Description
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a challenging condition
characterized by severe fatigue that lasts for a prolonged period of
time (more than 6 months).
Other common symptoms include insomnia, digestive problems,
swollen lymph nodes, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and
depression.
Fibromyalgia is a related condition characterized by
muscle, tendon, and ligament soreness and pain throughout the body,
and sometimes some/all of the CFS symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause/s of CFS and fibromyalgia have yet to be
found, but research and clinical evidence suggests that one or more
of the following may be
involved:
- Impaired HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis
function
- Adrenal fatigue, hypoadrenal
function
- Chronic infection (viral,
fungal)
- Environmental toxin exposure - e.g., heavy
metals
- Impaired immune
function
- Impaired detoxification
function
- Food allergies
- Gut flora imbalance
(dysbiosis)
Of course, other potential causes of fatigue need to be
ruled out, such as anemia, depression, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism,
and stress.
I believe that a primary cause of the two conditions is
exposure to toxins that in turn impair HPA-axis, adrenal, immune,
and detoxification functions.
Treatment
Approach
- Support endocrine function (adrenals, thyroid)
with:
-
OTC supplements - vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids,
herbals,
glandular extracts, enzymes
- If
necessary, prescriptions via your doctor - e.g., hydrocortisone,
natural
thyroid hormones
- Change the diet to reduce/avoid allergens, caffeine,
alcohol, hydrogenated fats, and refined carbohydrates/sugar that may
affect immune function and/or energy levels.
- Avoid future environmental toxin exposure, and reduce
existing toxin levels in the
body.
- Address existing chronic infections (bacterial,
viral, fungal).
