Chronic Fatigue Treatment
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is Real!
Despite the doubts of a few doctors, chronic fatigue syndrome most definitely is real. And as its victims well know, it can also be horribly debilitating. Its predominant symptom is persistent, overwhelming fatigue that dramatically reduces its sufferers’ ability to participate in the regular activities of life. Along with the fatigue are problems with memory and concentration. It is also usually accompanied by several out of a long list of symptoms, including but not limited to headaches, insomnia, sore throat, and muscle and joint pain. |
|
These problems can come and go over a period of years. If you have deep fatigue for more than two weeks, or if for any reason you suspect you have CFS, do not make a diagnosis on your own. See a doctor so that he or she can rule out other possible disorders. Once other disorders have been ruled out, your best chances of recovery are in our opinion the use of natural therapies.
CFS is probably caused by a combination of factors and often results in a depressed immune system. Of course the key to treatment is to find out and treat the reason(s) for the immune system imbalance, which can be related to many factors. For example, chronic infections are thought to play a role for some such as the viruses Epstein-Barr (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Human Herpes Virus HHV-6. Other infections such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia are also suspect. The overgrowth of fungi seems to be a common problem for those with this condition and practitioners frequently find parasite infection to be present.
One of the most common findings with this condition is hormone imbalance. The most common one is adrenal gland insufficiency, also referred to as “adrenal burnout.” The adrenal glands located on top of both kidneys, produces stress hormones cortisol and DHEA. These hormones are commonly depleted in people with chronic fatigue and we find restoring the levels to normal to generally be quite helpful. The same can be said of many of the hormones in the body.
Low thyroid function can be a core problem and will result in suboptimal energy production within the cells. In addition, deficiencies in testosterone, growth hormone, and deficiencies or imbalances of estrogen and progesterone are common. Underlying much of the hormone imbalance can be hypothalamic dysfunction. This refers to an imbalance of the hormonal and neural messages from the brain to the adrenal, thyroid, and other hormonal organs of the body.
Poor digestion and impaired detoxification also need to be considered as a root cause of chronic fatigue. Malabsorption of foods and nutrients contributes to nutritional deficiencies. Environmental toxins such as mercury and others inhibit enzyme functions that are required for energy production.
An unhealthy diet can set the stage for chronic fatigue. A high amount of refined carbohydrates contributes to blood sugar problems, yeast overgrowth, increased demand on the adrenal glands, and chronic inflammation and immune suppression can set in. In addition, a diet of processed foods is deficient of nutrients required for energy production and a healthy immune system.
Also of prime importance are the effects of chronic stress on the body. People who do not deal with mental, emotional, and spiritual stresses effectively are more likely to suffer fatigue. As well, unresolved problems with anxiety and depression contribute to fatigue.
Movement and exercise is a fundamental key to health. Too little of exercise contributes to fatigue while at the opposite end of the spectrum overtraining and overexertion leads to breakdown of the organs involved with energy production.
A final area worth mentioning is sleep. This is your body’s way of recovering and regenerating. Adequate sleep is essential. If you suffer from a sleep problem then seek medical help and focus on natural ways to alleviate it.
A good complementary care regimen will address the whole body - and therefore many of the possible causes.
Symptoms
Constant, disabling fatigue is the primary symptom, but CFS usually incorporates several of the following:
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Temporary loss of memory
- Muscle and joint pain
- Weakness
- Exhaustion after even mild exercise
- Loss of appetite
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Sore throat
- Intestinal problems
- Sore or swollen lymph nodes
Root Causes
- Chronic infection (often viral, fungal, or parasitic)
- Immune system damage
- Low blood pressure
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Intestinal permeability
- Impaired detoxification
- Dysbiosis
- Food allergies
- Chemical sensitivities
- Neurological malfunction
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Poor adrenal function
- Sleep disorder (such as apnea)
- Hormone deficiencies
- Environmental toxins (e.g. toxic metals)
- Unresolved stress
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Testing Techniques
Following are tests that help assess possible metabolic reasons for chronic fatigue syndrome:
- Immune system imbalance or disease-blood
- Blood pressure
- Hormone testing (thyroid, DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, IGF-1, estrogen, progesterone)-saliva, blood, or urine
- Intestinal Permeability-urine
- Detoxification profile-urine
- Vitamin and Mineral Analysis (especially magnesium, B12, iron and CoQ10) –blood
- Digestive function and microbe/parasite/candida testing-stool analysis
- Anemia-blood test (CBC, iron, ferritin, % saturation)
- Food and environmental allergies/sensitivities-blood, electrodermal
- Blood sugar balance-blood
- Sleep disorder-sleep study
- Heart function-EKG
- Toxic metals-urine or hair analysis
Dr. Stengler's Solutions
The root cause(s) identified by Dr. Stengler dictates what treatment he recommends. Intravenous nutrient therapy is especially helpful for infusing the body with energy producing nutrients and treating infections. Also, many people achieve quick benefit from improved adrenal gland and thyroid functioning. Nutritional supplements may include high potency multivitamins, sublingual B12, cordyceps, ginseng, ashwagandha, ribose, and other energy boosting nutrients.
| Study on Integrated Treatment Approach |
In a randomized, double-blind study in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue, researchers found that an integrated treatment approach based on an individual’s symptoms and laboratory analysis had significantly greater benefits than those receiving placebo. Long-term follow up found the active group had increasing improvement.
