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M.E.(myalgia encephalmyelitis)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Around 230,000 people in Britain alone are recognised as having Chronic Fatigue or M.E., but it is very possible that many more go undiagnosed. In the USA it is also known as the ‘Epstein-Barr Virus’. Many people feel tired all the time and just struggle on, but only when the crushing exhaustion becomes incapacitating, do people seek medical help. Symptoms range from chronic, debilitating tiredness to depression, muscle pain, headaches and migraines, decreased concentration, to name but a few.
This condition appears multi-factorial in origin. If you are stressed, have suffered a viral illness such as flu, glandular fever, etc, are exposed to a lot of electrical equipment or have running water under your home, any or all these factors can play a part. ME is also linked to the polio vaccine, low blood sugar, heavy metal toxicity, liver congestion, food intolerances, candida albicans, adrenal exhaustion and deficiencies in minerals such as magnesium. If you have long-term low blood pressure, this denotes your adrenal glands are struggling.
It is possible that some individuals could have all of these conditions, which eventually result in chronic fatigue, and while it is true to say that there is no single answer for ME, there are a number of things that seem to help the majority. But as we are all unique, what helps one person may not work for another, but without doubt eating the right diet and taking the right supplements will make a difference. If you contract a viral infection – you must give your body a chance to rest and recover which gives you more chance of avoiding long-term illness. Areas to look at within the body to support and detoxify are the liver and digestive system, the immune system encompassing the lymph and spleen. Also the adrenal glands will need support.
Nutrition
Avoid any foods and drinks containing caffeine, sugar, chocolate and alcohol, all of which lower immune system function, weaken the adrenal system and play havoc with blood-sugar levels.
Also avoid most pre-packaged and refined foods high in sugar are also high in saturated fats, salt, additives and preservatives.
Most mass-produced tinned foods and takeaways (unless they are freshly made) are lacking in magnesium. 40% of ME patients have low levels of this vital mineral.
Some people mistakenly use guarana as an energy source when they are very low in energy. Unfortunately, the primary reason it gives you energy is the caffeine content, which will only serve to weaken you in the long term.
If you find yourself constantly craving foods such as wheat, sugar and snacks; are bloated; have an urgency to urinate; suffer mood swings and are always tired, you may well have candidia albicans. If this is the case, ask for further information.
Almost everyone with chronic fatigue will have multiple food intolerances. The most common are wheat and dairy from cow’s milk.
It is vital that you eat good quality protein such as organic meat, chicken or fresh fish, beans, and tofu, at least twice a day. Protein helps to balance blood sugar levels for longer periods. ‘The Green Stuff’ is almost 50% protein and also supplies all the essential daily nutrients, including magnesium.
Include plenty of vegetables and fruits (preferably organic) in the diet, but don’t eat too much fruit (due to the sugar content) if you have candida.
Replace wheat with amaranth, oat and rice crackers and ask for wheat-free and yeast-free breads at your local health shop. If you are too ill to leave home, you can call the Village Bakery in Cumbria and order by mail. They do a wonderful rye loaf that is yeast-free. (01768 881515).
Try experimenting with other grains such as millet, quinoa, kamut, spelt, and so on.
Include plenty of garlic, onions, and lemons (and the juice) in your diet.
For a beneficial energy boost (which is slow-releasing) try a banana with either oat or millet porridge. Also most sprouted seeds and grains because they are ‘live’ foods, especially aduki bean, alfalfa sprouts and wheat grass, w ill supply essential nutrients and help energy levels.
Remember to include plenty of cereals, leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, spring greens, pak choi, celery, broccoli, wheat germ, soya-based biscuits and pastas, Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, black strap molasses, honey and beans, as they are rich in magnesium.
If you find you are intolerant to dairy, there are now plenty of alternatives available. Oat, rice, nut, or light soya milks are all nutritious and can be used instead of cow’s milk. Sometimes even goat’s milk is easier to digest and perhaps a better ‘dairy’ alternative. Drink plenty of water (perhaps with some fresh lemon juice added) even if you are not thirsty, to help detoxify your system.
Eat sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, all packed with essential fats and fibre and use extra-virgin olive oil or sunflower oils for salad dressings.
Add fresh coriander to your foods, which really helps to detoxify heavy metals from the body.
To assist with food intolerances, allergies, and other digestive problems, stomach acids and essential digestive enzymes need balancing to improve absorption of nutrients into the body. This can be done by taking pro-biotics like acidophilus or eating live yoghurt, pineapple (betaine), or papaya (papain).
