Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Total Health Discount Vitamins

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has become a common household term but it is still considered a somewhat baffling disorder. It is now also referred to as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and PVFS (post-viral fatigue syndrome). It can cause varying degrees of malaise which have no single obvious cause.
CFS, also know as "the yuppie flu," is a persistent disease and can be unusually difficult to treat. For unknown reasons, 80 percent of those who suffer from CFS are women who are generally between the ages of 24 and 45.
The symptoms of CFS can be confusing and difficult to assess. Consequently, misdiagnosis is frequent. Experts believe the Epstein-Barr virus, unwittingly carried by thousands of people, is the cause of the disease. Some health care professionals dispute the involvement if this particular virus in CFS and consider this ailment as simply one of many syndromes caused by Western lifestyle and diet.
It may well be one of those disorders which is a result of compromised immunity. Chronic fatigue syndrome may persist for months or even years and its occurrence is on the increase.

Symptoms
CFS typically causes flu-like symptoms that persist and may include a low-grade fever, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, extreme fatigue, excess sleeping, minimal stamina, swollen glands, appetite loss, intestinal problems, anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings, memory loss, headaches, sensitivity to light and heat, recurring upper respiratory tract infections and difficulty concentrating.

Precautions
Anyone suffering from any or some of these symptoms should see a doctor immediately. No one should assume that they have CFS. Many other other conditions can cause feelings of fatigue or malaise.
People who have inadvertently contracted a parasitic infection may experience chronic fatigue syndrome and other related symptoms.

Causes
The Epstein-Barr virus, which is also involved in mononucleosis, is believed to cause CFS. However, unlike mononucleosis, CFS is not considered contagious. Significant controversy surrounds the notion that a virus causes this syndrome. There are some doctors who question viral involvement and regard the cause of CFS as an unsolved mystery. The notion that a human retro virus or a herpes virus causes CFS is unsubstantiated. Other theories suggest that vaccinations may eventually confuse the immune system, resulting in diseases like CFS.
Stress has been implicated as a possible cause in that highly motivated people seem more prone to develop the disease. Immune dysfunction can easily occur after periods of stress or trauma.
Other causes that have been linked to this disorder are food allergies, liver dysfunction, candida, mercury poisoning, hypoglycemia, anemia, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, malnutrition, parasites, abnormal gut permeability and colon disease.

Conventional Therapies
The symptoms of CFS are sometimes treated with antibiotics which has no effect if the Epstein-Barr virus is involved. You can expect your doctor to run a battery of blood tests to check for elevated levels of antibodies to rule out other diseases such as cancer, diabetes, AIDS, endocrine disorders, anemia, leukemia, etc.
If the Epstein-Barr virus turns up in the blood, your physician will likely diagnose you with CFS. Doctors will usually prescribe a prescription vitamin and mineral supplement and recommend rest. To date, the medical profession considers CFS an incurable disease. Be careful not to become involved in drastic treatment protocols for CFS which can include radical approaches like hydrogen peroxide injections, cyclophosphamides, etc.

Dietary Guidelines
• Proper diet is crucial for anyone with an immune-related disease. First, avoid all caffeine, white sugar, alcohol and tobacco.
• Drink six to eight glasses of pure water daily.
• Emphasize whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables and protein sources in the form of legumes, lean white meats and fish.
• Use fresh seeds and nuts and make your own vegetable juices.
• Avoid empty calorie junk foods.
• If meals are a problem, use a good protein supplement drink to help boost energy and stamina.
• Make sure you are not suffering from a gluten, shellfish, sulfite or some other food allergy. As in any viral infection, the importance of susceptibility is often minimized by the medical profession. Strengthening the immune system is essential to build up resistance to infections from viruses like Epstein-Barr.

The information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or health care practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.

Article (Cont.)

