Every person with chronic fatigue and/or fibromyalgia syndromes has a unique presentation of these conditions with various complications and sets of symptoms. There is no one treatment that can “cure” these syndromes however a combined approach of therapies and supplements can lead to an improved quality of life. I have listed below things that have proved beneficial for myself and others.
- Diet and Chemical Exposure
Impaired detoxification is common to all chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia sufferers. Avoidance of stimulants, depressants, pharmaceutical drugs and toxic chemicals can make a big difference in feeling better. This includes alcohol, caffeine, sugar, pain relievers and additives in processed food. Unfortunately many physicians prescribe drugs for pain, depression and sleep, which become less effective with time and in the long run make a patient worse. Some CFS/FMS have a particular sensitivity to fluoride which is discussed in the post "Fluoride Poisoning". Others are sensitive to environmental stresses such as living is close proximity to a cellular tower. The optimal diet is one that is high in protein and minimally processed: organic meats, fish, eggs and dairy products, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and small amounts of fruit. It is also important to consume salt and to drink plenty of water.
- Glutathione
Glutathione is the master antioxidant found in every cell of the body. It is responsible for transporting proteins between cells, detoxifying chemicals and environmental pollutants, activating the immune system and regenerating a variety of other antioxidants. Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia patients have chronically low levels of glutathione and this causes many of the symptoms associated with the disorder including brain fog and insomnia. Taking glutathione orally is ineffective however there are supplements that are proven to increase the production of glutathione including vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle and N-acetyl cysteine. Dr. Robert Keller, a doctor who has treated many chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients developed after 10 years of research a glutathione optimizer, which is a patented formula of supplements called MAXGXL. It is sold via network marketing and you can order it wholesale from my website: www.maxgxl.com/159731. A two-month trial is recommended and CFS/FMS patients should start slow with a small dose due to symptoms of detoxification.
- Protein Deficiency
Fibromyalgia patients have chronically low levels of amino acids and are deficient in systemic protein which provide the materials to maintain, protect and repair body functions. This is most likely due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that makes it difficult to completely digest protein, carbohydrates and fats. A chiropractor name Dr. Brice Vickery has studied this area extensively and developed a patented formula of amino acids called “Platinum Plus Essential Amino Acids” that is beneficial in addressing protein deficiency and improves many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. To learn more about this read my post “Protein Deficiency”. You can order the amino acids at: www.supernutrient.com
- Breathing
Breathing is the underlying force of life and many people with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have impaired or restricted breathing contributing to poor health. People with CFS/FMS are often unaware that they are surviving on less air or oxygen, which does not show up in an oxygen saturation test because their bodies compensate for this with low blood pressure. Oral Systemic Balance is a treatment developed by a dentist named Farrand Robson that employs oral appliances to help patients breathe better. I discuss this treatment extensively in my post “Oral Systemic Balance”. The treatment has made a huge difference in the quality of my life but it did not resolve all my chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms. The therapy is time consuming and expensive however there are avenues of paying less for treatment by participating in a study, finding a financial supporter and getting some insurance coverage.
Also check out the website www.breathing.com a site for holistic breathing development research, education and self-help programs developed by “The Optimal Breathing Coach” Mike White. I recommend ordering the Fundamentals of Breathing Development Video and Breathing Kit, which offers an effective program of breathing exercises.
- Atlas Profilax
Some fibromyalgia patients have experienced relief of symptoms from this treatment that puts the top vertebra of the spine back into place. The treatment it safe and affordable -$250 and usually only requires one treatment plus a follow-up. You can read about people’s success with the treatment under the post “Atlas Profilax” and at: www.atlasprofilax.ch/eng/index.php
6. Thyroid Function
Many chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients suffer from symptoms of hypothyroidism, which include low body temperature (below 98 degrees), fatigue and constipation, even though their thyroid blood tests are normal and/or they are taking thyroid replacement. Dr. Denis Wilson discovered that this condition which is called “Wilson’s Thyroid Syndrome” or “Wilson’s Syndrome” can be reversed by taking for a period of time the active thyroid hormone T3. Returning my body’s temperature and thyroid function to normal was one of the big breakthroughs of my healing and I think it may be an issue for many CFS/FMS patients due to the stress of these conditions. You can read more about my experience with this under the post “Thyroid Function” and go to: www.wilsonssyndrome.com
7. Adrenal Exhaustion
Adrenal exhaustion is common to all CFS/FMS due to the enormous stress of living with these conditions. Main stream endocrinologists do not diagnose or treat this condition because there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the adrenal glands i.e. cancer or autoimmune disease. Holistic and naturopathic physicians diagnose this condition through saliva tests and treat with small amount of hydrocortisol for a few months to give the adrenal glands a chance to recover. I have benefited from this therapy and discuss it in my post “Adrenal Exhaustion”.
8. Infections & Complicating Conditions
CFS/FMS patients are prone to a variety of infections and conditions including yeast overgrowth or candida, intestinal parasites, heavy metal toxicity and mercury poisoning, viral and mycoplasma infections, and Lyme disease. This is due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and lowered immunity. These conditions can be treated by a good naturopathic or holistic physicians using herbs, short term courses of antibiotics and probiotics. The long term solution for dealing with the propensity to have these conditions is improving detoxification through better breathing and raising the levels of glutathione.
