WHAT IS CFS?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a medical condition characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest and can’t be explained by an underlying medical condition.

The causes of CFS aren’t fully understood yet. Some theories include viral infection, stress, a weakened immune system, hormonal imbalances or a combination of factors. It is also speculated that some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop CFS.

At one point CFS was a controversial diagnosis but is now accepted as a medical condition. However, because no single cause has been identified, and because many other conditions produce similar symptoms, CFS can be difficult to diagnose. There are no tests for CFS. A doctor generally rules out other causes for  fatigue when determining a diagnosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suggested that CFS may be the end stage of multiple different conditions, rather than one specific condition. (Source 1)

INFLAMMATION

Inflammation has been found to be the underlying cause to almost all disease from rheumatoid arthritis to cancer, heart disease to diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s. (Source 2)

One study suggests that the concentration of cytokines in the bloodstream is relevant to the acuteness of CFS symptoms. Variations in 17 cytokines were found to be connected with the severity of CFS, suggesting that the condition is essentially an inflammatory disease. (Source 3) 

WHAT CAN I DO?

Speaking from personal experience, CFS can be debilitating! I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Hashimoto’s and CFS at about the same time. I am positive that one has a relationship with all of the others. 

While, of course, the swollen painful joints, the weight gain, the cold body temperature, and the fatigue were all equally concerning, it was the fatigue that created the biggest challenge in my life. 

I typically work 10 hour shifts and I am on my feet for the entire time. I would struggle to get to my lunch break. I knew I needed to nourish my body, so I would eat my pre-planned nutritious meal in 10 minutes and then take the opportunity to close my eyes. I would typically be woken up by the sound of my alarm, unrefreshed, and would then drag myself back into work to finish my shift. 

I was very aware of the fear that had started to seep into my life; fear of not knowing how much longer I could continue working if my symptoms progressed, fear of how I would continue to mow my lawn, clean my home and many other daily things that I used to take for granted.

I was determined to find a way into remission. I had already been working with a naturopath and an integrative medicine physician before my diagnosis’. That, combined with my own research into nutrition, began to truly shed a bright light on my path to healing and my journey to get my life back.

I initially wanted to achieve all of my healing through a holistic approach. I made progress and found ways to mitigate the fatigue, but in the end I allowed conventional treatment for the RA into my life. I was scared! I weighed the fears I shared above with the fears of all the potential side effects of the medications. It was a tearful and difficult decision, and in the end the medications, for me, proved to be  helpful. 

A Plant Based Anti-Inflammatory Diet, Vitamin, Mineral and Amino Acid Supplements and strategically incorporating gentle exercise into my routine helped me to achieve remission quickly, while I was on the medications. And, I believe it was these lifestyle changes that enabled me to remain in remission once I removed the medications from my body.

Every person is different and has their own life journey to navigate. It is advised and necessary to work closely with your trusted health care professional and also to give your body the best healing environment possible.

DIET

With inflammation as a root cause of almost every disease, including CFS, a well planned nutritious Plant Based Diet can only be beneficial. 

I had a very good understanding of the Auto-Immune Paleo Diet (AIP) (for RA & Hashimoto’s), the Mediteranian Diet (for inflammation), and the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (for SIBO – small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). This was difficult and confusing at times because many things allowed on one diet was prohibited on another. But I was determined to heal.

Then I was led to the Health Mastery Institute (HMI). I was introduced to this program by an acquaintance I had met through a mutual friend. We got together once, back in 2015, and just talked about each of our respective Nutrition Certifications. I had recently received mine from IIN – Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I wasn’t ready or willing, at the time, to do a 2nd certification. However, I was very curious and was and still am so grateful for the serendipitous meeting that day. 

I purchased a program from the creator of the HMI nutrition school (Liana Shanti). The program was called “66 Day Health Mastery Program.” I was excited about the program back then and I believe I went through 4 of the 9 modules, but I was not fully committed at the time.