Recommended Nutritional Supplements
PRIMARY NUTRIENTS

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements - Take a good supplement every day that has a wide array of organic nutrients and is rapidly assimilated. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Vegetable-Based Protein Supplement - Some evidence exists that rice protein may help to boost liver function and toxicity and treat abnormal gut permeability, which may be compromised in some cases of CFS. Suggested Dosage: Look for quality vegetable-based products that taste good and mix easily in liquid.
Vitamin A with Beta Carotene - Enhances immune function and scavenges for damaging free radicals. Several clinical studies have found that this duo has the ability to boost immunological function. Studies have found that taking a beta carotene supplement is even better absorbed than food sources. Suggested Dosage: Use up to 25,000 of vitamin A per day for two weeks, then reduce to 10,000 IU per day. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
Vitamin B12 - Supplementation of this vitamin has been shown to improve the symptoms of this disease. Suggested Dosage: Ask your doctor about vitamin B12 injections. Good oral forms include sublingual products. Take a directed.
Germanium - Clinicians have reported that between 20 and 50 percent of their patients who had CFS and received germanium supplements experience significant symptom relief. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed. Only use this supplement with your doctor's approval and only take recommended dosages.
Magnesium and Zinc - After six weeks of magnesium supplementation, 32 people with chronic fatigue syndrome experienced improved energy, better mood, and less pain. Zinc also helps to stimulate better immune function and can boost a suppressed appetite as well. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Coenzyme Q10 - Supplementation with this nutrient can help fight fatigue that is associated with this disease. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Essential Fatty Acids - Sixty-three patients who received EFAs from a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil, experienced marked improvement in fatigue, depression and aches and pains with no apparent side effects. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Echinacea - This herb contains special polysaccharides which can stimulate the immune system to fight against viral infections. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.
Herbal Combination - This combination should include St. John's wort, kava kava, Siberian ginseng, go to kola, kelp, astragalus, shiitake and reishi mushroom, and licorice root. Suggested Dosage: Four to eight capsules daily. Botanicals have been employed by many cultures to support and improve immune function. This formula contains some of the best herbs known to build and strengthen the body's resistance to disease. It is ideal for sufferers of chronic immune deficiency and may be used daily.

St. John's Wort: One of the most impressive properties of this herb is its ability to fight viral infections. Interestingly, people who suffer from viral conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, mononucleosis, herpes simplex and AIDS are also often depressed. In these conditions, St. John's wort will provide mood elevation while it fights viral infection. Kava Kava: Kava kava is used by people throughout the South Pacific where it is an important ceremonial drink. People who consume kava kava find a sense of of well-being and happy contentment. After much clinical research, several European countries approved kava kava for the treatment of nervous anxiety and restlessness. Siberian Ginseng: Chronic stress can lead to illness by eroding immune function. Siberian ginseng has a clinically supported reputation as a stress fighter. It will also improve energy levels, and mental function and stamina, which are often lacking in chronically ill people. In the past ten years, research has demonstrated Siberian ginseng's ability to increase important T-lymphocytes of the helper variety. These lymphocytes are significantly reduced in HIV infections. Studies have confirmed the ability of this herb to improve and normalize immune system actions. GOTU KOLA: Ayurvedic doctors use gotu kola as a central nervous system tonic to improve mental stamina and enhance memory. Its application in CFS is as a mental stimulant with anti-stress properties that also have a mild tranquilizing effect. Kelp: Kelp provides organic iodine which promotes healthy thyroid function. A dysfunctional thyroid has been associated with lethargy and general malaise. Kelp further provides trace elements that may be lacking in the diet, helping to provide chemical balance to the body. Astragalus: Astragalus is one of the most popular herbs in Chinese medicine where it is regarded as a tonic, energizer and potent immune builder. Recent scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of astragalus for immune function. Astragalus has been shown to increase phagocytosis and interferon production. This herb can stimulate the production of interferon and has been used for centuries by the Chinese to enhance immune function. Shiitake and Reishi Mushroom: Shiitake mushrooms have received considerable attention for their immune system building effects. This mushroom has been scientifically studied and shown to stimulate interferon production and increase helper T-lymphocytes. This mushroom contains powerful immunostimulating polysaccarides. Licorice Root: Licorice root is one of the most used plants in Chinese medicine and is referred to as the "Great Adjunct" because it increases the effectiveness of other herbs. However, animal studies have shown licorice to enhance the production of interferon and macrophage (a large phagocyte) activity and inhibits herpes-type viruses. Licorice should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure, kidney disease or who is taking digitalis.

