Alison Odey

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalopathy or ME) is marked by
long-standing, severe and disabling fatigue, usually lasting at least six months and aggravated by minimal exertion.

There is often accompanying sleep dysfunction, muscle or joint pain,
headache or lack of concentration and/or confusion. There can also be
food allergies and/or intolerance and chemical sensitivities.
Symptoms are often similar to those found in fibromyalgia, depression, thyroid deficiency and Irritable Bowel syndrome and can be difficult to define with certainty.

Studies suggest that CFS may be due to alterations in immune function, however total consensus on a pattern of immunological dysfunction has not yet been reached.
My own feeling on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that it comes about as the result of viral infection that the body has been unable to deal with adequately as many viruses can cause persistant or latent viral infection.

It has been suggested that Epstein Barr virus can trigger CFS, but inadequate evidence exists to point the finger at any one virus or retrovirus as a causative factor although approximately 50% of chronic fatigue patients have one or more of the following viruses in their history: Epstein Barr, Herpes virus 6, Cytomegalo virus, Ross river fever, Cox-Sackie B, Polio plus a few others.

Reducing all causes of inflammation is paramount and this of course includes inflammation from viral and bacterial causes but also we need to look at inflammation caused by oxidative stress (excess free radicals) and inflammation caused by muscular and spinal tension.
Excess oxidative stress can damage the mitrochrondria cells (the body’s power cells) and if magnesium is deficient to the point that the muscles are excessively tense then the blood flow is reduced (the muscles will feel cold and painful).

Prolonged stress will aggravate the condition and can play a part in the immune status dropping to the point that it cannot overcome a virus.

The immune system should, if working effectively, be able to over-come infection, of bacterial origin and keep infection of viral origin under control.
However, if the body becomes tired, run down, overworked, over stressed,
undernourished or the immune system is compromised in any way, a virus can again
become active.
I have seen excellent results in many people I have treated who have been told they have
ME, once the immune system is strengthened.

Treatment centres on optimising health and immunity in all aspects, but in particular improving the body’s ability to overcome and resist viral infection.
Optimising other areas of health means maintaining at all times a diet that is high in fresh wholesome, unprocessed foods (and if candida is suspected, avoid all sugars), avoiding excessive stress and being sure to get enough rest and adequate sleep.

Exercise also needs to be undertaken, but not to the point that the body becomes overtired. Go carefully.

Vitamins and minerals are extremely important in the healing process.
Take extra Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium and Chromium. These can easily be obtained along with all other necessary minerals and trace elements in Colloidal minerals which should be taken long-term.
However in some cases it may be necessary to increase magnesium if muscular tension is severe. Magnesium Glycinate works better than some other varieties of magnesium and can greatly reduce the tenderness of the muscles.
See pages on ‘Minerals – facts’ and ‘Minerals – why we need to supplement’.

This is just a snipet of what you need to know, so if you want to know more about this subject or have a personal question of your own, then please email me for a personal consultation, as all natural treatments are best if prescribed individually.
Cost and contact address are on the Contact page.
Alternatively, if possible. – make an appointment