ10.

It

> > is concentrated in the mitochondria, the area of the cells where

> > energy is produced.

> >

> > Judy (1996) presented a study of 20 female patients with Chronic

> > Fatigue Syndrome who required bed rest following mild exercise

and 20

> > healthy controls: 80% of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients

were

> > found to be deficient in CoQ10, which further decreased following

> > mild exercise or over the course of normal daytime activity.

After 3

> > months of CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg/day), the exercise

tolerance

> > (400 kg-meters of work) of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients

more

> > than doubled. All patients had improved: 90% had reduction and/or

> > disappearance of clinical symptoms, and 85% had decreased

> > postexercise fatigue (Judy 1996).

> >

> > NADH

> > NADH (reduced B-nicotanimide dinucleotide) is a coenzyme molecule

> > formed from vitamin B3 (niacin). NADH (along with CoQ10) is

essential

> > for the production of energy (ATP) in a process called oxidative

> > phosphorylation.

> >

> > A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

> > examined the use of NADH in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: 26 eligible

> > patients diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome received either

10

> > mg of NADH or placebo for a 4-week period. Eight of 26 (31%)

> > responded favorably to NADH in contrast to two of 26 (8%) to

placebo.

> > Based upon these encouraging results, the authors decided to

conduct

> > a larger study to establish the efficacy of NADH in Chronic

Fatigue

> > Syndrome (Forsyth et al. 1999).

> >

> > NADH (5-10 mg/day) is most effective when taken in the morning,

30

> > minutes before breakfast.

> >

> > L-Carnitine

> > Several studies have found deficiencies of the amino acid L-

carnitine

> > in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, although other studies

> > fail to confirm this. L-carnitine is known to boost energy

levels.

> > The lack of consistency in the research literature suggests that

> > there may be a number of marginal nutritional deficiencies that

have

> > etiologic relevance to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. These

deficiencies

> > may include carnitine along with the B-complex vitamins,

essential

> > fatty acids, L-tryptophan, zinc, magnesium, and others (Werbach

2000).

> >

> > Studies show that carnitine given as a supplement to Chronic

Fatigue

> > Syndrome patients results in better functional capacity and

> > improvement of disease symptoms (Plioplys et al. 1995; Plioplys

et

> > al. 1997). Other studies have shown a dose of 1000-2000 mg daily

has

> > resulted in improvement in those with low levels of energy (Kelly

> > 1998; Werbach 2000).

> >

> > Magnesium

> > Magnesium, a mineral utilized by every cell of the body,

participates

> > in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The body vigilantly

> > protects blood magnesium levels, in part because 350 enzymatic

> > processes depend upon magnesium status for activation. Magnesium

is

> > stored in tissues and bone, sharing skeletal residency with

calcium

> > and phosphorus (Dimai et al. 1998).

> >

> > An article in Lancet described a randomized, double-blind,

placebo-

> > controlled study of 20 patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The

> > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients were found to have lower red

cell

> > magnesium concentrations. In a clinical trial, 32 Chronic Fatigue

> > Syndrome patients received either placebo or intramuscular

magnesium

> > sulfate every week for 6 weeks. Patients treated with magnesium

> > reported having improved energy levels, better emotional state,

and

> > less pain, as judged by changes in the Nottingham Health Profile.

Red

> > cell magnesium returned to normal in all patients on supplemental

> > magnesium, but in only one patient on placebo. The authors

concluded

> > that these results demonstrate that magnesium may have a role in

> > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Cox et al. 1991).

> >

> > One study, however, found no difference in red blood cell

magnesium

> > concentrations in samples from 89 patients with Chronic Fatigue

> > Syndrome when compared to an age- and sex-matched group selected

from

> > the normal population. A magnesium-loading test on six patients

found

> > no evidence of deficiency (Hinds et al. 1994).

> >

> > A study of 93 patients with unexplained chronic fatigue (54% with

> > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) examined the relationship between

magnesium

> > deficiency and oxidative stress. Magnesium-deficient patients

(47%)

> > had lower total antioxidant capacity in plasma which was related

to

> > serum albumin. Magnesium-deficient patients whose magnesium body

> > stores did not improve after oral supplementation with magnesium

(10

> > mg/kg/day) had persistently lower blood glutathione levels. The

> > authors concluded that magnesium supplementation was followed by

an

> > improvement in magnesium body stores, in serum vitamin E, and in

its

> > interrelated stage of lipid peroxidation (Manuel y Keenoy et al.

> > 2000).

