http://www.prohealth.com/fibromyalgi...350&t=CFIDS_FM

It is interesting that excess NO production can be the cause of CFS/FM. I think that its not the actual Nitric Oxide that causes it but due to a genetic mutation or bacterial/viral infection your body instead converts NO to Peroxynitrite and Super Oxide. Both are extremely damaging free radicals which cause neuronal cell death and DNA damage.

In the case of bacterial/viral CFS in an attempt to protect the body it creates lots of super oxide. Superoxide is biologically quite toxic and is deployed by the immune system to kill invading microorganisms. In phagocytes, superoxide is produced in large quantities by the enzyme NADPH oxidase for use in oxygen-dependent killing mechanisms of invading pathogens. In turn, micro-organisms genetically engineered to lack superoxide dismutase (SOD), lose virulence SOD it the antioxidant which protects cells it can be increased by using antioxidants such as selenium and manganese.

I myself have been dealing with chronic fatigue past 6-8 months but due to extensive testing have been able to allieviate a large amount of symptoms and am on a road to recovery.

I am on 4mg of Folinic Acid and 10mg of Methylcobalamin per day sublingual. Both help to quench these free radicals and prevent your body from converting Nitric Oxide to its toxin forms. These two supplements have helped tremendously like nothing else. But these we're specific for myself due to Organic acid testing and metabolic analysis. Because i have a MTHFR mutation so i need the folinic acid to go straight into circulation and Methylb12 for my nerves/sense of touch reduction/muscle weakness.

One good supplement which reduces these free radicals is Resveratrol it is good for just about anything - Glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, L.H. Release, supporting the immune system, elevated cholesterol etc...

Another product that has good success with chronic fatigue syndrome is Astra 8 immune tonic. It boosts the immune system but also contains immunomodulatory herbs such as ligustrum and codonopsis which reduce an overactive immune system. It also contains some adaptogens (licorice root) which provides your adrenals with some extra fuel.

The best testing i have seen is at genovadiagnostics.com and metametrix.com

I think their are many causes of CFS/FM and each's case is individual.


These are usually due to:

1. Hormone imbalance: low testosterone, hypothyroidism, low estorgen/progesterone, adrenal insufficiency all these can deplete the body of its energy reserves particularly if you aren't making enough cortisol and their are quite a few studies showing that people with CFS tend to have low cortisol levels.

Proper hormone testing should be done with anyone with the condition and hormone replacement be commenced for those with deficiencies. I would see anti-aging/integrative medical specialist rather than endocrinologists. Endos are only good for chronic problems such aq cushing disease or addisons and refuse to treat people in some cases even if the symptoms of their particular hormone disorder are more than obvious.


2. Nutritional deficiencies: due to malabsorbtion of nutrients, dysbiosis (bacterial overgrowth) with parasites, candida albicans or other hidden infections, poor diet, lack of digestive enzymes/hydrochloric acid.

- Hair Mineral Analysis or Optimal Nutritional Evaluation at Genova diagnostics can bring insight into nutritional/metabolic issues


3. Heavy metal overload - mercury, cadmium, lead, all these can cause chronic fatigue due to your body being overwhelmed with the toxins of heavy metals. Your body then ends up being depleted in its master antioxidant glutathione and your detoxification system is impaired leving you vulnerable to toxins/oxidants which case damage to your DNA and cells.
This can be due to too much smoking (cadmium) too much fish/tuna (mercury) etc...
*
Hair mineral analysis will show toxic overload, blood and urine tests aren't anywhere as accurate as hair reflects long term exposure to toxic metals.


4. Low EFA's - lack of essential fatty acids can cause chronic fatigue although to a much larger extent but it can too be a contributing factor to the disease. EFA's omega 3, 6 and 9 are required by your body everyday as they are involved with the repair of cells and particular the repair of your cell membranes. Cell membranes are comprised of fats and if you don't take in enough your cell membranes will over time get damaged and not replicate properly.

RBC Fatty Acid testing at genovadiagnostics will show the level of fatty acids inside your cells.

Incorporating a EFA supplement in your diet would be helpful although i would avoid too much omega 3 fatty acids as these can cause more harm than good. Arachidonic acid omega 6 is beneficial!!!.


5. Impaired methylation - this would probably more so be the MAIN cause of the problem - hypomethylation (misreplication of DNA) will cause any or all disease to progress. It is involved with your energy (mitochondrial function), mood (neurotransmitters), healing. As well as Detoxification via the production of glutathione and Immunity and DNA replication.

