Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - AN ARTICLE BY LEX KENNEDY Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is the term that is generally accepted by Scientists and most Clinicians, to a range of complaints that patient’s commonly refer to as ME or chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome. It is characterized by persistent and unexplained fatigue resulting in severe impairment in daily function – impaired memory or concentration, gastrointestinal problems, headaches and pain in muscles or several joints, dizziness, nausea, anorexia and night sweats are also common. Many patients report an acute onset of symptoms after an infectious illness. The symptoms usually result in substantial reduction in occupational, educational, social and personal activities. While the cause of CFS appears a mystery, a number of studies have shown the presence of chronic mycoplasmal infections that might play a role in the perpetuation and/or development of CFS. Mycoplasma is a genus of small micro organisms that resemble bacteria which lack cell walls. They are resistant to antibiotics that target cell walls synthesis like penicillin. Personality and lifestyle are presumed to influence vulnerability to CFS. In a review of personality characteristics, neuroticism and introversion have been reported as risk factors for CFS. Genetics may have a role too, since women are more prone to CFS than men. Serious life events such as the loss of a loved one, or a job and other stressful situations have been found to precipitate the disorder. Inactivity may also perpetuate CFS. Many patients ideas and cognitions that activity may be associated with an increase in symptoms lead to inactivity. Cytokines such as IL-6 may have an important role in CFS because they are involved in the stress response and this affects the HPA axis. The adrenal glands get burnt out and don’t function and therefore don’t release hormones such as cortisol, creating a cortisol deficiency which can cause an over production of IL-6. As cortisol is suppressed the person is constantly inflamed and cannot fight the infection. As the average time for CFS is 3 – 9 years the adrenal glands are often burnt out and often reduced in size. Studies have shown that Neurotransmitters including serotonin are altered in CFS and may account for the disturbed sleep, muscle pain, gastrointestinal problems and mood alteration. NUTRITIONAL/HERBAL RECOMMENDATION: Metagenics Fibroplex Plus – 1 serve 3 times daily Combination of minerals, vitamins and amino acids designed to support the neuromuscular system for relief of muscular aches, pain and cramps. Magnesium has found to be beneficial on mood, energy levels and pain N-Acetyl Carnitine- Metagenics Product It has been demonstrated that Acetylcarnitine significantly improved mental fatigue. Metagenics Parasympathetic Support (Herbal) The sympathetic system should be dominant during the day and the parasympathetic during the evening. If the sympathetic system is too active during the night it can disturb sleep. I would also do a Neurolink Session which has a protocol for Parasympathetic resetting. CoQ10-33 (100mg) Metagenics Product – 1 -6 capsules depending on severity of fatigue. CoQ10 is a powerful free radical scavenger capable of reducing the risk of lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes. Zinc Taste test to check Zinc levels. If low Metagenics Liquid Zinc 2 -4 ml BID. Check for Anaemia – If anaemic – Metagenics HIC – iron and Vitamin B (2 tabs BID) Total Health Product – Awakening – combination of various ginseng, bamboo, ginger and barley grass for energy (see attached). LIFESTYLE CHANGES Blood Type DietCut out Coffee and AlcoholDrink plenty of live waterA graded exercise therapy programme like walking. This would be dependant on the individual patient as to their own current physical capabilityGet out into the sunlight – assists with serotonin and melatonin for sleep. FIBROMYALGIA Fibromyalgia is a widespread muscoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Most patients with FMS say they ache all over. (FMS means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons). Their muscles feel like they have been overworked – may twitch or burn. FMS is more likely in women than men. The main symptoms of FMS are fatigue – often described as brain fog, lack of deep sleep, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic headaches, and mood disorders. Chronic widespread pain is the defining feature.Although the etiology of FM is not completely understood the syndrome is thought to arise from influencing factors such as stress, medical illness and a variety of pain conditions, in conjunction with a variety of neurotransmitters including substance P and neuroendocrine disturbances.A unifying hypothesis is that FM results from sensitization of the central nervous system. HERBAL AND NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS Metagenics Fibroplex Plus – 1 serve 3 times dailyCombination of minerals, vitamins and amino acids designed to support the neuromuscular system for relief of muscular aches, pain, cramps and spasmsMagnesium has found to help with mood, energy and pain.Meta EPA/DHA Liquid – Metagenics ProductHigh potency ultra pure EPA/DHA liquid. Fish oils build a fluid cell membrane which is critical in optimizing hormone, enzyme and neurotransmitter activity.Proxan - Metagenics Product – 2 caps dailyHydroxtryptophan complex which regulates the central nervous system – helps with biosynthesis of serotonin N-Acetyl Carnitine – Metagenics Product Carnitine main functions occur in the mitochondria. Its principle function is to facilitate the uptake of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for fuel. LIFESTYLE ADVICE Blood Type Diet – low reactiveEat whole foods, vegetables, fruits, protein, fish nuts, seeds and whole grainsEliminate inflammatory foods such as refined foods – sugar, saturated fats (meat and dairy products), alcohol, coffeeEliminate food allergens – common ones are dairy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, eggs, corn, tomatoesGentle exercise such as yoga, Tai chi, stretching exercisesMeditation, progressive muscle relaxation – will improve coping skills, sleep and sense of wellbeing. INSOMNIA Insomnia is the persistent difficulty or inability to fall/and or stay asleep. This condition may have no apparent aetiology but is often a symptom of an underlying medical or psychological condition. Insomnia is not a disease but rather a symptom of other pathologies e.g. anxiety, depression, pain. Ongoing sleep impairment interferes with normal daytime function. The amount of sleep required by adults is about 8 hours. Insomnia is classified as chronic if it persists for 4 weeks or longer. Chronic intermittent deprivation of sleep has shown to cause gradual and every increasing breakdown of physiologic and mental processes of the body. Various neurotransmitters play a role in sleep. Sleep under normal conditions progresses through stages in order from stage 1 to 4 followed by REM sleep. Acetylcholine, dopamine, norephinephrine, glutamate and histamine are major factors in the maintenance of wakefulness. Serotonin induces sleep and seems to have a role in generation of REM sleep. Secretion of melatonin provides circadian modulation of sleep tendency. Any imbalance of neurotransmitters can affect sleep. The role of sleep has been linked to brain thermoregulation, neuronal detoxification, energy conservation, tissue restoration and immune defence. Some of the cause factors and risk factors that contribute to insomnia are: Substance abuse – coffee, alcohol, stimulants Disruption of circadian rhythms i.e. shift work which is regulated in part by melatonin Menopause and hormonal fluctuations Medical conditions – fibromalygia, chronic pain syndromes, heart disease Psychiatric and Neurological disorders – stress, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s disease Other – lack of exercise, food sensitivities and blood sugar disorders Experimental work and real life situations have shown that death will likely supervene more rapidly from a continuous ongoing deprivation of sleep that from a continuous deprivation of food. HERBAL AND NUTRITIONAL ADVICE
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