Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or else known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a long-term complicated disorder that affects people through devastating symptoms. In most cases these is no underlying medical issue present. The most striking characteristic of this syndrome is an extreme feeling of fatigue that can be aggravated by mental or physical activity and does not usually improve after rest. The precise cause of CFS remains largely unknown with theories claiming that psychological stress, infections, changes in body’s biochemistry or even a genetic background can onset the illness. However, recent findings indicate that the real causes lie deep within the cell and its mechanisms that may be deregulated.

Diagnosis of Real Causes & Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Gradual restoration of cellular function
• Personalized therapeutic protocols, without chemical residues and excipients
• Treating the real causes
• Therapeutic formulas that work alone or in combination with any other medication
• Adopting a Molecular / Therapeutic Nutrition Plan

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome manifests through a series of symptoms that include severe fatigue, headaches, muscle/joint pain, inability to concentrate, sleep problems, irregular heartbeat, digestive issues, dizziness, tender neck lymph nodes, orthostatic intolerance and/or loss of memory. In many cases, CFS is not reported and can be present for many years. If left untreated it can gradually deteriorate people’s daily routine, decrease libido, contribute to the onset of depression and cause menstruation issues in women.

Pathophysiology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is nowadays classified officially as an illness. The syndrome itself affects many organs and systems of the human body. In certain cases of CFS, patients possess impaired immune system functions. More specifically, a decreased function of T cells is recorded and can be combined with an increased production of inflammatory cytokines and a milder increase of certain auto-antibodies.

Another very common finding, is the decreased ability to produce energy through the metabolism of oxygen, glucose, amino acids and fatty acids, indicating abnormalities in the implicated metabolic pathways.

Most patients suffering from CFS, report prolonged or intense periods of stress before the onset of the syndrome. This stress can lead to a deregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.  The adrenal glands having gone through an extended period of hyper-activity attempting to cope with stress and other aspects of an individual’s daily routine subsequently enter a state of “adrenal fatigue”. This stage is characterized by abnormal levels of the main adrenal hormones, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Epidemiological data and Risk factors

While anyone can be affected by CFS, the syndrome is most common in ages between 40 and 60 years old. Women are more prone to the syndrome compared to men. The syndrome is less common in children than adolescents. Cases of CFS have been recorded in all countries and in all ethnic groups. Income does not seem to play a role, regarding the presence of the syndrome. CFS can be present in members of the same family. It is estimated that a number between 800.000 and 2.5 million US citizens suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Other risk factors for the development of CFS are:

• a recent viral or bacterial infection such as flu or an infection of the gastrointestinal tract
• a family history of CFS
• abuse or trauma at a young age
• extended periods of stress or post-traumatic stress

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Treatment

The modern way of treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

After filling in an extensive Medical Questionnaire, your Health Specialist will address a series of targeted questions to you and take into consideration any previous medical records, to assess whether your symptoms could be indicative of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Then, your specialist may recommend a specialized blood test or other molecular-level diagnostic tests to confirm and strengthen the diagnosis. In most cases a CFS oriented questionnaire may be asked to be filled in.

Your personalized treatment plan will be based upon the diagnostic tests results, the symptoms described and your medical history overall. This treatment plan will be accompanied by a Molecular Nutrition program that will be compiled after a distinct consultation with our Molecular Nutritionist and will aim towards achieving even higher levels of health and well-being along with alleviating not only the symptoms but the true causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Dr. Nikoleta Koini, M.D.

Doctor of Functional, Preventive, Anti-ageing and Restorative Medicine.

Diplomate and Board Certified in Anti-aging, Preventive, Functional and Regenerative Medicine from A4M (American Academy in Antiaging Medicine).

Read more:

The modern way of treating Chronic Diseases

References

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