This program came back to my awareness 4 years later and I reached out to my acquaintance once again. She kindly agreed to meet me and we had a wonderful conversation about not only the “66 Day Health Mastery Program” but about the “HMI Nutrition Certification Program” and so many other life topics. I now consider this acquaintance a dear friend and a guardian angel of sorts. 

Both programs changed my life profoundly. We find our way to programs like these when we are ready. I had the “66 Day Program” before my RA diagnosis but I never fully embraced it until I felt I “truly needed it.” My life is unfolding exactly the way it is supposed to and the lessons I have learned along the way have been life changing..

Whatever support you can give to your body to support healing and homeostasis is priceless. Cutting out processed food, inflammatory oils, processed sugar, gluten and sometimes cutting out grains completely for a period of time can be amazingly beneficial.

I highly recommend the “66 Day Health Mastery Program.” It provides so much more than just a wonderful guide to healthy eating.

SUPPLEMENTS

There are studies that suggest a number of nutritional deficiencies may have relevance to the development and severity of CFS. These include deficiencies of:

B Vitamins

Vitamin C

Magnesium

Sodium

Zinc

L-Tryptophan

L-Carnitine

Coenzyme Q10

Essential fatty acids 

A deficiency of these nutrients in CFS patients appears to be primarily due to the illness process rather than to an inadequate diet. Improving gut health may be helpful with overall absorption of nutrients.

It is likely that even marginal deficiencies not only contribute to the clinical presentation of CFS, but are also detrimental to the healing processes. 

Identifying these deficiencies and resolving them could be a key initial step in treating CFS.

The rare incidence of serious adverse reactions to the supplements mentioned above, the difficulty in ruling out marginal deficiencies, and because some of the therapeutic benefits of nutritional supplements appear to be due to pharmacologic effects, it is reasonable to consider supplementing with the nutrients along with a Chelated Mineral Supplement, at least for a trial period. (Source 4)

I found supplements to be incredibly helpful in relieving my fatigue symptoms even before deciding to take the prescription medication for RA.

In addition to the above nutrients I also added 5-HTP, Vitamin D and methylated Vitamin B12 (in addition to the Vitamin B Complex), and I chose to take L-Tyrosine over the L-Tryptophan for many reasons, mainly because L-Tyrosine helps with depression and the increase in dopamine levels afforded me the energy to push through my day.

EXERCISE

Exercise is an important component to a healthy lifestyle. When CFS exists, exercise can seem an almost impossible task.

Even moderate exercise and cause post exertional malaise (PEM). PEM is the worsening of symptoms after even minor exertion – physical, mental or emotional. Even light and sound can create a sensory overload and can cause PEM. 

Regulating your activity can prove to be essential. This is referred to as activity management or pacing. The goal is to learn and achieve a balance between rest and activity and to avoid PEM flare ups.

It is important to find your own personal limits for physical, mental and emotional activity. Some doctors refer to staying within these limits as staying within the “energy envelope.” A great way to find your energy envelope is to keep an activity and symptom diary. Understanding your own personal limits and finding your balance between activity and rest can be a helpful coping skill. 

For some people with CFS just everyday activities like work, showering and interacting with other people may be the energy limit for the day. Another person may be able to add in walking or gentle yoga.

It is important not to push yourself too far on a good day. This may lead to a worsening of symptoms and may set you back farther on your healing journey. (Source 5)

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Whether you have a CFS diagnosis amongst several other health conditions or you have suspicions that you may be coping with CFS on a regular basis, be kind to yourself.

Think of yourself as your own sweet child or as your best friend in the world. Love yourself, nurture yourself, support yourself, empower yourself and give yourself the encouragement to initiate helpful, healthful changes on your healing journey.

DISCLAIMER 

Any statements expressed in these recommendations are for informational purposes and self-help only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your health care provider before embarking on any cleansing, detoxing, or juicing program, or before beginning any new diet or nutritional program. Always consult with your personal health care physician regarding taking any supplements, as only your health care provider can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should never undertake a cleanse, a fast, a detox or a parasite cleanse of any kind. Also, those on medication should always have their medical doctor’s approval before making any dietary changes.

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