May 1, 2020
Is Your Tiredness Linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
What Is It?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is chronic tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest. It sometimes comes with fibromyalgia and can’t be explained by underlying medical conditions. CFS is linked to stress, viruses, and heavy metal toxins. It’s also commonly referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis.
There are many cases in which CFS is a toxicity, missed Lyme disease or a misdiagnosed thyroid or adrenal condition. That is why seeing a specialist is a must.
CFS is also linked to human herpesvirus-6, which causes roseola in babies. The virus remains in the spinal cord for life. It can be reactivated due to an immunocompromised disposition or another underlying condition such as heavy metal overload, nutritional deficiency or stress.
Course of Action
A great number of Americans are faced with frustration and constant hardship due to CFS. What do you do if your doctor cannot help you?
There are two specialists you must see — an endocrinologist (to make sure your thyroid, adrenals and hormones are in check) and a Lyme Disease specialist to get tested for Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella and the rest of the possible co-infections. Make sure to ask to get tested for these co-infections. They are often overlooked by doctors.
CFS is often caused by nutritional deficiencies that include iron, l.serine, taurine, chromium, B vitamins, and zinc.
You must also test your Heavy Metal Toxins load, D, and iron levels (plus TIBC and ferritin). Here are the three tests: a) Heavy Metals; b) Iron; c) Vitamin D. I cannot emphasize enough how important that is. In fact, many people tell me they know their iron and D levels are low but cannot absorb them due to leaky gut, chronic diarrhea or IBS. If this is the case, consult your physician to see if this gentle gut health bundle is appropriate for you.
All diseases start in the gut.
If your heavy metal levels are high, consider that cilantro, clay, cruciferous vegetables (cabbages) and charcoal are vastly effective; just make sure to monitor the levels of your minerals, as charcoal will bind with beneficial minerals indiscriminately and that may cause harm over time.
In the event of a toxicity, this easy Heavy Metal Detox may be your next step. Upon completion, ask your physician if this stress management bundle is appropriate for you. It contains B vitamins, GABA and adrenal support agents.
The Iron Connection
Herpes viruses are complicated by anemia which on its own causes fatigue, so it is important that a blood test is conducted. If your iron is low, please see your doctor. Iron supplements combined with vitamin C, B-6, B-12, folate, boiled stinging nettle, dandelion root, and boiled rumex (dock) with discarded water are often recommended. Steam or boil while discarding the water to mitigate the effects of oxalic acid. Daily wheat-grass smoothies and steamed / boiled spinach with discarded water also move us closer to easy plant-based iron assimilation.
The Vitamin D Connection
This sunshine vitamin, which is really a group of fat soluble hormones, is central to the health of the immune system. Herpes virus reactivation is also linked to a vitamin D deficiency. Measure your levels and take the proper steps to correct the problem with liquid D supplement that also contains K2 (do not take if you are on blood thinning medications). If absorption is an issue, start with the gut and use sunshine and Vitamin D light therapy in order to create a comprehensive regimen.
Low D and iron levels, cigarette smoking, and stress may all trigger CFS.
Need help navigating through this maze? Schedule a remote consultation with the author.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/mononucleosis
- https://thor.ne/6Q3Lshttps://thor.ne/dWuvE
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6167797/
- https://www.meassociation.org.uk/2018/03/frontiers-press-release-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-possibly-explained-by-lower-levels-of-key-thyroid-hormones-20-march-2018/
- https://www.prohealth.com/library/heavy-metals-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-20128
- https://www.meassociation.org.uk/2013/10/mea-opposes-plan-to-put-review-of-nice-mecfs-guideline-on-hold-23-october-2013/
- https://www.meassociation.org.uk/2016/06/why-are-we-asking-if-you-have-been-tested-for-vitamin-d-deficiency-in-this-months-mea-website-poll-1-june-2016/
Legal Disclaimer
The statements on these pages are not evaluated by the FDA and are for informational purposes only. Nothing on this page intends to treat, diagnose or prevent disease. If you suspect that you have a disease or a condition of any type, please see your primary care physician without delay. Consult your physician before taking supplements or changing your diet.
About the Author
Evelina Sodt, PhD is a nationally registered provider of health education services. She is a practitioner, a consultant, and the author of over a dozen books, including Healing Pain, Anxiety, and Inflammation Without Drugs: The Science Behind Natural Medicine. Dr. Ev practices virtually via remote consultations. She lives in Northern NJ with her husband, daughter, and a cat named Kingston.