> >

> > Magnesium plays a crucial role in metabolism. It is needed for

> > activating B vitamins, relaxing muscles, and forming ATP, the

energy

> > molecule. Fatigue, muscle cramps, and constipation are signs of

> > magnesium deficiency. Taking too much magnesium often leads to

> > diarrhea. The dose is increased until this occurs and then backed

off

> > to maintain a normal consistency of stools.

> >

> > DHEA

> > DHEA is a hormone secreted from the adrenal glands. It is a

precursor

> > of the sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). DHEA-S has been

> > shown to have beneficial effects on memory, stress, anxiety,

sleep,

> > and depression. Therefore, the deficiency of DHEA-S might be

has

> > been reported to improve energy levels in chronic fatigue

patients

> > (Kuratsune et al. 1998).

> >

> > One study demonstrated the value of DHEA and vitamin C infusion

> > treatment in the control of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Kodama et

al.

> > 1996).

> >

> > A study of 15 subjects with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 15 subjects

> > with major depression, and 11 healthy subjects found that DHEA

and

> > DHEA-S levels were significantly lower in the Chronic Fatigue

> > Syndrome subjects compared to the healthy group. DHEA-S levels,

but

> > not DHEA, were lower in the depressives. The authors concluded

that

> > DHEA has a potential role both therapeutically and as a

diagnostic

> > tool in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Scott et al. 1999).

> >

> > Another study of DHEA levels in 22 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

patients

> > and 14 healthy controls found normal basal DHEA levels, but a

blunted

> > serum DHEA response curve to ACTH (adreno-corticotropic hormone)

> > injection. ACTH normally stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete

> > DHEA. The authors concluded that endocrine abnormalities play a

role

> > in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and that a relative glucocorticoid

> > deficiency might contribute to the overall clinical picture in

> > Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (De Becker et al. 1999).

> >

> > DHEA is contraindicated in both men and women with hormone-

> > embarking on DHEA therapy).

> >

> > Digestive Enzymes

> > Enzymes are responsible for every activity of life. There are two

> > primary classes of enzymes responsible for maintaining life

> > functions: digestive and metabolic. The primary digestive enzymes

are

> > proteases (to digest protein), amylases (to digest carbohydrate),

and

> > lipases (to digest fat). These enzymes function as a biological

> > catalyst to help break down food. Raw foods also provide enzymes

that

> > naturally break down food for proper absorption. Metabolic

enzymes

> > are responsible for the structuring, repair, and remodeling of

every

> > cell, and the body is under a great daily burden to supply

sufficient

> > enzymes for optimal health. Metabolic enzymes operate in every

cell,

> > every organ, and every tissue, and they need constant

replenishment.

> >

> > The capacity of the living organism to make enzymes diminishes

with

> > age. Some scientists believe that humans could live longer and be

> > healthier by guarding against the loss of our much-needed

enzymes.

> > Supplementation with digestive enzymes helps the body to better

> > absorb nutrients from food and lessens the need for the secretion

of

> > natural enzymes, thereby preserving them to assist in vital

cellular

> > metabolic functions.

> >

> > Glutamine

> >

> > An article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine described a

> > study of athletes during an intense training period before the

1992

> > Olympics (Kingsbury et al. 1998). The athletes were divided into

> > three groups that differed in training fatigue and were

considered

> > separately. Group A (21 track-and-field athletes) had no lasting

> > fatigue; group B (12 judo competitors) reported heavy fatigue at

> > night but recovered overnight to continue training; group C (18

track-

> > and-field athletes and one rower) had chronic fatigue and had

been

> > unable to train normally for at least several weeks. Plasma amino

> > acid analysis showed that group A had a normal amino acid

pattern,

> > and both groups B and C had decreased plasma glutamine (average

33%)

> > with, especially in group B, decreased histidine, glucogenic,

> > ketogenic, and branched chain amino acids. Ten athletes in group

C

> > presented with infection.

> >

> > After 3 weeks of additional protein intake, virtually all of the

low

> > glutamine levels increased to above 500 micromole/L. Total amino

> > acids increased, and the amino acid pattern normalized: six of

the 10

> > athletes on this protein intake returned to increased training

within

> > the 3 weeks. An analysis of the pattern in group C showed a

> > persistent decrease in plasma amino acids (but mainly glutamine)

in

> > those with chronic fatigue and infection. Inadequate protein

intake

> > appeared to be a factor (Kingsbury et al. 1998). Supplementation

with

> > glutamine would benefit chronic fatigue patients by enhancing gut

> > motility, improving plasma glutamine levels, and boosting

glutathione.

