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Chronic Fatigue Syndromeby Carol B. Blair B.S., Health & Wellness CounselorStan Meyerson, Pharmacist Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex, debilitating and poorly understood disorder of unknown etiology that was officially recognized by the Centers for Disease Control in 1988. CFS affects an estimated 422 per 100,000 persons in the US, translating to as many as 800,000 people. With no single cause, CFS is a collection of many symptoms: overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by bed rest, muscle pain, impaired memory, lack of concentration and neurological problems. For many, CFS may continue for years. The symptoms of CFS are similar to certain ailments and as such, are often misdiagnosed. Unless the following conditions have been treated and no longer explains the fatigue and other symptoms, CFS may resemble MS, hypothyroidism, cancer, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, eating disorders, certain mental disorders, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, post-polio syndrome, and some bacterial infections.It is essential that these be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis of CFS is confirmed. CFS affects 2-3 times as many women as men, with a typical age range of 20-45.

Since there is no diagnostic or lab test to determine CFS, this leads to a diagnosis of exclusion. In order to receive a diagnosis of CFS, there are two criteria that must be met:1. Severe chronic fatigue lasting for six months or longer with a decrease in activity level by 50%. The other known similar medical conditions are ruled out by clinical diagnosis.2. Have four or more of the following symptoms concurrently, having persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue:

Sore throat Mild fever or chills Muscle pain Unexplained muscle weakness (Fibromyalgia) Fatigue which lasts 24 hours or longer after exercising Headaches Joint pain without swelling or redness Depression Sleep disturbance, with unrefreshing sleep Short-term memory problems, forgetfulness, inability to concentrateThe probable causes of CFS include depression, infectious agents and digestive problems, food allergies, exposure to environmental pollutants, nutritional deficiencies, stress leading to exhaustion and extreme fatigue. In many cases the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has preceded CFS.One individual area which has received a great deal of study in recent years, is the responsibility of digestive problems in CFS. In numerous patients, digestive disturbances leave open spaces in the cells of the intestine, allowing undigested food particles, toxins and allergens to directly enter the bloodstream, causing damage and the loss of permeability of the intestinal wall. This is commonly known as "Leaky Gut Syndrome." As increased amounts of foreign matter circulate through the body, a greater burden is placed on the immune system. Please see our articles on Leaky Gut Syndrome and Candida.Good dietary and lifestyle habits are essential for the healing of CFS. Included are no alcohol consumption or smoking, and improving dietary intake. Also important is enhancing the function of the liver's detoxification pathways. Exercise may be beneficial but physical activity should be limited, preferably anaerobic. Do not over exert and listen to the body.THE ROLE OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS IN CFS.ADRENAL GLAND INSUFFICIENCY - Adrenal gland insufficiency is common among CFS patients. Supporting the adrenals could be quite beneficial. MAGNESIUM - Magnesium may be the most important nutrient in the treatment of CFS. CFS sufferers show a pronounced magnesium deficiency. Supplementing with magnesium increases energy levels, decreases pain and improves mental attitude. Magnesium is not only a catalyst for 300 enzyme reactions in the body, but is crucial for the conversion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats into ATP, critical for complete cell energy functioning. It also assists in alleviating sleep and mental disorders. Low magnesium levels have been associated with some cases of CFS in studies published in The Lancet 3/30/97.

Dosage is between 400-800 mg of elemental magnesium daily. Twice the amount of calcium should also be taken.Caution. Persons with kidney diseases should consult a physician before taking high doses of magnesium; High intake of magnesium may cause diarrhea.

IMMUNEPRO - ImmunePro is a cold-processed whey protein powder. It contains lactoferrin, which contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. ImmunePro has the capability to raise the body's major antioxidant, Glutathione. Glutathione also is key factor in the detoxification pathways. Regulating the dose is critical. Begin slowly and work up dose. Drink plenty of water as well as green and herbal teas to flush the system.

NADH - (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with Hydrogen) stimulates the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.Serotonin is important for proper sleep and emotional balance while norepinephrine affects mental acuity and concentration. CFS sufferers taking NADH showed a significant improvement in the relief of symptoms, along with elevated energy levels.

