(also referred to as...) Chronic EBV Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Post-Infectious Neuromyesthenia, Yuppie Flu
Description The above list is only a sampling of the many aliases that chronic fatigue syndrome has gone by. It is a disease with a long history. There are no laboratory findings to help with diagnosis. Thus diagnosis generally includes exclusion of other possibilities for chronic fatigue and other symptoms. However, stress, allergy, or infection seem to be involved in the pathogenesis or exacerbation of CFS. CFS can occur in anyone at any age, but is predominately begins in the thirties Many of the symptoms of CFS are similar to those of fibromyalgia. Studies show that a person suffering from particular symptoms are diagnosed as having either CFS, fibromyalgia, or multiple chemical sensitivities depending on what type of specialist they see first about the condition. Symptoms and Signs: There are several symptoms associated with CFS. Not everyone experiences all of the possible symptoms. The most obvious symptom is chronic, debilitating fatigue. Chronic fatigue is a symptom of many physical and psychological ailments. Thus it must occur in conjunction with several other criteria in order for someone to be diagnosed with CFS. Other symptoms include prolonged fatigue after exercise, recurrent headache, recurrent sore throat, painful lymph nodes, low-grade fever, migratory joint pain, muscle weakness or pain, depression, weight gain, sleep disturbances, intestinal discomfort, impairment of short-term memory and loss of concentration.
Causes: The cause is unknown. Immune system abnormalities are implicated in CFS. Patients have either a decreased number or activity of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells destroy cells that have been infected with viruses or have become cancerous. There also seems to be reduced activity of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells that also attack viruses. Epstien-Barr virus (EBV) is a controversial cause of CFS. It is a member of the herpesvirus family. This theory is controversial because nearly everyone is infected with EBV, but not everyone comes down with CFS. Also, although a large number of people with CFS have been infected with EBV, not all have been. Other viruses that have been theorized to cause CFS include human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), Cytomegalic virus, poliovirus, Cocksackie virus, and retrroviruses, among others. One author suggests that CFS is primarily a metabolic disorder, and it is this disorder which causes the reactivation of latent viral infections. Neuroendocrine disturbances have also been hypothesized as a causative factor. Particularly a neurally mediated hypotension (NMH). This causes a vasospasm of the blood vessels in certain parts of the brain, decreasing blood flow. There are also some professionals that believe CFS to be strictly a psychological or mental illness.
What to Expect: Severity of symptoms vary from person to person. The disease may also follow a course of exacerbation followed by remission of symptoms, or a more constant, chronic path.
Remedies
Amino Acids Carnitine is important in the energy-making process. Take 1,000 to 3,000mg daily. Some sufferers of CFS have low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulation of sleep patterns, among other things. The amino acid tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin. 5-HTP is an intermediate between tryptophan and serotonin. Some authors suggest that supplementing with 5-HTP is better than supplementing with tryptophan. It may be easier to convert 5-HTP into serotonin than for tryptophan. There may also be better absorption and less conversion to other unusable compounds. It has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression. Take 150 to 300 mg around bedtime. Take with St. John's Wort and magnesium to enhance its function. Do not use if taking a MAO inhibitor or an SSRI.
Antioxidants Co-Q10 may provide symptomatic relief and increase energy levels. It too is involved in energy production (which may be abnormal in people with CFS). Take 60 to 120mg daily in divided doses. Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to increase energy levels in the body and its antioxidant properties will help eliminate toxins. Take 50 to 300mg daily.
Foods Eat whole foods. They provide many of the nutrients that are deficient in people suffering from CFS. It is best to eat organically grown food.
Food Supplements Essential fatty acids provide your body with necessary fats to ensure proper brain and nervous system function. EFA's can be combined with a B complex vitamin (see below) to improve overall nervous system function. Flaxseed/linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take one tablespoon daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning
Herbs Echinacea can be used to stimulate the immune system. Due to its specific immune system stimulating properties, do not use echinacea over the long term. This will only confuse your immune system into action and thus weaken its ability to fight an actual infection. If using a tincture, take 20 to 40 drops in a glass of water three times daily. If using a supplement, take 300mg powdered extract three times daily. If preparing a tea/decoction, bring 2 teaspoons echinacea root and 1 cup of water to a boil. Simmer 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. The taste may be initially sweet, then bitter. Those over 65 should star with a low strength preparation and increase as required. Ginseng is often used to support the immune system. Take 10 to 20mL of tincture or 100 to 200mg of dry powder extract daily. Licorice root is also recommended. The whole root must be used, otherwise certain beneficial components may be removed. Use 1 to 2g powdered root daily or 250 to 500mg dry powdered extract. St. John's Wort can help alleviate depression. It also enhances the function of 5-HTP (see below). Take 360 mg of a standardized extract three times daily. Yerba Mate may also prove helpful.