Natural Healing
Take some gentle exercise. One study found that people were able to walk for three minutes, rest for three minutes until they had done a total of 30 minutes walking without any negative effect on chronic fatigue. Swimming is a good all-round gentle exercise.
Try a gentle stretching programme, perhaps yoga or Pilates, to gradually tone the muscles and help drain the lymph system which is often overloaded.
Deep breathing will benefit the body by helping the digestive system, increasing circulation and detoxification, and increasing energy levels.
Learn to relax. Meditation is a great way to give the body and brain a complete rest, and it costs nothing! Researchers have found that people who meditate regularly produce more of the hormone melatonin, which lowers levels of stress hormones which is useful for those with ME and who suffer from migraines.
Have a friend massage your aching muscles with a mix of the essential oils of thyme, lavender and lemongrass, and to help lift depression try a mix of neroli and rose oils in a good base.
Many chronic fatigue sufferers find that healing (Reiki or Spiritual-based) is very helpful and aids the body’s innate ability to heal itself. In conjunction with eating the right diet and so on, it literally charges your internal batteries. To find your nearest Reiki healer (if you live out of my area) contact The Reiki Association on 01584 891197, or the National Federation of Spiritual Healers on 01932 783164.
Some sufferers have found that Cranial Osteopathy or Cranial Sacral Therapy has helped, as it releases nerve endings, which in turn releases energy and clears blockages and past ‘traumas’ within the body.
If your symptoms persist, try having your house dowsed for electrical or geopathic stress. To find a dowser, call The British Dowsing Society on 01233 750253. www.dowsers.demon.co.uk
Herbs
A wonderful ‘adaptogen’ herb is Siberian Ginseng, which helps the body adapt to stressful situations and support the adrenal glands, as will Licorice root. Both herbs are found in the Adrenal Support Formula.
Echinacea, either as a tincture or a tablet, taken for 10 days, then 10 days rest, before commencing again, in the short term will help boost the immune system.
Other immune-enhancing herbs are Burdock, Pau d’arco (also especially good at tackling the candida overgrowth), Astragalus, Chamomile, Boneset, and Goldenseal. Take these as a single tincture or herb tea, or try the Red Zinger Immune Tea.
Take a high-strength multi-vitamin and mineral supplement at least once (if not twice) daily, especially B-complex, Vitamin A (carotenes and anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, calcium and magnesium, Iron, selenium, potassium, zinc and pantothenic acid (B5) ‘The Green Stuff’ is a superb way to do this and contains all of the above, with 100% of the nutrients being assimilated by the body, once mixed into a drink … and the best way to start your day, or when you need an energy boost. Ask for more information or a sample.
Milk thistle and dandelion are two herbs which support and detoxify the liver, which is often overloaded, and can be found in the Liver Cleanse and Support Formula. Also ask for details on Mild Liver Cleansing.
Very often the best way to start any detoxification programme is with a colon cleanse, and this can be tailored to suit your individual needs, so ask for details, especially if you are very weak or debilitated.
If you are particularly stressed, taking extra folic acid (found in brewers yeast, wheat germ and ‘The Green Stuff’, choline and chromium will help.
Helpful essential oils to use in a burner, the bath, or in massage oils, to help relax, strengthen and uplift your body and mind are Lavender, Clary sage, Rose otto, Neroli, rosemary and basil. (Check contra-indications for some of these if you are pregnant).
Those familiar with the Bach Flower Remedies will know that these ‘essences’ help support the emotions … useful ones for ME are Olive (for complete exhaustion) and possibly Willow (to increase optimism and faith to aid the healing process).
Herbal Formulae Suggestions
‘The Green Stuff Vitamin and Mineral Food Concentrate
Red Zinger Immune Tea to boost immunity and/or Pau d’arco Tea (especially with Candida)
Ache Away Tea to help with pain relief, also rich in calcium and magnesium
Five Spice Digestive Tea will aid the digestive process and liver function.
Liver Cleanse and Support Formula
Aloe & Cascara capsules, Barberry & Fennel capsules and Bentonite Clay Formula for Colon Cleansing
Adrenal Support Formula or Siberian Ginseng and Licorice root taken separately.
Metaphysical
M.E. represents (on a mental/emotional level) ‘Pushing beyond one’s limits. Fear of not being good enough. Draining all inner support. Stress virus’ – a lovely positive affirmation to aid the healing process on this level is “I relax and recognize my self-worth. I am good enough. Life is easy and joyful”.
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