ANTIOXIDANTS - The intake of antioxidants is necessary for a well functioning immune system. Among the antioxidants are A, C, E, carotenoids, minerals such as zinc, copper and selenium and the amino acids NAC, glutathione, methionine and SAMe. Low levels of SAMe, Vitamin C and E are common in people suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 & 6, as well as GLA, are needed for the formation and the proper functioning of hormones and prostaglandins. They also exert anti-inflammatory effect. CoQ-10 - ATP is the basic energy molecule for all body cell functions. Research indicates that low ATP levels are due to excess phosphate ion stored in the cell. Magnesium is essential for the synthesis of ATP. High Aluminum levels contribute to lower ATP production in the mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 is essential for the production of ATP and is also a potent antioxidant. L-CARNITINE - is an amino acid essential for the transporting of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production. L-Carnitine helps alleviate fatigue. The lower the blood levels the more severe the symptoms. Dosage is 1-2 grams daily for at least 60-90 days.

BETA-1,3-D-GLUCAN - Research has validated the effectiveness of Beta 1-3-D-glucan as a radio-protective agent. The mechanisms of protection are described as follows: protects the macrophage cells from the radiation induced free radical damage. Intact macrophages were able to help scavenge the excess cellular breakdown and debris caused by high dose radiation damage. Activated macrophages continued to defend the host against potential opportunistic infections. Macrophage cells release factors important to the restoration of bone marrow production necessary to surviving excessive radioactive assault.

The key for managing CFS is to remember that patience and a positive outlook are key elements in the overall treatment program to help you create a program that opens the way forward to an increased productivity and enjoyment of life.

NEW - SOMATOMEDª/VESPRO GHS - NEWNutritional Support For The Endocrine/growth hormone system

Human Growth Hormone has been extensively studied, both clinically and theoretically, for many decades. It is said to be the "Fountain of Youth" and has excited the medical community with its numerous positive physiological effects on degenerative conditions related to both aging and disease. The reported effects of growth and hair color, a reduction in wrinkles, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, as well as an increase in muscle mass, bone mass, energy and sex drive. Rearchers and Scientists at VesPro created one of the first Human Growth Hormone Secretagogue technologies proven in independent lab tests to increase IGF-1 and DHEA levels in test subjects. SomatoMed GH secretagogue has proven to be effective in preventing the aging process and as a valuable addition to treatment protocols for many illnesses such as MS, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Cancer, Heart Diseases and Diabetes. Hundreds of physicians have reported the benefits their patients receive by using SomatoMed. VesPro has continued its research to discover additional natural secretagogues that are proven to increase GH release and promote health. VesPro has not altered the original SomatoMed ingredients. VesPro has added four additional natural agents to SomatoMed; Macuna Pruriens, Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, Gamma Aminobutyric Acid and Colostrum. These four additions to SomatoMed make this formula the most potent and effective secretagogue formula available to physicians. *IGF 1-Med oral spray may be used as an adjunct therapy with SomatoMed to achieve increases in IGF-1 similar to results obtained by injecting somatotropin. Refer to protocol for use of SomatoMed.

The result of our extensive research effort is a technologically advanced natural compound for increasing growth hormone release-SOMATOMEDª. SOMATOMED is VesPro Life Sciences' newest state-of-the-art growth hormone releasing secretagogue. SOMATOMED not only incorporates all of the latest research, but it also provides our physicians and patients cost savings and convenience. SOMATOMED is delivered in convenient tablets which target liver function as well as GH and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 receptors.SYNERGISTIC ADAPTAGEN SUPPORT (SAS) HERBAL BLEND:MUMIE - Little was known about this powerful, natural adaptagenic compound until 1993 when secret Russian research was released to the western world. This research documented the ability of Mumie to facilitate complete long-term overnight recovery from physical and mental stress. Mumie has outstanding effects. It is very beneficial for reducing joint soreness in the knees, shoulders and elbows.LIVER SUPPORT - In order to maximize the effects of SomatoMed it is important that the liver function at an optimum level. SomatoMed leaves nothing to chance. That is why this product contains herbs known for centuries to have significant positive benefits for liver health and function.

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