Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
We first heard of it in the 1980s as the “yuppie Flu”—and the very name suggested it was somehow nothing of real medical importance or cause for concern. Today, the yuppie flu is known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and for those who are afflicted with it, it is an unending nightmare of exhaustion, pain, poor concentration, and depression.
Today, doctors know that so-called yuppies are not the only ones who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In fact, it has grown into an epidemic that affects people of all ethnicities and demographics. Most medical professionals now recognize it as an especially debilitating illness that affects anywhere from one to three million Americans.
While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, was not defined by the Centers for Disease Control until 1988, many researchers believe it has probably been around for centuries. CFS is often confused with Fibromyalgia, another chronic, debilitating illness that is affecting more and more Americans.
Like Fibromyalgia, most Chronic Fatigue victims are middle-aged women—leading some researchers to surmise that it may somehow be linked to hormonal activity in the body.
Other researchers believe Chronic Fatigue may be precipitated by an infection, or possibly, multiple infections in the body. Still others think it’s linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, candidiasis, or the herpes virus.
Whatever the cause, those suffering from Chronic Fatigue are all too familiar with its symptoms. Here are a few of them---
--extreme fatigue that is not alleviated by sleep
--muscle and joint pain and/or weakness
--headaches
--memory loss
--severe exhaustion from minor activity
--low grade fever that often manifests in the afternoon
--mental confusion and poor concentration
--swollen lymph glands
--food and environmental allergies or sensitivities
--depression
--digestive problems
--recurring infections
Generally, if these or similar symptoms persist for six months or more, a person is diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
As I mentioned before, CFS is difficult to diagnose and treat. But many doctors now believe one of the main culprits is body toxicity—and therefore, the road to cure is to cleanse the body of known toxins.
Even if you don’t suffer from Chronic Fatigue, I want you to pay close attention to what I’m about to say…
Toxicity is at the root of many ailments we’re suffering in the U.S. today—I’m talking about cancer, yeast infections, stomach problems, you name it…Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is just one of hundreds of modern-day plagues that have seemingly appeared out of nowhere in the last fifty years.
Alternative physicians and practitioners are leading the charge in finding the CAUSES of these illnesses, instead of looking for drugs to fix symptoms. One of my favorite sayings is that our bodies are not sick and hurting because they lack aspirin, or ibuprofen, or any other such drugs—drugs only cover up symptoms—they don’t cure whatever is CAUSING the symptoms.
That’s why I want you to think about what you’re doing or what is in your environment that could be making you sick—or at the very least, could be reducing your quality of life.
Let’s start with the thousands of chemicals that we are now exposed to. Let me give you some examples…
--water—tap, bottled, etc.—most of it is unhealthy—
--food—pesticides, depleted nutrients because of farming practices, preservatives and chemicals in processing…
--health and beauty products—toothpaste, shampoo, baby products, talc, hair spray…all with chemical components
--house cleaning products—ammonia, toilet cleaners, bleach, etc…we’re living with and breathing this stuff….
--prescription drugs—antibiotics, psychiatric drugs—antibiotics are actually killing bad and good bacteria in your system…and that in itself is leading to greater toxicity in the body…. additionally, several of the most popular prescription drugs are actually associated with a higher incidence of chronic fatigue!
--our so-called “legal” drugs—alcohol and tobacco…
--dental factors—the controversy over mercury-amalgam fillings…
--parasites and fungus—this is not a third world problem!…parasites are afflicting millions of Americans—and are wreaking havoc with our immune systems and ability to absorb nutrients….
Does that long list help you to understand why the richest nation on earth is also one of the sickest?
Now, let’s talk about ways to maintain energy and overall wellbeing.
--Enzymes—deficiencies in them deplete the immune system by not providing the body with necessary nutrients… here are some of my suggestions…
--High nutrient foods—let me define high nutrient…. these are some foods you should concentrate on…
…and these are some foods you should avoid or eliminate….
--Pure water to cleanse the system….
--Doctors believe that many people suffering from Chronic Fatigue are also plagued with Candida—here are some tips for cleansing your body from candida….
--It’s very important to take a GOOD multivitamin/mineral supplement in the most bio-available and absorbable form. Let me explain what that means….
Here are some nutritional supplements that are particularly beneficial for CFS patients:
--Beta Carotene—100,000 IU daily
--Vitamin C—3,000 mg daily—I also highly recommend Vitamin C flushes—let me tell you what they are and how to do them…
--Pantothenic acid—150 mg daily—but not at bedtime
--Zinc—15 mg a day
--Adrenal Extract—1-2 tablets, 3 times daily
--Thymus gland extract—1-2 tablets, three times daily
The following are also very important:
--B-vitamins—which support overall energy metabolism
--Magnesium—improves energy
--Potassium—supports the adrenal glands
--Germanium—enhances oxygen availability to cells
--Essential Fatty Acids—especially evening primrose oil and fish oil…which researchers have found help significantly with fatigue, aches and pains, and depression…
--Coenzyme Q 10—helps to maintain energy…*
Other helpful therapies are
--herbal treatments
--acupuncture, for some patients…
There are many other factors that can cause chronic fatigue that we haven’t touched on today—they include underlying thyroid problems, or a virus, or autoimmune components…. the point is, don’t attempt to diagnose or treat yourself…if you have unrelenting fatigue, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out many other possible causes…
Whether you’re suffering from Chronic Fatigue, or just need to get healthier in general, I hope we’ve helped you in some way today….
VITAMIN C FLUSH
5,000 – 10,000 mg of Crystalline Vitamin C dissolved in 4-6 ounces of distilled water. This drink is very tart – you probably will not enjoy the taste; however, it works!
Drink 3-5 times per day for 3 days
This WILL cause diarrhea – it is advised that you do the flush when you know you can be at home for 3-4 days.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
"Valerie Saxion, N. D. earned her Doctorate in Naturopathy from Clayton College in 2000. She is not a medical doctor and her statements and recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
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