Teitelbaum J et al. Effective Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia-a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Intent to Treat Study. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 8(2) (2001). |
MORE INFO: Tired? Moody? Read Dr. Stengler’s Bottom Line Natural Healing article on Adrenal Fatigue
Dr. Stengler has improved the lives of many patients who have suffered with fatigue:
My health began to steadily decline after a motor vehicle accident, coupled with the stress of an extremely busy interior design practice. Soon, my health spiraled out of control and I became so ill I could no longer work! By the time I saw Dr. Stengler, I had been seeking treatment for 22 months from other health practicitioners and had little to no improvement. My life consisted of going from the bed to the sofa and the sofa to the bed! My symptoms included severe fatigue, muscle, joint and nerve pain as well as difficulty sleeping and of course, depression. Basically, I had NO LIFE!! After starting Dr. Stengler's adrenal nutrients, I began to see improvement in a few weeks with increased energy, improved stamina and soon, relief from the pain! I am eternally grateful!! ~ Cindy Schalkle - Cave Creek, AZ
I came to De Stengler when I began feeling so rundown and battling a lack
of energy that was affecting my quality of life. I was feeling tired and run
down as soon as I got out of bed and it was a struggle to get through the
day. Since seeing the doctor I have felt like a totally different person. I
feel great when I wake up and get through the entire day feeling like I have
energy to spare. My mental outlook is so improved that others comment on the
difference. My husband especially is really pleased with the change he has
seen in my energy and happiness.
~ Jo Ann Lopez
Prior to my visit to Dr Stengler, I was often tired during and after my
workouts and had low energy much of the time. Dr Stengler started me on
sublingual B12 and within three days my energy levels improved dramatically.
Now I no longer feel the need to nap in the afternoon and can maintain my
energy throughout the day. ~ Lou Appell
I went to see Dr. Stengler because I was constantly tired and struggling to get through each day. I could barely get myself out of bed each morning. I was tired all day and exhausted by the time I was able to get to bed at night. I knew I had ben running myself pretty hard, due to life circumstances. However, it got worse when I contracted walking pneumonia. The pneumonia was treated with antibiotics, and although the pneumonia was gone, I just couldn't get back on my feet. I had done everything I could think to do. I was eating healthy and exercising daily, but nothing seemed to be working. In fact, the more I did, the worse I felt. I told Dr. Stengler I wanted my "bounce" back. I didn't want to keep dragging through life, but I just couldn't seem to get my energy back.
I am extremely thankful, because after following his prescriptions, I am doing so much better. My lung capacity has returned and I can run and do my exercising and feel invigorated not exhausted. I am waking up refreshed and managing to make it through my days with some energy left over for my family in the evenings. I've lost weight, toned up and I have life again. ~ Kathleen Yanelli
Almost one year after giving birth to my first child, my energy level had never recovered. Family members said it was because of my age (in my mid-30's). Friends said it was "normal"…they all felt this way. But I also suffered from absence of libido, excessive irritability, disappearing social interest, and overwhelming sense of burnout. I refused to accept it being "normal" for me and sought help from Dr. Stengler. After a very brief meeting, I was sent home with a daily homeopathic treatment and a suggestive supplement. Ten days later, I started to notice a difference. I wake up now feeling ready to face the day's challenges. I am calm enough to organize my plans and thoughts. I just put on a party to celebrate my son's first birthday. I am making changes to improve my profession. Most importantly, I want to have physical intimacy with my husband, and I am confident about it. I'm very grateful for having had such a wonderful result from a Christian doctor who uses his God-given talents so well! ~ Rose - Scripps Ranch, CA
I had severe fatigue, headaches, insomnia, aches and pains for 4 years until I met Dr. Stengler. His nutritional and hormone balancing program have revived me. I have good energy, stamina, better outlook on life, and even better relationships as a result of his care. At 77 years of age I am enjoying my ‘golden years” with vitality. ~
Elvia Sanchez-Teruel,
La Jolla, CA
For several years, I suffered from at least 20 different symptoms that were creating depression, pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, and horrible fatigue. I have a very high profile job and life and found it harder and harder to keep up. I spent a lot of time at the doctor's office and the emergency room, all to no avail. I was desperate and always checking the internet to see if I could find what the doctor's could not. After meeting with Dr. Stengler, he gave me encouragement and hope that he would be able to help get the old me back. After running some tests on me, he was able to pinpoint some problems and slowly but surely got me back on track. Within a few months, I was back to my old self and working long full days again. I'm able to give my all as a wife, mother and friend again. I no longer have the pain, depression or fatigue that plagued me for years. Thank you for giving me back my life......
~ Angie West - San Diego, CA
When I first came to Dr. Stengler I was experiencing low energy, night sweats, hot flashes during the day, and brain fogginess. After he supplied me with two homeopathic formulas, I immediately stopped having the night sweats and hot flashes. I was able to sleep through the night, and now I am much more energetic and focused. I'm so glad he was able to pinpoint what was wrong, and I highly recommend him as a knowledgeable, caring doctor. ~ Janis Klippel - San Diego, CA
|
