Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Background
Exhausted, achy, “brain fog,” and can’t sleep?
Having had post viral chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromylgia in 1975 (they knocked me out of medical school and left me homeless for much of the year) and having learned how to recover, helping people get well from these syndromes is near and dear to my heart. In the last 40 years, I have effectively treated over 3,000 people for these illnesses.
Long COVID is simply one more form of post viral CFS. And it is very treatable.
Our study titled "Effective Treatment of CFS and Fibromyalgia," published in the Journal of CFS, showed that 91% of patients improved with treatment (p<.0001 vs. placebo for you science buffs), with an average improvement in quality of life of 90%. Many patients no longer even qualified for the diagnosis of CFS or fibromyalgia after treatment. In support of our work, an editorial in the journal of the American Academy of Pain Management (the largest multidisciplinary society of pain specialists in the United States) noted "the comprehensive and aggressive metabolic approach to treatment detailed in the Teitelbaum study are all highly successful approaches and make fibromyalgia a very treatment responsive disorder. The study by Dr. Teitelbaum et al and years of clinical experience make this approach an excellent and powerfully effective part of the standard of practice for treatment of people who suffer from fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.”
What is Causing These Syndromes?
CFS/FMS acts as a “circuit breaker,” with the hypothalamus decreasing its function to protect the individual in the face of what is perceived to be an overwhelming stress (just like blowing a fuse/circuit breaker in a house). This center controls sleep, hormones, temperature, blood flow, blood pressure, and sweating. In addition, if your muscles do not have enough energy, they will get stuck in the shortened position and you’ll be in pain (think rigor mortis). This “energy crisis” can be caused by any of a number of infections, stresses, or injuries.
More Information Online
Articles on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Dr. T
Effective Treatment of CFS and Fibromyalgia
NOTE: This condition has been revised with newer information only available in the premium version of this app. To learn more and to upgrade, tap the "Cures A-Z+" button in the main toolbar below.
Treatments
Five main categories of problems need to be treated — think "S.H.I.N.E." These are the key areas that need to be treated to "turn your circuit breaker back on" and for fatigue and pain to resolve.
The letters in S.H.I.N.E. stand for:
- Sleep
- Hormonal deficiencies and hypotension (POTS)
- Infections
- Nutritional supplementation
- Exercise as able
Recommended Supplements
Herbal sleep aids
For sleep — Because the hypothalamic "circuit breaker" that is offline controls sleep, most people with CFS/FMS need a mix of herbal sleep aids and prescription sleep treatments. For you to get well and pain free, it is critical that you take enough of the correct natural and prescription sleep treatments to get 8 to 9 hours sleep at night! Try using the natural aids first (take just before bedtime). Ambien, trazodone, and other specific prescription sleep aids that improve deep sleep, can also help.
Adrenal nutrients and DHEA
For hormonal deficiencies — The hypothalamus is the main control center, via the pituitary, for most of the glands in the body. Most of the normal ranges for our blood tests were not developed within the context of hypothalamic suppression or these syndromes. Because of this (and for a number of other reasons) it is usually necessary to treat with natural bioidentical thyroid, adrenal (e.g., adrenal nutrients and DHEA), and ovarian and testicular hormones — despite normal blood tests! See Lab Testing is NOT Reliable). These natural hormones have been found to be reasonably safe when used in low doses.
Multivitamin powder and ribose
For nutrition — Widespread nutritional deficiencies are common, and require dozens of nutrients. As people are tired of being part of the "Handful Club" (taking handfuls of supplement tablets each day), a better solution is to take a good multivitamin powder. Add Ribose 5 gm (1 scoop) 3x day for 3 weeks, then twice a day to powerfully jump start your energy. In our 2 studies of 298 people with CFS/FMS, Ribose dramatically increased energy an average of 60% after 3 weeks.
Power packed herbals for healthy energy
- Smart Energy System™. In our recent study, this special mix of Ashwagandha, rhodiola, licorice, green tea extract and schisandra plus ribose increased stamina an average of over 80%.
- HRG80™ Red Ginseng. Though most ginseng products no longer have the needed potency, a new unique hydroponically grown form does! Our recent study of 188 people showed that ½-2 chewable tablets daily increased energy an average of over 60% in most people.
Other Therapies & Advice
Treat infections
Many studies have shown immune system dysfunction in CFS/FMS, which can result in many unusual infections. These include viral infections, parasites and other bowel infections and, most importantly, fungal/Candida infections.
Pain relief
Three excellent natural mixes:
- A special mix of curcumin, boswellia, DLPA and nattokinase.
- A unique mix of PEA and serratiopeptidase. This takes 2-3 months to start working but is quite remarkable. It also helps microglial activation and sensitivities (MCAS).
- Topical comfrey cream — apply to painful areas 3x day as needed.
For the first 2 above, take 1-2 caps of both 3x day for 6 weeks, then can drop the dose to what is needed to maintain the effect. All 3 can be combined with any pain meds. After 3 months, S.H.I.N.E. also drops pain an average of 50%.
Exercise as able
Do not push to the point of crashing the next day. Start by walking as long as you comfortably can (even if that is only 2 minutes). After 10 weeks on treatment, start to increase your walks by up to 1 minute more each day as able. When you are up to an hour of walking, you can increase intensity.
Books
To learn how to recover from CFS/FMS in a fun and easy read, get "The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution."
For more detailed information on CFS/FMS, read "From Fatigued to Fantastic!"
Most people start with the first book and then use to the second as a reference text.
More Information Online
Articles on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Dr. T
You Can Heal From Long COVID (my most recent book, a simple read that discuss recovering from long COVID and post viral fatigue, such as CFS)
Energy Analysis Program (A free online tool that helps you find the causes of your fatigue and tailors a program to optimize your energy)