SECONDARY NUTRIENTS

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: Studies have shown that these supplements can enhance resistance to fatigue while boosting immunity. Suggested Dosage: 1,000 mg with each of three meals.
Goldenseal: Berberine and other alkaloids found in this herb can boost white cell activity and improve liver function. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed, but do not use for more than one week consecutively.
Acidophilus: Replenishes friendly flora which can help to fight infections and restore vitality. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed using guaranteed bacterial count products with bifidobacteria. Check expiration date.
Garlic: Garlic has proven itself as an effective antiviral agent and boosts the immune system. Suggested Dosage: Take two capsules with all three meals during the day.
Milk Thistle (Silymarin): Several theories suggest that liver toxicity or malfunction is intrinsically linked to CFS. This herb has the ability to stimulate liver tissue regeneration while detoxifying at the same time. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed using standardized, guaranteed potency varieties.
Proteolytic Enzymes: Improves the assimilation of nutrients recommended in cases where malabsorption is suspected. Suggested Dosage: Take before each meal as directed.
Carnitine, Taurine and Cysteine: This trio of amino acids helps to support immune function. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed on an empty stomach with fruit juice.
DHEA: Low levels of this hormone have been linked to CFS. As with any hormonal supplement, check with your doctor first. Suggested Dosage: Take as directed.

Home Care Suggestions

• Keep a positive attitude by setting and achieving small goals each day.
• Very mild exercise has been suggested for CFS victims to increase stamina and oxygenate cells. Exercise also helps to facilitate better sleep.
• Get adequate amounts of sleep, including at least one daytime nap.
• Talk to others who suffer from the disease and share your feelings with your family and friends.
• Massage and exercise, in combination with elevation of the extremities, are believed to stimulate the lymphatic system which can, in turn, help strengthen the immune system.
• Stay away from allergens. CFS victims are often more sensitive to allergic reactions since their immune system is compromised.
• Make sure to rule out environmental pollutants, Candida, food allergies, parasites, or bowel disease as a possible cause of CFS. Check the section on food allergies for more information.

Other Supportive Therapies

Acupuncture: Specific points can be stimulated which will help to trigger better immune function
Meditation or Yoga: Learning to completely de-stress through these disciplines is very helpful and can foster feelings of true rest and well being.

Scientific Facts-at-a-Glance

While there has been much speculation that the human retro virus or chicken pox is somehow involved with CFS, there is not documented scientific data to back up these links. The notion, however, that food allergies may be involved is intriguing. If we are constantly battling certain foods as allergens, it would seem logical to assume that we may somehow confuse or "stress out" various immune functions. Likewise, the idea that certain vaccines may trigger unwanted immune responses that manifest themselves in CFS is rather engaging.

Spirit/Mind Considerations

It is interesting to know that there have been several occasions where CFS was diagnosed when the real problem was actually clinical depression (which can be successfully treated). Depression can cause significant feelings of fatigue as well as other symptoms and should be ruled out before any treatment plans are initiated. Anyone who does have CFS may easily feel that they are being patronized. In other words, they may feel sick but may also feel as though they do no have a legitimate disease. Frequently, family members, friends and even physicians don't fully understand the physical and emotional aspects associated with CFS. It can be very incapacitating and easily initiate feelings of confusion, impaired thinking and sadness. People with CFS usually are not just crying out for attention, they are victims of a syndrome that makes it difficult to function in all respects. All parties involved need to educate themselves in order to fully appreciate the magnitude of this disease and its disruption of daily routine. Marriages and other relationships can become very stressed by CFS. Family members need to be extremely supportive and never assume that anyone suffering from CFS is lazy or unproductive. The opposite is usually the case. Again, meditation can help to relieve stress which has been implicated as a major causal factor in immune-related disorders. Keeping a positive attitude is also very helpful.

Prevention

• Keep your colon healthy with high-fiber foods.
• Make stress reduction a part of your daily routine. Use counseling, relaxation techniques and exercise.
• Make sure to avoid exposure to parasites
• There is some speculation that those who exercise regularly and are in good physical condition are more resistant to the Epstein-Barr virus.
• Keep the immune system healthy through the proper diet, vitamin, mineral supplements and exercise.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)