Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Description
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is an all-encompassing term for symptoms which may actually result from the same or similar source.
There is currently some debate whether there are several names for the same disease, or different stages of one disease, or separate diseases with similar symptoms:
Autoimmune disorder
Candida Albicans
Chronic mononucleosis
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Herpes simplex virus
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)
Yuppie 'flu
Patients suffering from any of these syndromes may be fatigued and suffer symptoms of a mild infection to a chronic degree.
Causes
The favorite theory is a viral infection. Which virus, is another matter. There certainly appears to be a continuum of herpes virus, mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr.
However, they need not assert themselves if the host is not compromised, whether with a toxic bowel, or depressed immune system, or both.
Hence, treatments tend to aim at detoxification and immune support.
Signs & Symptoms
Headache
Intestinal discomfort
Low-grade fever
Lymph node swelling
Muscle and joint pain
Recurrent sore throat
All of which will impact work performance (hence "Yuppie 'flu")and family life.
Moreover, these symptoms apply to a myriad of other diseases, so a differential diagnosis may be difficult and many sufferers languish for years without proper diagnosis, or treatment. In which case, a referral to a psychiatrist may come none too soon, as they are very likely to be depressed about their quality of life by that time!
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Immune System Support
Intestinal Health
Circulatory Support &
Nutrients for Brain Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Beta-carotene | 15 mg |
| Magnesium | 200-400 mg |
| Vitamin C | 2000- 5000 mg |
| Zinc | 15-25 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Glandular support may also be required, in particular, for the adrenals and thymus.
Note:
All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
As with other fatigue syndromes, B-complex vitamins may well be indicated, chiefly vitamin B12.
If the CFS condition is accompanied by eczema, essential fatty acid metabolism is suspect and supplementation may be beneficial.
Otherwise, treatment comprises chiefly minerals: germanium and magnesium. Germanium seems to stimulate interferon production which can modulate reactivation of the herpes virus. Magnesium levels are often deficient, so supplementation of magnesium together with vitamin B12 should improve red blood cells.
Another nutritional factor which has been recommended to good efect is coenzyme Q10.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Adrenal insufficiency: | Arsenicum Album |
| Graphites | |
| Sepia | |
| Immune insufficiency: | Echinacea angustifolia |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Milk thistle
St. John's wort
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Two herbs are becoming so popular that their wild harvesting has taken them to the brink of extinction:
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
They seem to benefit the immune system.
The favorite for liver detoxification is Milk thistle (Silybum marianum).
The staple for energy is ginseng (Panax ginseng).
St. John's wort exhibits strong antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 as well as Epstein-Barr virus. It also acts as an antidepressant.
References:
Lavie, D: Antiviral pharmaceutical compositions containing hypericin or pseudohypericin. European Patent. 1987.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
This is another condition with a typical presentation of multiple symptoms.
Exhaustion:
| Basil Essence, | Bergamot Essence, |
| Chamomile Essence, | Clary Sage Essence, |
| Frankincense Essence, | Lavender Essence, |
| Lemon Essence, | Neroli Essence, |
| Orange Essence, | Thyme Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
AIDS
Autoimmune disorders
Candida Albicans
Chronic mononucleosis
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Herpes simplex virus
Mononucleosis
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)
Shingles (Herpes zoster)
Yuppie 'flu
References
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Buchwald D et al.: Functional status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, other fatiguing illnesses, and healthy individuals. Am J Med, 1996 Oct, 101:4, 364-70.
Cater-RE.: Chronic intestinal candidiasis as a possible etiological factor in the chronic fatigue syndrome. Med-Hypotheses. 1995 Jun; 44(6): 507-15.
Chester-AC; Levine-PH: Concurrent sick building syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome: epidemic neuromyasthenia revisited. Clin-Infect-Dis. 1994 Jan; 18 Suppl 1: S43-8.
Chester AC: Chronic fatigue syndrome criteria in patients with other forms of unexplained chronic fatigue. J Psychiatr Res, 1997 Jan-Feb, 31:1, 45-50.
Cox, I.M. et al: Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet, 1991, 337: 757 - 760.
Derman W et al.: The 'worn-out athlete': a clinical approach to chronic fatigue in athletes. J Sports Sci, 1997 Jun, 15:3, 341-51.
Dickinson CJ: Chronic fatigue syndrome--aetiological aspects [see comments]. Eur J Clin Invest, 1997 Apr, 27:4, 257-67.
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Faloona, G.R. & Levine, S.A.: The use of organic germanium in chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Syndrome. J. Orthomol. Med. 1988, 3(1): 29 - 31.
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Grant-JE. et al: Analysis of dietary intake and selected nutrient concentrations in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J-Am-Diet-Assoc. 1996 Apr; 96(4): 383-6
Gray-JB & Martinovic-AM.: Eicosanoids and essential fatty acid modulation in chronic disease and the chronic fatigue syndrome. Med-Hypotheses. 1994 Jul; 43(1): 31-42.
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Kaslow, J.E. et al: Liver extract-folic acid-cyanocobalamin vs placebo for chronic fatigue syndrome. Arch. Int. Med. 1989, 149(11): 2501 - 2503.
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