Excerpt from Natural Answers to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Nutri-News volume 5 number2.

The phenomena of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remains a focus of medical research and statistics show that this immuno-suppressing condition is still on the rise. The symptoms of CFS have been around for over a century, but only in contemporary medicine is CFS being considered a distinct entity. Between 1989 and 1993, disability claims reported for CFS rose 360% for men and 557% for women! Other regional statistics show that CFS can affect up to 600 out of 100,000 people.(Cheyney, 1997)

To be classified as affected by CFS a two part set of criteria was established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 1994 and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. (Fukada et.al., 1994). There are two parts of the definition. (See Table I) If the Part 1 criteria are descriptive of the patient, then they must also meet four of the eight criteria of Part 2. In 1994, the paper published by the CDC reported that over 80% of CFS patients were female, mostly white, with an average age of thirty. (Fukada et al, 1994) Other symptoms which are common include depression, difficulty with memory and concentration, recurring infection (especially candida), nausea, anorexia and low grade fever. A 1996 study published in the American Journal of Medicine from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, recommends redefining the criteria established by the CDC by eliminating muscle weakness, arthralgias, and sleep disturbance from the international case definition and adding anorexia and nausea for a more accurate definition of CFS. (Komaroff et.al, 1996)

There are a number of factors to consider physically as well as mentally when assessing the cause of CFS, or "post viral fatigue" syndrome. Well documented research supports the integration of medical and psychological therapies for effectively treating CFS sufferers.(Wilson, 1994) Theories vary on what triggers the onset of CFS. One perspective suggests that a preexisting psychiatric disorder can trigger the CFS symptoms (Ray, 1995). The study of psychoneuroimmunology is the exploration of mental health as a major influence on immune system function. Dr. Kenneth Bock of Rhinebeck Health Centers in New York, writes "The current increasing recognition that states of mind can influence health is not something new-but rather something-regained." Parallels in the physical characteristics between patients suffering depression and CFS has also been found when tests were run on motor control. (Samii et al, 1996) Other psychological processes are also deterred in CFS patients. Studies have concluded that CFS patients have significantly impaired mental acuity such as reduced attention capacity, poor memory, and significant impairments in learning (Joyce et.al., 1996 and Marcel et al. 1996) In light of these findings, research concludes that mental well-being and positive life events and experiences are a very important part of recovery from CFS.(Ray et.al, 1995) Another theory about the onset of CFS suggests that infections accumulate in the body and then eventually overwhelm the system. Chronic intestinal candidaisis is an example of a recurring condition which may be a causal factor underlying diagnosis of CFS. (Cater RE, 1995) Antibiotic treatment and overmedication can alter the intestinal flora which causes cell damage and weakens immune function. When this occurs, there is an overload of toxins in the gut as a result of accumulating bad bacteria. These toxins then leak into the blood which become too much for the liver to filter and as a result are stored in the lipid reserves throughout the body. This causes circulation of free radicals which attack and destroy cells. This is called Leaky Gut Syndrome. With the immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract being extremely concentrated, it is necessary to maintain intestinal health. This is especially important for CFS patients who have extremely vulnerable immune systems that are weakened by intestinal imbalance.(Abreu-Martin, MT & Targan, SR, 1996) According to Dr. Mitchell V. Kaminski of the Thorek Hospital and Medical Center, "The problem with modern antibiotics is that perhaps they work too well. Large classes of potent antibiotics effectively kill anaerobes including facultative anaerobes. Often, a patient who is ill and on antibiotics may also be on a low fiber diet. This combination can render a major portion of innate GI immunity ineffective. This facilitates adhesion of disease causing organisms to the mucosa of the gut. Inflammation produces hyperpermeability." Dr. Kaminski recommends a therapeutic approach which first repairs the "intestinal terrain". Oral administration of lactobacilli, fiber and pink bismuth are recommended. Next, liver detoxification is needed. Supplementation of branched chain aminos, phyto foods, and potent antioxidants including Lipoic Acid, N-Acetyl Cysteine, and CoQ-10 are needed to battle the oxidative stress imposed by the toxins.

There are a variety of nutritional deficiencies which are common among CFS patients. It has been found that supplementation of these nutrients, in addition to lifestyle changes can improve quality of life dramatically for those affected by this debilitating condition.

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