Lifestyle It is crucial to maintain a positive attitude and try not to focus on the fatigue. Your mind set and attitude play an important role in the condition of your immune system and energy levels. Visualization, goal-setting and repeated affirmations can help. You can also visit with a counsellor on a regular basis to help you cope. Try to reduce or eliminate the amount of caffeine and sugar you consume. Chronic consumption can hinder the immune system and lead to the symptom of chronic fatigue. Many people find a significant improvement in symptoms when they carefully manage any allergies they may have. If you have not been tested, it is advisable to see a naturopath or other health practitioner to help you discover any that you might have. Reduce the stress in your life or find ways to cope with it. Diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, and bodywork, such as massage or Reiki, can all help to reduce stress levels. Studies with CFS patients show that massage therapy can lower depression, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with CFS. It also improved sleep patterns and reduce levels of stress hormones. Light to moderate exercise can also help. It has been shown to increase the activity of NK cells in people with CFS. Exercise also helps to improve you mood, relieves stress, and boosts the immune system. Be careful not to overdo it. Increase the amount of water that you drink. Dehydration can cause fatigue. There have been reports of dramatic improvement of CFS symptoms in patients who had their silicone implants removed.
Minerals Magnesium levels are often low in people with CFS. Magnesium is important for energy production and production of serotonin. Take 200 to 300mg daily of a chelated form. Deficiencies in potassium have been noted in many people with CFS. Take 99mg daily.
Miscellaneous One study showed that supplementing with NADH may increase your energy levels, improved cognitive ability, reduce the frequency of headaches, and improve sleep. Another study cites improvement in fatigue, a decrease in other symptoms, and an overall improvement in the quality of life. NADH is crucial for energy production. Take 10 to 20 mg NADH daily. Abnormally low cystine and glutamine levels, along with excessive urea production and immunological dysfunction, is termed "low CG syndrome". The symptoms of this syndrome are found in people with CFS, HIV infection, cancer, major injuries, sepsis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. It has been proposed that the low cystine and glutamine levels may be corrected with NAC. NAC is a cysteine derivative. Thymus gland extract has been suggested by many authors to improve thymus gland function. Take 750 mg of the crude polypeptide once or twice daily.
Vitamins Vitamin A has antioxidant properties and boost the immune system. Take 25,000 IU daily in divided doses for one month, then reduce your dose to 10,000 IU daily. Do not exceed a daily dose of 10,000 IU if you are pregnant. Beta carotene supplementation can be beneficial. Take 15,000 IU daily. Vitamin B5 should be supplemented. Take 250 mg daily. Vitamin B6 aids in the absorption of B12. One study showed that CFS patients may be deficient in vitamin B12. It was suggested that this low level was due to excessive loss, breakdown, or increased requirements rather than inadequate intake or malabsorption. Another study showed improvement of fatigue after 6 weeks of supplementation with a combination of vitamins B12, B2, and B1. Take 2,000mcg of B12 daily, in divided doses, in sublingual form. This vitamin can also be injected. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner.. Many people with CFS have subnormal levels of folic acid. Supplementation may prove beneficial. Take 400mcg daily. Vitamin C has anti-viral and antioxidant properties. Take 500 to 1,000mg three times daily. One source suggests that vitamin C injections (with calcium and magnesium added) are ideal. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner. Supplement with vitamin E as well. Take 200 to 400 IU daily.
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Goldberg, Burton. Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia & Environmental Illness. Tiburon: Future Medicine Publishing, 1998.
To read up on the interesting history of CFS, read "Proceeding of a Workshop: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". It is a supplement of the Canada Diseases Weekly Report, published January 1991 by Health and Welfare Canada. The workshop was held in Toronto on the 28th and 29th of September, 1989. Edited by K. Rozee.
As no one seems to agree on a cause and as there are a large number of ways to help alleviate symptoms, we highly suggest you read up as much as you can about the disease. Be informed. Find out what all the different theories on etiology entail. You might come across something that seems to be specific to your case.
The following web sites will help you get started. Center for Disease Control and Prevention -- CFS Facts http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/facts.htm ImmuneSupport.com -- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) Info. www.immunesupport.com Collection of Links www.links2go.com/topic/Chronic_Fatiugue_Syndrome/
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