You need someone who is an expert in methylation to help you out on specific supplement you need to correct this. The Optimal nutritional evaluation at Genova was the test that i did for this and i then got my supplement recommendations.


6. Oxidative stress - i think people might know this already. Increase your antioxidant intake via foods (goji berries, acai berries) particularly very effective and supplements Vitamins A, C, E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Glutathione Cream.


7. Diet - in terms of diet i would reduce refined sugar and carbohydrate consumption and increase protein consumption from - organic eggs, lamb, chicken, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (lactose free) - which is a predigested protein.

Fats - organic butter, avocado's,
sunflower/almond/hazelnut butters, nuts, seeds, hemp seed oil/butter, macadamia nut oil.

Carbohydrates i wouldnt use many but the ones i would use would come from fruits and vegetables and tonnes of them. Raw juicing is excellent full of vitamins/minerals/enzymes. and easily absorbed by the digestive tract. Also Quinoa, Amaranth, Corn, Rice/Corn cereals, pastas and gluten free grains. Its a good idea to reduce carbohydrate consumption since bacteria/yeast and most pathogens thrive on carbohydrates/sugar as a fuel source.

8. Food Allergies can be a major cause for some people thats why i would get a RAST test done as well as IgE inhalant allergies and IgE food allergies. Its a generally good idea to avoid wheat, dairy and soy as these are the most prevalent allergic trigger foods that can be adding to the underlying cause of the problem.

9. Malabsorbtion/poor digestion - because you are what you absorb not what you eat. Particularly if you regularly have digestive complains such as nausea, constipation/diarrhoea, indigestion, excessive or a lack of appetite.

This can be helped by using high dose probiotics 50 billion per day to establish good gut flora. About 70% of the bodys immune system is located in the gut so keeping your gut flora full of good microbes can keep your immune system healthy. The gut flora also help you to absorb your foods properly. Vegetable digestive enzymes with meals as well as betaine hydrochloride which can assist HcL acid production - althought only use this one if you know you suffer from hypochloria - low stomach acid production. As well as replacing missing vitamins/minerals which can be tested for with the above tests.

Their is also the issue of (LGS) leaky gut syndrome (also called increased intestinal permeability), is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to protect the internal environment as well as to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances. As a consequence, some bacteria and their toxins, incompletely digested proteins and fats, and waste not normally absorbed may "leak" out of the intestines into the blood stream. This triggers an autoimmune reaction, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal bloating, excessive gas and cramps, fatigue, food sensitivities, joint pain, skin rashes, and autoimmunity. The cause of this syndrome may be chronic inflammation, food sensitivity, damage from taking large amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), cytotoxic drugs and radiation or certain antibiotics, excessive alcohol consumption, or compromised immunity.

Intestinal Permiability can be tested via genova diagnostics. Treatment revolves around healing and supporting the integrity of the damaged intestinal mucosa with supplements such as: L-Glutamine, EFA's, Zinc, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Slippery Elm Bark, FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) and the pre-biotic Saccharomyces Boullardi. Also avoiding allergenic foods and particularly mucosal irritants such as coffee and alcohol.

10. Parasitic infestation - These little buggers can cause anything from infective arthritis to chronic fatigue. Bacteria/Parasites synthesis Folate and B12 so a deficiency of both of these could indicate the presence of a pathogen. This is the GI stool test i would do:

The GI Effects Profile uses DNA analysis to identify microbiota including anaerobes, a previously immeasurable area of the gut environment. DNA assessment is specific and accurate, avoids the pitfalls of sample transport, reports results as specific numbers, and is more sensitive than classic laboratory methods.

http://www.metametrix.com/content/Di...sis-GI-Effects


This is just my opinion of what the causes of CFS/FM are usually due to and some people will be suprised how quickly then can turn their lives around when they know what is actually causing their Chronic Fatigue.

Thanks for reading, hope this helps you in your quest for a healthy body and mind.

No comments?

I have some thoughts but will post tomorrow as I am feeling a bit under the weather.

WOW!!! I just found this. Thank you for posting it. Have you ever had your ATP levels checked?? I soooo agree with you.
I use the EFAs and have also found L-tryptophan to be of immense help to me. I am still working to find answers and improve the CFS, and fibro. I would really like to know more about the testing you have gone through. Especially nutritional. Thanks, again....

The best test you can do is the Optimal Nutritional Evaluation at Genova Diagnostics though it isnt cheap around about $600. But well worth it in my opinion.

Comprises of Organic Acids, Metabolic Analysis and Oxidative Stress.

