Demystified: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Alternative Treatment
Written by Dr. Diane Mueller: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a perplexing condition that has often been dismissed or misunderstood by the medical community. It is not a definitive diagnosis but rather a label given when clinicians have not yet identified the underlying causes of the debilitating symptoms. In this blog, we will delve into the multifaceted nature of CFS, highlighting the potential combination of root causes and chronic fatigue syndrome alternative treatment options that offer hope for those affected.
While this blog is oriented to chronic fatigue syndrome alternative treatments, we cannot even begin to cover that without going over the root causes. Too frequently, people get excited about the new product or supplement that will help with chronic fatigue. This is a pretty exhausting process without first knowing the root causes first, so let’s dive in!
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Alternative Treatment Options
1. A Puzzle of Causes: CFS is not characterized by a single cause but rather by a complex interplay of factors that contribute to its development. This complexity is one reason why it often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed. Various factors, including hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, hidden infections, and toxins, may all play a role in triggering and perpetuating the symptoms of CFS.
2. Overlooked Thyroid Dysfunction: Thyroid dysfunction is a common underlying factor in CFS, yet standard thyroid testing, which typically measures TSH and/or Free T4 levels, may not be thorough enough to detect the nuances of this condition. Many individuals with CFS exhibit subtle thyroid imbalances that require comprehensive testing and a nuanced interpretation to identify and address effectively.
3. The Role of Adrenal Glands: The adrenal glands, responsible for producing cortisol, adrenaline, and DHEA, are frequently involved in CFS. Chronic stress, both physical and emotional, can disrupt adrenal function, leading to fatigue and other symptoms. Evaluating adrenal function through comprehensive testing and considering targeted therapies such as adrenal glandulars, DHEA, and stress reduction techniques may be beneficial in addressing CFS.
4. Nutrient Imbalances: Nutrient deficiencies are commonly associated with CFS. Imbalances in iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, CoQ10, and magnesium can all contribute to fatigue and other symptoms. Addressing these deficiencies through targeted supplementation and dietary adjustments may help restore energy levels and overall well-being.
5. Inflammation and Hidden Infections: Inflammation triggered by toxins and chronic hidden infections is another potential root cause of CFS. Identifying and addressing these underlying factors can be crucial in managing symptoms and promoting recovery. Working with a healthcare provider experienced in functional medicine and comprehensive testing can help unveil these hidden contributors and guide targeted treatment strategies.
6. The Multidimensional Approach: Considering the multifaceted nature of chronic fatigue syndrome alternative treatment options are diverse and tailored to address the underlying root causes. Once comprehensive testing has identified the specific imbalances and dysfunctions, a combination of therapies may be recommended. These may include adrenal glandulars, DHEA, thyroid glandulars, B vitamins, and herbal supplements like rhodiola, ashwagandha, and ginseng, among others.
7. Sleep Issues: Sometimes sleep apnea or other reasons for not sleeping deeply can impact the energy. Often times people think they are sleeping enough because of the number of hours they spend in bed, when in fact they are actually not spending a lot of time in deep reparative sleep. Sleep study tests can really help with this but even getting sleep tracking devices such as an apple watch can give a lot of insight into how one is performing sleep wise. If sleep is not good, then figuring out the root cause of this is huge. If you are in bright lights at night or doing stimulating activities (even watching tv), this may be impacting your deep sleep. The value of investing in a sleep tracking device is that you can try different things and get real time data on how the changes are impacting you. Some lifestyle decisions will impact some people more than others.
For more information on Lyme Disease Symptoms See our Blog Below
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Alternative Treatment Wrap Up
Chronic fatigue syndrome alternative treatment approaches offer hope for individuals seeking relief and restoration of their vitality. CFS is a complex condition with multiple underlying causes. Proper testing and comprehensive evaluation are essential to identify the specific root causes unique to each individual. By addressing hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, hidden infections, and inflammation, alternative treatments can provide a personalized roadmap towards recovery and improved quality of life. We test for all of these causes of chronic fatigue syndrome in our practice. Insect born infections are a huge cause that we see of chronic fatigue in our practice. Check out our blog called Lyme Disease Test to learn more on that!
Remember, CFS is a highly individualized condition, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare professional specializing in CFS and alternative treatments to design a tailored approach that targets the specific root causes and meets your unique needs. With proper guidance and a multidimensional treatment plan, there is hope for renewed energy, well-being, and a brighter future despite the challenges posed by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. You can also book a health evaluation call with us to see if we are the right fit to help you heal from chronic fatigue syndrome once and for all!
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The Causes or Mechanisms of Action
Despite the sometimes-similar symptoms, the MOAs of these two conditions are very different:
- Lyme Disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii. Lyme is a bacterial infection.
- The cause of Fibro is much less clear and could involve genetic, hormonal or other factors. Gut health may play a role too. But the primary MOA is thought to be a dysfunction of pain sensitization. You can read more in our FM blog here.
- Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a stressful event, including an infection, trauma (due to an accident, serious injury or divorce) or major surgery. FM can actually be triggered by an infection like Lyme Disease.
What is the Link?
Similar Symptoms & Mis-Diagnosis
- FM can be mis-diagnosed as Lyme disease.
- Late-stage chronic Lyme disease can be mistaken for FM.
- Lyme Disease can trigger Fibromyalgia.
So how do we differentiate between LD and FM?
How do we untangle symptoms and identify a case of chronic Lyme disease vs post-infectious Fibromyalgia?
We need to do a thorough exam, the correct labs and a deep analysis of the overlapping symptoms. There are other things to look at to get a correct diagnosis. These include:
- A history of a bulls-eye rash, a tick bite or spending time in areas where Lyme Disease has been reported are good indicators that it could well be Lyme.
- Antibiotics should improve Lyme Disease symptoms, while they don’t help in the case of Fibromyalgia.
- Pain in specific tender points is associated with Fibromyalgia more than other illnesses.
- Stiffness in Lyme Disease occurs mainly in the neck and joints. In Fibromyalgia, it is usually widespread pain.
- Lyme Disease can cause arthritis symptoms and swollen joints, especially in the knees. Fibromyalgia causes pain and stiffness but doesn’t typically involve swelling or damage to the joints.
In our clinic, we have expertise in treating a range of complicated, difficult-to-diagnose conditions like Fibromyalgia and Lyme Disease. We look for the root causes in our patients to identify what could be causing the symptoms. We regularly treat and resolve Lyme, chronic infections and other complex conditions in patients in our Functional Medicine clinic.
Have Lyme Disease or suspect that you do?
We have helped thousands of
people restore their health
and quality of life by diagnosing
and treating their Lyme Disease.
“Dr. Mueller’s approach to medicine is refreshing! There is only so much you can do with western medicine and in my life I was needing a new approach. By addressing the whole body, nutritional diet factors, environmental factors, blood work, and incorporating ideas I had not previously known, I was able to break through with my conditions. I am not only experiencing less pain in my life, but through the process of healing guided by Dr. Diane Mueller, I am now happy to say I have more consciousness surrounding how I eat, what to eat and when things are appropriate. Living by example Dr. Mueller has a vibrancy that makes you want to learn and know more about your body and overall health. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for new answers, a new approach to health, or in need of freedom from pain and limitations.”
-Storie S.
Kihei, HI
Lyme Disease is Often Misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Depression,
or Other Illnesses
Have Mold Illness or Lyme Disease or suspect you do?
We have helped thousands of people restore their health and quality of life by diagnosing and treating their Mold Illness, Lyme Disease and other root causes.