> >

> > Whey Protein

> > In a large proportion of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,

> > abnormalities are often found in both humoral and cellular

immunity.

> > The exact cause of this is not fully understood. One fairly

> > consistent finding in people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an

> > impaired lymphocyte (T-cell) response to a challenge. That is,

the

> > lymphocyte does not respond appropriately or rapidly when

presented

> > with an immune challenge. As early research has shown, the

ability of

> > lymphocytes to react to an immune challenge is directly related

to

> > glutathione levels (Bounous et al. 1999). Continued use of

> > glutathione by lymphocytes may lead to cellular glutathione

depletion

> > and immune failure. Because whey is the most effective way to

deliver

> > precursors for glutathiol as a recognized way to raise

glutathione

> > levels in humans and animals, it is theorized that whey may be

> > especially effective for persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

> >

> > Adapton

> > The active ingredients in Adapton (extracts from Garum armoricum,

a

> > deep sea fish called the Great Bluefish that is native to

Brittany in

> > France) are a class of unique precursors to endorphins and other

> > neurotransmitters that exert a regulatory effect on the nervous

> > system. Adapton is widely used throughout Europe and Japan for

the

> > treatment of a wide range of stress-induced disorders (see " A

Natural

> > Therapy for Stress, Fatigue and Anxiety " in the February 1996

issue

> > of Life Extension Magazine).

> >

> > A study was conducted on 20 patients who had been ill with

various

> > forms of chronic fatigue for 1-3 months. Patients were registered

and

> > information was collected in accordance with the protocol of the

> > European Fatigue Study Group, which includes scales to measure

> > anxiety, depression, muscle fatigue, mental fatigue, sleep

disorders,

> > and headache. Four placebo capsules were given to these patients

> > daily during the first 2 weeks of the study. Then 4 capsules of

garum

> > extract were given daily for the next 2 weeks of the study. After

2

> > weeks on placebo, fatigue symptoms were reduced by an average of

14%,

> > and overall symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia were

> > reduced by 4%. On the other hand, after 2 weeks of taking garum

> > extract, fatigue symptoms were reduced by 51%, and overall

symptoms

> > were reduced by 65%. In 2 weeks after discontinuing garum extract

> > therapy, fatigue symptoms increased 15%, and overall symptoms

> > increased 7%. These results demonstrate the broad-spectrum

benefits

> > of garum extract for people with chronic stress and fatigue. It

is

> > interesting to note that the beneficial effects of garum extract

> > persisted even after the treatment was stopped (Elbaz 1988).

> >

> > Other studies involved 40 patients who had also been experiencing

> > various forms of chronic fatigue for 1-3 months. Four capsules of

> > garum extract were prescribed daily for 2 weeks. The results,

based

> > on the Fatigue Study Group criteria, showed an average benefit of

50%

> > for the 10 functions that most accurately measure fatigue and

> > depression (Crocq et al. 1978; Bugard 1984).

> >

> > Recognizing the challenge of managing the anxiety and depression,

> > which often appear together and require more than one drug for

> > effective treatment (Sussman 1993a), and also the concerns about

> > typical drug therapy and habituation (Gabe et al. 1991; Sussman

> > 1993b), Dorman et al. (1995) conducted a study to examine the

> > efficacy of Garum armoricum in what was termed " free-floating "

> > anxiety. The study subjects were otherwise healthy college

students

> > who experienced significant stress and anxiety from final

> > examinations. The study was controlled and vigilance was

maintained

> > to watch for possible side effects. Administration of Garum

armoricum

> > resulted in a statistically significant difference in mean

anxiety

> > test scores, with the subjects taking Garum armoricum

demonstrating

> > lowered anxiety test scores during the second and third weeks.

> > Interestingly, Dorman et al. (1995) also reported that Garum

> > armoricum had a lingering anxiolytic (tranquilizing) effect

following

> > its use (beyond a week) in subjects who were experiencing anxiety.

> >

> > In a study based on the positive results of an earlier study of

Garum

> > armoricum in the areas of weakness and fatigue-related depression

and

> > anxiety, Le Poncin et al. (2000) conducted a double-blind versus

> > placebo study to examine the effects of Garum armoricum on memory

and

> > cognitive disorders. Their results demonstrated statistically

> > significant positive effects, especially in the group of subjects

who

> > were 40-50 years of age. Significant improvement was noted in

> > refreshing sleep, motivation, concentration, and memorization

skills.

