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 impairs the HPA-axis and adrenal, immune, and detoxification functions.

My Treatment Approach

- Shift to an anti-inflammatory diet that includes low amounts of simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, adequate protein, and good amounts of healthy fats.

- With testing and/or an elimination diet, identify potential food sensitivities/allergies and reduce/avoid those foods.

- Supplement to support energy production:

     - Vitamins

     - Minerals

     - Essential fatty acids

     - Amino acids

     - Herbals

     - Glandular extracts

- Support hormone balance (adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones).

- Address existing chronic infections (bacterial, parasitic, fungal).

- Avoid future toxin exposure, and safely / properly reduce existing toxin levels in the body.

- Seek professional help for existing psychological factors (e.g., stress).