Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
By Michael J.Teplisky, M.D.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is increasingly recognized in most industrialized countries. It is known by many names, such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (CEBV), and Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS). In the United States it is usually referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or sometimes "yuppie flu". It had been estimated that over 5 million Americans may be affected by this condition. This number is being revised upward almost yearly. Regardless of the name, this illness can be devastating and results in prolonged interruption of work, family life and other activities.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Researchers have been exploring the potential causes of CFS for some time now, but the exact cause of this illness is still not known. Some kind of virus was, and still is, considered to be the major factor in the development of this condition. By far, the most frequently implicated one is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Others, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Herpes virus 6, and Human B lymphotrophi virus (HBLV) have also been associated with CFS.

Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite, can cause a condition clinically similar to CFS. Some researchers now believe that the presence of these microorganisms is not the cause, but a result or complication of the disease.

Recently, a new association was identified. A virus known as HTLVII has been found in the blood of many patients with CFS. The virus is a relative of HTLVI (linked to leukemia) and HTLVII or HIV (linked to AIDS). The significance of this discovery is not certain. Scientists are not sure whether they have found the cause of the problem or just another of many viruses already associated with CFS.

Regardless of what microorganism (if any) may bring this condition about, it is clear that there is a major disturbance in the immune system of the patients with CFS. There is a deficiency in both the number and the function of the so-called "killer cells". These specialized white cells are responsible for destruction of the cells infected by viruses. They are one of the components of the immune system designed to protect us against viruses and cancer.

At the same time, there is an excessive production of antibodies against certain viruses, such as EBV and CMV. That’s why these viruses were thought to be the cause of this condition. There is also an increased production of other chemicals that regulate the function of the immune system: the entire immune system appears to be in "overdrive" and this may well be responsible for most of the symptoms of CFS.

The specific factor or factors that initiate the profound dysfunction of the immune system still remains a mystery. However, there are a number of predisposing conditions:

Diet: The Standard American Diet (appropriately called the SAD diet) does not provide high quality nutrients. It has too much fat, too much protein and too many refined carbohydrates, including sugar. On the other hand, it is low in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals andfiber because most people do not have five or more serving of fruits and vegetables a day. If you are eating a SAD diet, it predisposes you to the development of all kinds of diseases, including CFS.

Free radicals: The role of free radicals in the development of certain diseases has received a great deal of attention in recent years. Free radicals are well known enemies of A healthy immune system. Fortunately, the body has a complex defense system designed specifically for the purpose of free radicals, known as the antioxidant system. This system is composed of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and some other nutrients; if you don’t take enough of these, you leave yourself vulnerable to free radical damage.

Allergies: Allergies to inhalants, foods, environmental chemicals and other substances also affect the function of the immune system. When exposed to something you’re allergic to, your body responds inappropriately. Your immune system reacts to a harmless material, like pollen or grass with overproduction of special antibodies. This process requires a lot of energy and effort, consuming precious resources of which you have little to begin with.

Toxins: Accumulation of toxins within the body is another reason for the dysfunction. Some of them enter from the outside; water, air and food contain various toxic materials. Some toxins are produced internally, as a result of our metabolic activity. Some are manufactured by intestinal microorganisms. Our detoxification system, which is comprised of the liver, lymphatic systems and kidneys, is supposed to get rid of all these pollutants and keep our insides clean. However, due to their sheer number, some individuals are simply unable to cope. As a result, toxins accumulate in the body’s tissues and fluids, causing them to malfunction. Some researchers speculate that CFS is a consequence of the massive internal pollution that has so far affected only a small segment of the population.

Infections: Infections, such as Candida albicans, also lead to the deterioration of the immune system. In fact, most patients with CFS have a coexisting Candida infection.

Hormonal imbalances: A sluggish thyroid or weak adrenal glands also weaken your immune system. These problems are very common but are difficult to diagnose and frequently go unnoticed by most doctors. Yet both of these conditions can make you feel tired.

Poisons: Mercury, which comes from the dental amalgam fillings, is poison to most of the body’s tissues, including white blood cells.

Treatment

If you have CFS, chances are you’ve already visited a doctor or two. Most likely, they did not have a great deal to offer you. Most orthodox doctors don’t even think that CFS is a real disease, even though it was described years ago in prestigious medical journals.

Why this skepticism? Well, let’s look at it from the doctor?s point of view: a typical patient, a woman in her mid-thirties, looks perfectly normal, has normal physical examinations and normal blood tests. She also has signs of depression. So the doctor will just call the problem psychosomatic (the good old "it’s all in your head" diagnosis) or dismiss it as "yuppie flu".

Some doctors, who have heard of CFS, will check you for Epstein-Barr virus. But if the level is too high they have nothing to offer except tranquilizers to ease your depression. Is it possible to achieve a real and significant improvement? Can you be rid of this debilitating condition? The answer is a definite YES! And to accomplish this we have to try not just to focus on the symptoms, but the underlying causes of the disease.

A successful plan of treatment will have to include a number of elements. Here is what I recommend:

1. You must have a positive and hopeful outlook.

2. Adequate rest is important, as well as an exercise program tailored to your tolerance level.

3. Stress, both physical and emotional, should be minimized.

4. A good diet, supplying real nutrients, must be low in sugar, fat and empty calories. In other words, the opposites of the SAD diet.

5. Allergies, both to foods and other substances, should be treated. This is also true about coexisting conditions, such as Candida infection.

6. You have to go through the process of detoxification in order to get rid of the various toxins polluting your body.

7. If you have adrenal or thyroid imbalances, which are quite common, they will have to be corrected.

8. You will also need a number of nutritional supplements. They may include vitamins, minerals, herbs and homeopathic products. The right "formula" varies from person to person.

9. And last but not least, there are the "drips". These are intravenous infusions that almost all the patients with CFS have to be treated with. There are two kinds of infusions. One contains high doses of various vitamins and minerals, including C, B complex, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium and others. Again, the exact composition depends on your particular condition. This is essential for normalization of the immune function. Most people start feeling better after just a couple of them. Another drip, hydrogen peroxide, destroys various microorganisms that may be present in the body. This includes viruses, bacteria, parasites and yeast, like Candida.

If you follow this plan under a guidance of an experienced physician, the outcome can only be successful. Yes, you do have to work at it and it does take time, but the result is well worth it!