9. Lymphatic Dysfunction
The lymphatic system is a specialized component of the circulatory system which functions to remove excess fluids from body tissues, absorb fatty acids and produce immune cells. CFS/FMS patients have a sluggish or restricted flow of lymph resulting in mild edema. Some people have experienced a decrease of symptoms by taking decongestants and expectorants such as guaifenesin. I personally use an electronic instrument called Lymph Star Pro that facilitates lymph drainage via emissions of specific light and sound frequencies. I think this is a preferable alternative to taking drugs and that it has been moderately beneficial. The device is manufactured by Arcturus Star Products www.arcturusstar.com.
10. Physical Therapies
I have explored a variety of physical modalities extensively in my search for better health including many kinds of acupuncture, massage, Rolfing, cranial sacral work, Tragger, chiropractic, Reiki, etc. I have found two forms of physical therapy to be particularly beneficial and they are Feldenkrais and Bowen Work. Both these therapies are very gentle and noninvasive which is important for CFS/FMS patients who can overreact to more aggressive treatments. Feldenkrais addresses patterns of movement and posture that can cause pain. Its practitioners are well educated and can help individuals attain the most efficient and stress free way to move, stand and sit as well as an overall awareness of one’s body. Bowen Work stimulates healing through subtle moves that release tension in specific areas of the body as well as restore physical balance. Both therapies activate the sympathetic nervous system and are excellent adjuncts to healing.
Exercise is a tricky and sometimes impossible activity for persons with CFS/FMS depending on the severity of the condition. Overdoing it can result in a flare-up of symptoms and compound the exhaustive state. Mild exercise and movement such as walking, yoga and Tai Chi well within the limits of one's capacity for exertion however are beneficial.
11. Stress Management
The challenge of living with conditions that cause ongoing fatigue, pain and insomnia is huge. Persons with CFS/FMS are under incredible stress physically and therefore have a low tolerance for additional stress in their personal lives. They need to make good decisions whenever possible about relationships, work and lifestyle that put less stress on them. I have been very fortunate to have people in my life who are supportive and understanding, to not have to solely support myself financially and to have the resources to explore treatments. I have benefited from learning meditation and relaxation skills particularly a biofeedback “hand warming” skill where one learns to increase circulation by raising the external temperature of ones hands, practicing with a digital indoor outdoor thermometer. These skills help me get back to sleep when I wake up at night. I also have built into my schedule a “nap” after lunch that has been a lifesaver.
Every person with chronic fatigue and/or fibromyalgia syndromes has a unique presentation of these conditions with various complications and sets of symptoms. There is no one treatment that can “cure” these syndromes however a combined approach of therapies and supplements can lead to an improved quality of life. I have listed below things that have proved beneficial for myself and others.
Impaired detoxification is common to all chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia sufferers. Avoidance of stimulants, depressants, pharmaceutical drugs and toxic chemicals can make a big difference in feeling better. This includes alcohol, caffeine, sugar, pain relievers and additives in processed food. Unfortunately many physicians prescribe drugs for pain, depression and sleep, which become less effective with time and in the long run make a patient worse. Some CFS/FMS have a particular sensitivity to fluoride which is discussed in the post "Fluoride Poisoning". Others are sensitive to environmental stresses such as living is close proximity to a cellular tower. The optimal diet is one that is high in protein and minimally processed: organic meats, fish, eggs and dairy products, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and small amounts of fruit. It is also important to consume salt and to drink plenty of water.
Glutathione is the master antioxidant found in every cell of the body. It is responsible for transporting proteins between cells, detoxifying chemicals and environmental pollutants, activating the immune system and regenerating a variety of other antioxidants. Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia patients have chronically low levels of glutathione and this causes many of the symptoms associated with the disorder including brain fog and insomnia. Taking glutathione orally is ineffective however there are supplements that are proven to increase the production of glutathione including vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle and N-acetyl cysteine. Dr. Robert Keller, a doctor who has treated many chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients developed after 10 years of research a glutathione optimizer, which is a patented formula of supplements called MAXGXL. It is sold via network marketing and you can order it wholesale from my website: www.maxgxl.com/159731. A two-month trial is recommended and CFS/FMS patients should start slow with a small dose due to symptoms of detoxification.
Fibromyalgia patients have chronically low levels of amino acids and are deficient in systemic protein which provide the materials to maintain, protect and repair body functions. This is most likely due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract that makes it difficult to completely digest protein, carbohydrates and fats. A chiropractor name Dr. Brice Vickery has studied this area extensively and developed a patented formula of amino acids called “Platinum Plus Essential Amino Acids” that is beneficial in addressing protein deficiency and improves many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. To learn more about this read my post “Protein Deficiency”. You can order the amino acids at: www.supernutrient.com
Breathing is the underlying force of life and many people with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have impaired or restricted breathing contributing to poor health. People with CFS/FMS are often unaware that they are surviving on less air or oxygen, which does not show up in an oxygen saturation test because their bodies compensate for this with low blood pressure. Oral Systemic Balance is a treatment developed by a dentist named Farrand Robson that employs oral appliances to help patients breathe better. I discuss this treatment extensively in my post “Oral Systemic Balance”. The treatment has made a huge difference in the quality of my life but it did not resolve all my chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms. The therapy is time consuming and expensive however there are avenues of paying less for treatment by participating in a study, finding a financial supporter and getting some insurance coverage.