It will give you an insight into you anti-oxidant status, B-Vitamins, Methylation, Malabsorbtion markers, Bacterial Dysbiosis, Cellular energy and mitochondrial functioning, It will also show you your amino acid levels and if you are deficient in any the required supplementation will be written for you as well as any vitamin/minerals you are deficient in.

For myself for example: I needed B6 but i couldnt convert regular into the active p5p (Pyridoxial -5- Phosphate) form so i need to use the P5P form.

I needed MethylB12, Which is methylcobalamin due to poor conversion of cyanocobalamin into methylcobalamin as well as methylcobalamins rule in being a good glutamate scavanger which i had high glutamate levels on my ONE test which could be due to neurological/biological stress. And also high Nitric Oxide levels which MethylB12 helps reduce.

And finally Folinic Acid i needed due to having a MTHFR (MethylTetraHydrofolatereductase) gene mutation which no amount of regular folic acid could ever fix.

My blood levels of B12 were 241 (200 - 800)
Folate - 1658 (635 >)

Doctors told me its all normal yet on a cellular level my cells we're severely lacking both nutrients causing me further illness.


I also see many CFIDS patients are actually severely hypothyroid and this is actually the cause of their CFS. Since hypothyroidism can mimic this disease in terms of chronic fatigue, weakness and subsequent symptoms.

And in order for you to get a grasp on your thyroid levels you need several test not just the TSH and FT4 which don't show you squat!

Thyroid Panel:

Total t3
Total t4
Free t3
Free t4
Reverse t3
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
Thyroid Globulin Anti Bodies
Thyroid Binding Globulin
TSH

MetalMX,

This is a great post.

I have what I think is undiagnosed chronic fatigue. It is amzing how many different factors can affect us. I first began noticing debilitating fatigue about three years ago.

After a sleep study, I found that I have a mild (RDI=8) form of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), but that is not the whoe story. After nearly two years of using a CPAP, I certainly sleep better, but the daytime fatigue has not fully abated.

You mention Genova several times in your posts. Can you give me some basic information about it. Is it a clinic somewhere? If I go to my regular doctor, what would I ask?

I would really like to help everyone here if i can.

Most doctors are only their to treat your symptoms, push you drugs and that's that. They are like the salesman for the drug companies.

In CFS we don't see macro-pathology we see micro-pathology at the molecular level. That is to say the problems are bio-chemical and occur at the molecular level.

Their are several cycles that are known to cause this fatigue, each one interlinks with each other.

The important cycles are: blood sugar, allergy problems, sleep cycles, mitochondrial function, anti-oxidant status, the NO/OONO cycle, thyroid and adrenal hormones and detoxification.

Many people can be cured with their CFS if they start getting their methylation under way.

Methylation is the passing of a chemical fragment called a methyl group (a carbon atom linked to three hydrogen atoms) from one molecule to another. This chemical "tag" acts as an all-important signal and structural modification throughout our bodies (Mitchell 1998).

Although there are many uses of methylation, DNA methylation is one of the essential, and one of the most important, uses of methyl groups.

Supplements such as Folinic Acid (MethylFolate), Methylcobalamin (Active B12), P5P - Active form of B6 and SAMe - S- Adenosyl L-Methionine are used to improve methylation. All are also excellent at reducing homocysteine since they all donate a methyl group and allow homocysteine to be converted into methionine as it should be. High Homocysteine levels are dangerous.

Hi MetalMX,

Just wondering how you got your sample to Genova Diagnostics from Aus? Time lines for transit and couriers etc?

This is certainly helpful. I posted elsewhere that I had noticed some surprising benefits in inflammation and some additional benefits with fatigue (although the fatigue has not completely gone away) by using antioxidant supplements.

What I have mainly used has been*edit*cocktail of different substances that promote reduced intracellular glutathione synthesis and recycling.
1) N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC): to increase the limiting substrate cystine in GSH.
2) Vitamin C: to absorb NAC
3) L-Glutamine: also one of the reagents in the GSH tri-peptide, but I think this also helps recycle GSH.
4) Alpha Lipoic Acid: to help the liver function, since there is a large concentration of GSH in the liver.

There are a few other substances in this mixture, but it really seemed to make a difference with me. *edit*

I still need to look at getting better sleep. I seem to do best with 8 hrs, but I am currently getting 6.5-7 hrs durring the week. Some days I have to go home and lie down at lunch just to make it through the other half of the day.

I also need to read about methylation. How are methylation problems resolved? Isn't methylation part of the body's own developmental regulation? If one removes methylation, could one inadvertantly express oncogenes? Can one demethylate with specificity? These are all questions that I need to understand better.

The idea of controlling methylation seems attractive to me. I wonder if we can do it safely.