> > Le Poncin et al. (2000) reported that the favorable effects on

> > weakness and fatigue-related depression appeared to be factors in

> > improved memory and cognitive function. Le Poncin et al. (2000)

> > concluded that Garum armoricum had no harmful side effects, was

not

> > addictive, and had proven efficacy in their studies. Any

reactions

> > were mild, without the necessity of interrupting the treatment.

> > Therefore, it appears that garum extract is extremely well-

tolerated

> > and is without contraindications.

> >

> > A Japanese researcher reported that when garum extract reduces

> > anxiety, it results in improved learning, including enhanced EEG

> > (electroencephalogram) brain wave activity (Haruyama undated

report).

> >

> > Even though studies demonstrate that Garum armoricum extract

relieves

> > depressive symptoms and anxiety that are often associated with

> > chronic stress and fatigue, it may not be effective or

appropriate

> > for more complex conditions, such as clinical depression or

bipolar

> > manic depression. Use of Adapton for these more complex

conditions

> > should be only under the supervision of a physician.

> >

> > Folate

> > Folic acid is involved in red blood cell health and proper cell

> > division, as well as other functions in maintaining healthy

tissues.

> > Folic acid has been shown to prevent neural tube defects and to

> > function as a methyl donor to lower homocystine (Butterworth

1993).

> > Folic acid has a role in the prevention of heart disease and some

> > cancers.

> >

> > An article in the journal Neurology described a study in which

serum

> > folate levels were measured in 60 patients with Chronic Fatigue

> > Syndrome. Researchers found that 50% had values below 3.0 mcg/L.

The

> > authors concluded that some patients with Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome

> > are deficient in folic acid (Jacobson et al. 1993).

> >

> > Licorice

> > Licorice is highly valued as a medicinal herb by the Chinese and

is

> > an ingredient in almost all of the Chinese patent herbal

formulas.

> > Licorice has a sweet taste and helps combat fatigue. The active

> > constituent in licorice, glycyrrhizin, stimulates the production

of

> > hormones, including cortisone, and stimulates the production of

> > interferon, which boosts immunity. Licorice is an old herbal

remedy

> > that has been used medically for Addison's disease and adrenal

> > insufficiency (Baschetti 1995a; 1995b).

> >

> > Tyrosine

> > Tyrosine (and phenylalanine) are amimo acid precursors of the

> > neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine

(which

> > used to be called adrenaline and noradrenaline). Deficiencies in

> > these neurotransmitters are known to cause low levels of energy.

> >

> > An article in the journal Medical Science of Sports Exercise

> > described a study of the effects of tyrosine on exercise

tolerance

> > and brain neurochemistry of mice. Tyrosine injections improved

maze

> > performance and prevented increased levels of serotonin (5-HT) in

the

> > hypothalamus after exercise. Tyrosine administration

significantly

> > improved food consumption, cognitive behavior, and activity

> > performance. The authors concluded that tyrosine may improve

exercise

> > tolerance and delay fatigue (Avraham et al. 2001).

> >

> > An article in the journal Brain Research Bulletin described a

study

> > of the effects of tyrosine on a group of 21 cadets during a

demanding

> > military combat training course: 10 subjects received 5 daily

doses

> > of a protein-rich drink containing 2 grams of tyrosine, and 11

> > subjects received a carbohydrate-rich drink with the same amount

of

> > calories (255 kcal). The group supplied with the tyrosine-rich

drink

> > performed better on a memory and a tracking task than the group

> > supplied with the carbohydrate-rich drink. In addition, the

> > supplementation of tyrosine decreased systolic blood pressure. No

> > effects on mood were found. The authors concluded that these

findings

> > suggest that supplementation with tyrosine may, under operational

> > circumstances characterized by psychosocial and physical stress,

> > reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on cognitive task

> > performance (Owasoyo et al. 1992; Deijen et al. 1999).

> >

> > MATÉ

> > Commission E approves using 1-2 tsp (2-4 grams) a day of maté

(Ilex

> > paraguayensis) leaves in a brewed tea for banishing mental and

> > physical fatigue. Ilex paraguayensis is an evergreen shrub that

is

> > found in certain areas of South America. Most of maté's energy-

> > boosting activity comes from caffeine; however, the effect is

quite

> > different from that of coffee. The energy boost takes about 30

> > minutes to become apparent and lasts several hours. Flavonoids

> > including rutin, isoquercitin, and glycosides are also found in

its

> > leaves. Maté tea is reported to be a favorite tea among dancers

in

> > Brazil and is traditionally served in a gourd. Homeopathic

> > preparations of maté are also available in tablets, globules, or

as a

> > tincture.

> >

> > Source: American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, c/o

> > Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle,

WA

> > 98104

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