Definition:
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a newly defined condition that
describes a varying combination of symptoms. Many people exhibit
varying symptoms. CFS may persist for months to years, without resolution.
I feel that it is not CFS that is important. What is important is
to define what is causing the symptoms and address it. CFS patients
exhibit immune difficulties, and suffer from a high degree of sensitivity
to various substances, in some cases they even react poorly to the
nutritional supplements recommended to help alleviate their symptoms.
The criteria used to distinguish chronic fatigue syndrome is:
(1) Persistent fatigue that doesn't leave with bed rest and is
severe enough to reduce average activity by 50% for at least six
months
(2) The presence of chronic clinical conditions that do not respond
to any sort of treatment either traditional, or alternative.
The cause of CFS is not well understood. Many feel that it may
be linked to infection from virus' especially Epstein-Barr. This
is a virus that is in the family of virus' that cause mononucleosis.
Other viruses like cytomeglovirus have also been suspected to be
somehow involved, but the connection has never been conclusively
shown. Some researchers have tried to connect mechanisms that regulate
blood pressure as a causative effect but again nothing has ever
been shown to be conclusive. My feeling is that in different people
different mechanisms are at work to cause the symptoms. Different
people different causes.
Symptoms:
CFS causes many symptoms. Flu-like feelings, inappropriate immune responses,
multiple food and environmental allergies, chronic illness, sleep
disorders, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, fungal infections (especially
Candida albicans), and others. Many patients suffering with CFS
also suffer from Fibromyalgia. Firomyalgia is a clinical syndrome
of generalized musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and chronic aching,
most common in women between the ages of 30-50. Although this condition
is not life threatening it can make a person feel very sick for
a very long period of time.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
The best way to treat this condition is to try to isolate the causative
factors and support the body in whatever means is necessary. Detoxification
is always recommended, along with dealing with yeast or fungal infections,
digestive dysfunction, and of course immune support is important.
References:
Packer, L., et al AAlpha-Lipoic Acid as a biological antioxidant@, Free Radical
Biology & Medicine 1995; 19: 227-50
Abraham, G.E. and Flechas, J.D. AManagement of Fibromyalgia: Rationale
for the use of Magnesium and Malic Acid@, Journal of Nutritional
Medicine, 3: 49-59; 1992
Balch, J. M.D., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing,
NY 1997
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
