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DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS)
Description: In the mid-1980’s, a mysterious flu-like illness that occurred mostly in young professional women, known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, became widely recognized. At the time, some researchers believed CFS, like mononucleosis, was caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Although no connection has been conclusively proven, some experts still suspect that a virus may play a role. Today, many experts consider CFS an immune activation disorder. Doctors also see a high incidence of allergies among people with CFS.
Symptoms: People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome aren’t just tired. They are constantly exhausted; not just for a few days but for 6 months or longer.
Fatigue is only the beginning. Symptoms vary widely from person to person and often resemble the flu, mononucleosis or depression. Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, headache, painful or swollen lymph nodes, aching muscles and joints, depression, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, intestinal problems, irritability, temporary memory loss, and mood swings. Because the symptoms of CFS resemble those of other conditions, it is often misdiagnosed. The major criteria used to distinguish chronic fatigue syndrome are:
- Persistent fatigue that does not go away with bed rest and is severe enough to reduce average daily activity by at least 50% for at least 6 months.
- The presence of other chronic clinical conditions, including psychiatric disorders, can be ruled out.
Incidence: According to some estimates, 3 million Americans – 90 million people worldwide – suffer from the group of symptoms that seem to be associated with CFS. Another study places the number at about 387,000 American adults, of which approximately 75% are women. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta estimates that 100,000 to 250,000 Americans have seen their doctors for CFS.
Causes: Doctors don’t know what causes CFS or how to cure it. Any number of infections, allergies, foods, drugs, nutritional deficiencies and other illnesses might contribute to it. Once it hits, CFS is hard to get rid of, and it can result in serious damage to the immune system. While many people recover on their own within a year or two, some never fully recover.
Treatments: Dietary changes, appropriate exercise, and nutritional supplements can help to strengthen the immune system, improve energy levels and ease some of the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Acidophilus |
As directed on label. |
To replace necessary "friendly" bacteria. Also fights candida infection. Chronic fatigue and candidiasis often occur together. Use a nondairy formula. |
|
Coenzyme Q10 |
75 mg. daily |
Enhances the effectiveness of the immune system and protects the heart. |
|
Lecithin granules or capsules |
1 tbsp. 3 times daily with meals. Capsules: 1200 mg. 3 times daily with meals. |
Promotes energy and enhances immunity. |
|
Magnesium |
500-1000 mg. daily |
Deficiency has been linked to CFS. |
|
Manganese |
5 mg. daily. |
Influences the metabolic rate by its involvement in endocrine function. |
|
Proteolytic enzymes |
As directed on label 6 times daily, on an empty stomach. Take with meals, between meals, and at bedtime. |
Reduces inflammation and improves absorption of nutrients, especially protein, which is needed for tissue repair. |
|
Vitamin A and
Vitamin E |
25,000 IU daily for 1 month, then slowly reduce to 10,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. 800 IU daily for 1 month, then slowly reduce to 400 IU daily. |
Powerful free radical scavengers that protect the cells and enhance immune function to fight viruses. Use emulsion forms for easier assimilation and greater safety at high doses. |
|
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids |
5000-10000 mg. daily. |
Has a powerful antiviral effect and increases the energy level. Use a buffered form. |
|
Garlic |
2 capsules 3 times daily, with meals. |
Enhances oxygen utilization and destroys free radicals. |
|
Free-form amino acid complex. |
As directed on label. |
For tissue and organ repair. Use a formula containing all the essential amino acids. |
|
Vitamin B complex plus extra Vitamin B12 |
100 mg. 3 times daily. 2,000 mcg. daily. |
A natural energy booster. |
|
Black currant seed oil or primrose oil. |
As directed on label. Take with meals. |
To supply gamma-linolenic acid and other essential fatty acids. |
|
Plus a multivitamin and mineral complex with natural beta-carotene |
|
|
Herbs:
 | Astragalus and echinacea enhance immune function and are good for cold and flu symptoms. (Caution: Do not use astragalus in the presence of a fever.) |
| Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and brain function. |
| Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover promote healing by cleansing the blood and enhancing immune function. Combine or alternate these herbal teas, and drink 4 to 6 cups daily. |
| Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng may also prove helpful as a tonic to combat lack of energy and in stimulating the immune system. |
| Use Goldenseal to control infection. (Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and do not use during pregnancy. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a doctor’s supervision. |
| Licorice root supports the endocrine system. (Caution: Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure.) |
| Milk thistle protects the liver. |
| St. John Wort has antiviral properties. |
| Skullcap and valerian root improve sleep. |
Recommendations:
| Eat a well balanced diet of 50 percent raw foods and fresh juices. |
| Eat quality foods that renew energy and build immunity. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts, seeds, skinless turkey, and fish. |
| Include some form of acidophilus in your diet, as well as soured products such as yogurt. Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome are also infected with candida. Acidophilus helps to keep candida under control. |
| Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, plus juices, preferably freshly made vegetable juices. |
| Add fiber to the diet, and make sure the bowels move daily. |
| Drink protein drinks (available from health food stores) between meals. |
| Avoid the following foods: Shellfish, fried foods, junk foods, processed foods, coffee, soft drinks, sugar, and white flour products such as bread and pasta. |
| Get plenty of rest and avoid over-exertion. Melatonin is helpful for promoting sound, restful sleep. (Take it two hours or less before bedtime, not during the day, as it can cause drowsiness.) |
| Do not take aspirin. If a viral infection is present, Reye’s syndrome may result. |
Considerations:
| Anyone who experiences extreme fatigue that persists for longer than a week or two should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause. |
| If you are diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome, it is recommended that you find a health care provider with specific experience in the management and treatment of this complex condition. |
| Some research points to chemical and/or food sensitivities as possible causes of CFS. It’s advisable to be tested for allergies, including food allergies. |
| Taking regular cold showers may produce an improvement in CFS symptoms. However, people with heart conditions or other serious health problems should consult with their health care professional before initiating cold water treatments. |
| Certain amino acids may be helpful, including tyrosine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine and taurine. |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No. 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
888-15 |
Acidophilus w/Pectin Hardshell |
Take as directed on label. |
$6.95/100 |
|
949-11 |
Coenzyme Q10 100 mg. Caps. |
1 capsule daily. |
$19.95/30 |
|
921-151
921-15 |
Lecithin granules or capsules, 1200 mg. |
1 tbsp. 3 times daily with meals or 1 capsule daily. |
$7.25/14 oz. $4.50/100 |
|
232-15 |
Magnesium caps. 200 mg. |
1 capsules 3 times daily. |
$4.95/100 |
|
958-15 |
Vitamin A 10000 IU softgels |
1 softgel daily. |
$3.95/100 |
|
234-15 |
Vitamin E (D-alpha tocopheryl) 400 IU softgels |
1 softgel daily. |
$7.99/100 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C w/Rose Hips 1000 mg. Tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily. |
$5.75/100 |
|
978-25 |
Garlic 400 mg. odor-free tabs. |
2 caps. 3 times daily with meals. |
$5.50/200 |
|
890-15 |
B Complex 100 mg. Tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily. |
$8.95/100 |
|
239-15 |
Evening Primrose Oil caps. |
As directed on label, with meals. |
$8.99/100 |
|
968-15 |
Multivitamin with Minerals Tabs. |
1 tablet daily. |
$6.95/100 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition,
by James F. Balch, MD. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke, Ph.D.
