M.E., Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue
Myalgic Encephalopathy is a condition of chronic fatigue caused by a neurological dysfunction triggered as a direct consequence of a chronic viral infection in any area where the immune system is unable to tackle. The most commonly found Enterovirus, Coxsackie B6 tops the list as being the culprit.
Once the infection is chronic, other problems and symptoms develop as a direct result of this infection.
Enteroviral infections need to constantly replicate to survive. This means that unless a good immune response is made, an Enteroviral infection will constantly replicate. In addition, if at the time of initial infection the immune response is weak, and the infection is an Enteroviral infection, some can enter skeletal muscles, and/or the central nervous system.
Once diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalopathy with either the herpes virus or the cytomegalovirus because of the ability of the viruses to reach specific areas, such as the heart muscle, the immune system is not able to attack the heart for obvious reasons. This does not mean that the person does not suffer from fatigue, as clearly a heart unable to work efficiently will cause chronic fatigue.
It is suspected that the most important factors are a combination of genetics, immune function at the time of the inciting infection, and the inciting virus itself.
Natural treatments to consider
D-Ribose is a sugar (derived from glucose) that has been shown to boost levels of the energy compound ATP. Some studies have shown that CFS patients have lower than normal levels of ATP and D-Ribose could be used to increase energy production in the muscles and heart.
Magnesium Malate Magnesium malate combines magnesium and malic acid. Both substances help produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which studies show can be deficient in fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS). Magnesium helps cells form and maintains muscles, bones and nerves.
NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a substance that facilitates the energy-releasing reactions that occur within cells. In a small trial of 33 patients with CFS/ME who took an oral supplement of NADH, a small number had a modest improvement.
DHEA deficiency causes fatigue in females and low sex drive in males. It should only be taken under the direction of a physician.
Carnitine and Co-enzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) are both ‘energy-providing substances’ that can be used to support general fatigue.
Other remedies that balance neurotransmitters or pain include :
5 HTP, Vitamin D, Fish oils, Rhodiola, B 12, L-theanine, Viridian Qi Ribose