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CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME by Othon Molina, Ph.d.c, LMT This information is not to diagnose nor prescribe, and it should not take the place of the advice of your doctor. This is intended to complement conventional medicine, not to replace it. Like Fibromyalgia, CFS is rather hard to diagnose as it can have many ramifications. In fact often the two are confused or found together, they have many similar symptoms as well as the underlying weakness could be the immune system. Lets take cause out of the equation, as it’s not really known and look at what the body could be telling us of how the person is living their life. There are many symptoms; Aching muscles, or joints, anxiety, some depression, lack of concentration, poor appetite, sensitivity to infections, non-restorative sleep, other sleep disorders like Periodic Leg Movement Disorder (PLMD),or sleep apnea, temporary memory loss, and most of all extreme and sometimes disabling fatigue. Often there may be an inability for tolerating certain environmental factors such as stress, or even toxic metals. Many times the immune and nutritional factors play a large role in a persons ability to cope with external factors. Often the first part of identifying these additional factors can give us a clearer picture of CFS to determine where to start. Most symptoms have some type of treatment, yet often conventional drugs may not always work for the whole syndrome. Consequently most of the more successful treatments use the Integrated Approach. Using conventional medical examinations and diagnosis, with traditional treatments, then including; nutrition, herbs, natural remedies, as well as body/mind treatments; Like meditation, relaxation, imagery and manual therapies like massage or acupuncture are proving to be very beneficial. The Podell Medical Center in New Jersey, it is one of the nation's leading centers for diagnosing and treating CFS as well as Fibromyalgia and many other diseases. I really admire Dr. Podell’s work, as he is a doctor that looks at all the conventional medical approaches, as well as the natural methods for helping people. Which is why they have so much success. They are actually one of the few medical centers in the country using the Integrated Approach and are using an FDA approved phase III trials of the new drug for CFS, Ampligen. Dr. Podell recommends to start with is nutrition, it plays one of the key roles in all of health. Often yeast infections, or candida and Epstein-Barr organisms preclude many of the diseases, as they feed on sugar in the system, and can only live in an acid environment. Excess meat and dairy products as they have lactose, also contributes to creating an acid environment. It all breaks down to alcohol in the body. Looking at the bodies blood sugar levels will be a good place to start, with conventional medicine as well as nutritionally. Many people who suffer this disorder may also have metal or mercury poisoning from dental work, hypoglycemia, anemia, hypothyroidism, or even intestinal parasites. Even though some people do recover, many times it can recur at any time with another illness or heavy bout with stress. Many times treating "Neurogenic Hypertension" a low blood pressure syndrome that affects many people with CFS, by natural means increasing fluids, reducing salt, adding potassium supplements, and licorice helps this condition. It was shown in a study at John Hopkins a connection between CFS and regulating blood pressure. One very powerful approach, recommended by Dr. Robert Young, is natures way to strengthen the immune system. By reducing meat protein intake, breads, sweets, coffee, at the same time increasing green vegetables, finding a good green drink (Chlorophyll is very important), and bringing the body back to alkaline balance is one of the cornerstones to strengthen the immune system. Avoid shell fish, fried foods, junk food, soft drinks cut down on pasta. Eat lot’s of onions and garlic, or better yet take (Kyolic) garlic in capsules that has been treated, it has no odor. Most anti-oxidant vitamins will help; for general well-being as well as anti-aging benefits; I’m a great believer in Bromelain (Pineapple enzyme) for many things. It reduces inflammation, not only in the joints but works on the tissues as well. Also Pycnogenol or Grape seed extract, both anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. Essential fatty acids, L-Carnitine, Coenzyme Q 10, glutathione precursors and acidophilus capsules (to renew the friendly bacteria in the system), also a very important free-form amino acid complex as they assist in tissue and organ repair. Herbs, are to be used daily, they should only be used during heavy bouts. Like licorice, Black currant or primrose oil, supply essential fatty acids. Milk thistle, St. John’s wort, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, Comfrey, and Kava (Hawaiian Kava-Kava)- Creatine can help as well. A tea brewed with burdock root, dandelion and red clover promote healing by cleansing the blood, and enhancing the immune function. Meditation and Relaxation training, biofeedback, self-hypnosis, spiritual values can all help for increased wellness as well as sleep improvement. Scull cap and valerian root can also aid in sleep, use caution will all herbs consult your doctor. Massage a great treatment for many medical problems, not only does it help with circulatory problems, it has far more reaching effects than most people know; such as increased neurological calmness, and accelerating the healing through the release of histamines and endorphins. In specific DTF (deep transverse friction) invented by Dr. James Cyriax can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and break up adhesions, consult a professional. Structural type of work can also be very beneficial, especially to reduce structural stress on the body. Acupuncture may be helpful for some of these conditions when we don’t have clear and understandable symptoms. As it assists the body in strengthening itself and does not usually work on a specific disease. To get the best of all worlds, we seek an integrated approach to all illness, as well as for wellness. Sources; Richard Podell, M.D ; Andrew Weil MD,. James F. Balch MD. and Phyllis Balch CNC.
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