Also check out the website www.breathing.com a site for holistic breathing development research, education and self-help programs developed by “The Optimal Breathing Coach” Mike White. I recommend ordering the Fundamentals of Breathing Development Video and Breathing Kit, which offers an effective program of breathing exercises.
Some fibromyalgia patients have experienced relief of symptoms from this treatment that puts the top vertebra of the spine back into place. The treatment it safe and affordable -$250 and usually only requires one treatment plus a follow-up. You can read about people’s success with the treatment under the post “Atlas Profilax” and at: www.atlasprofilax.ch/eng/index.php
6. Thyroid Function
Many chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients suffer from symptoms of hypothyroidism, which include low body temperature (below 98 degrees), fatigue and constipation, even though their thyroid blood tests are normal and/or they are taking thyroid replacement. Dr. Denis Wilson discovered that this condition which is called “Wilson’s Thyroid Syndrome” or “Wilson’s Syndrome” can be reversed by taking for a period of time the active thyroid hormone T3. Returning my body’s temperature and thyroid function to normal was one of the big breakthroughs of my healing and I think it may be an issue for many CFS/FMS patients due to the stress of these conditions. You can read more about my experience with this under the post “Thyroid Function” and go to: www.wilsonssyndrome.com
7. Adrenal Exhaustion
Adrenal exhaustion is common to all CFS/FMS due to the enormous stress of living with these conditions. Main stream endocrinologists do not diagnose or treat this condition because there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the adrenal glands i.e. cancer or autoimmune disease. Holistic and naturopathic physicians diagnose this condition through saliva tests and treat with small amount of hydrocortisol for a few months to give the adrenal glands a chance to recover. I have benefited from this therapy and discuss it in my post “Adrenal Exhaustion”.
8. Infections & Complicating Conditions
CFS/FMS patients are prone to a variety of infections and conditions including yeast overgrowth or candida, intestinal parasites, heavy metal toxicity and mercury poisoning, viral and mycoplasma infections, and Lyme disease. This is due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and lowered immunity. These conditions can be treated by a good naturopathic or holistic physicians using herbs, short term courses of antibiotics and probiotics. The long term solution for dealing with the propensity to have these conditions is improving detoxification through better breathing and raising the levels of glutathione.
9. Lymphatic Dysfunction
The lymphatic system is a specialized component of the circulatory system which functions to remove excess fluids from body tissues, absorb fatty acids and produce immune cells. CFS/FMS patients have a sluggish or restricted flow of lymph resulting in mild edema. Some people have experienced a decrease of symptoms by taking decongestants and expectorants such as guaifenesin. I personally use an electronic instrument called Lymph Star Pro that facilitates lymph drainage via emissions of specific light and sound frequencies. I think this is a preferable alternative to taking drugs and that it has been moderately beneficial. The device is manufactured by Arcturus Star Products www.arcturusstar.com.
10. Physical Therapies
I have explored a variety of physical modalities extensively in my search for better health including many kinds of acupuncture, massage, Rolfing, cranial sacral work, Tragger, chiropractic, Reiki, etc. I have found two forms of physical therapy to be particularly beneficial and they are Feldenkrais and Bowen Work. Both these therapies are very gentle and noninvasive which is important for CFS/FMS patients who can overreact to more aggressive treatments. Feldenkrais addresses patterns of movement and posture that can cause pain. Its practitioners are well educated and can help individuals attain the most efficient and stress free way to move, stand and sit as well as an overall awareness of one’s body. Bowen Work stimulates healing through subtle moves that release tension in specific areas of the body as well as restore physical balance. Both therapies activate the sympathetic nervous system and are excellent adjuncts to healing.
Exercise is a tricky and sometimes impossible activity for persons with CFS/FMS depending on the severity of the condition. Overdoing it can result in a flare-up of symptoms and compound the exhaustive state. Mild exercise and movement such as walking, yoga and Tai Chi well within the limits of one's capacity for exertion however are beneficial.
11. Stress Management
The challenge of living with conditions that cause ongoing fatigue, pain and insomnia is huge. Persons with CFS/FMS are under incredible stress physically and therefore have a low tolerance for additional stress in their personal lives. They need to make good decisions whenever possible about relationships, work and lifestyle that put less stress on them. I have been very fortunate to have people in my life who are supportive and understanding, to not have to solely support myself financially and to have the resources to explore treatments. I have benefited from learning meditation and relaxation skills particularly a biofeedback “hand warming” skill where one learns to increase circulation by raising the external temperature of ones hands, practicing with a digital indoor outdoor thermometer. These skills help me get back to sleep when I wake up at night. I also have built into my schedule a “nap” after lunch that has been a lifesaver.