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Tuesday, October 07, 2008
 Latest
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Medical and Health News Headlines
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Medical and Health News Headlines
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All Recent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Medical Condition News Headlines |
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[book reviews] encounters with the invisible: unseen illness, controversy, and chronic fatigue syndrome
(Source: Psychiatr Serv)...
POSTED 10/01/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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How a stressful state leads to chronic fatigue (part 2)
(NaturalNews) As discussed in Stress and Chronic Fatigue Part 1, stress is a major culprit that leads to Chronic Fatigue because stress over works your adrenal glands, the glands that specifically deal with all survival responses in relation to any form of stress. Prolonged stress leads to adrenal exhaustion technically called Chronic Fatigue.Let's Recap Briefly About What Chronic Fatigue IsConstant tiredness with multiple debilitating symptoms that can leave sufferers of this condition struggling with not having enough energy to just get through their day without feeling exhausted or meet the demands of their daily life; put simply, not being able to cope with life! This is because Chronic Fatigue is a condition where there is just not enough available energy in the body to get through the day or enough energy for the body to function properly such as digest food, build muscle tissue, synthesise hormones, think coherently, perform tasks, be productive at work, or even enjoy play. Energy is the currency of life and if we do not have enough energy, we just don't turn up for our life.So, in balancing Chronic Fatigue you really need to balance energy, by firstly increasing available energy in your physical body. Secondly, preventing further energy drains (Chronic Fatigue is what I would describe as a constant 'energy drain'). Your energy might leak so fast that it just can't be replenished enough to make up for this ongoing energy drain.What are some major causes of 'energy drain'?One of the most obvious ones is unresolved emotional/mental stress that lingers on, causing a huge 'energy drain' in your mind/body. As approximately 95% of your mind operates in an 'unconscious' mode, where the programs that run your mind/body system literally run themselves 24/7, and your conscious mind is not even aware of these programs running and chances are that we might not eve be aware of our deeper underlying stresses.What are the typical causes 'energy drains' underneath Chronic Fatigue?* Anger* Fear* Worry/Anxiety* Depression* Guilt* Overwork, physical or mental strain* Excessive exercise* Sleep deprivation* Going to sleep late* Chronic pain* Toxic exposure* Hypoglycemia Low Blood Sugar (Biochemical Imbalance)* Nutritional Deficiencies* Relationship issues* Emotional trauma* Transitions, moving house, emigrating to another country* Over thinking, study exams.As a clinical kinesiologist, Chronic Fatigue and constant tiredness is a condition most commonly found in people who are suffering multiple symptoms and some of them are chronic. In balancing the Chronic Fatigue condition, two things are most important to address:1. Balancing and supporting the physical body with the right nutrition. Appropriate nutrition becomes a strong biochemical foundation for your mind/body system to cope better with stress.2. Simultaneously acknowledging and neurologically balancing the underlying emotional/mental issues along with patterns of behaviour that are obviously draining to the mind/body system is the next crucial step.If only one or the other is employed in the recovery of Chronic Fatigue, then the condition persists. Yet, when appropriate nutrition is implemented along with emotional resolution in balancing Chronic Fatigue, people recover much quicker -- a couple of weeks instead of months or years.From the physical energy building perspective, it is imperative to eat meals that result in balanced Blood Sugar Levels instead of the high/low blood sugar levels that also create adrenal fatigue.To maintain proper adrenal function it is imperative to maintain balanced blood sugar levels throughout the day and the following guidelines will help you do that:1. Eat within the first hour upon awakening. It is important to have high protein meals for breakfast along with some carbs and good fats. Free-range eggs, poultry, even meat and omega-3 rich fish such as salmon and sardines are more appropriate options than toast and butter alone or any cereal.Choose all your meat to be free-range of course, as the added hormones/antibiotics in meats will create toxicity, not a good outcome for an existing adrenal fatigue condition. For vegetarians or vegans, a good source of rice protein powder with some coconut milk/cream is much better than any wheat-free organic muesli for breakfast as it sets the tone for more energy for the day.2. Eat before becoming very hungry. If extremely hungry, you have allowed low blood sugar/ hypoglycemia to set in, which places additional stress on the adrenal glands.3. Avoid having an excessive ratio of carbohydrates to protein, as excess carbohydrates cause over secretion of insulin, which often leads to intervals of hypoglycemia. The body, in an attempt to normalize blood sugar levels, initiates a counter-regulatory process during which the adrenals are stimulated to secrete increased levels of cortisol and adrenalin. Excessive intake of carbohydrates also leads to excessive secretion of cortisol. This contributes to chronic cortisol depletion and consequently, adrenal exhaustion. Avoid this negative biofeedback loop which is commonly promoted in our society as an ideal breakfast.In order to stabilize blood sugar levels, it is important for you to maintain a balance between two hormones, glucagon and insulin, which are produced by the pancreas and released by the pancreas every time you eat. Protein in the diet induces the production of some insulin and more glucagon whereas carbohydrates in the diet induce the production of lots of insulin and no glucagon.Insulin promotes fat storage. Glucagon burns fat for energy.Protein initiates thermogenesis (energy production through heat) in your body. The ideal protein to have during Chronic Fatigue is the one that the body can readily assimilate and use and the more bioavailable the better. As more bioavailable energy is needed for preventing the loss of muscle tissue as well as synthesizing hormones during this stressful period on the body.What does bioavailable protein means?Answer: Protein with a complete amino acids profile that allows your body to utilize it efficiently.Here are some examples of bioavailable proteins:* Eggs = 100% bioavailable* Fish = 70 , 75%* Meat = 70%* Poultry = 60%* Beans/Soy/ Nuts = 40 - 45%* Dairy = 40 , 50%So it makes sense to have more free-range eggs daily for breakfast as they are full of nutrients for adrenals and are considered a perfect protein. As long as they are not overcooked, soft boiled or poached is the best, otherwise people experience gas and difficulty digesting eggs.Another reason it is so important to have more protein is that when insulin is high and glucagon is low, the adrenals are called upon to produce excess cortisol as a back-up response to help raise blood sugar levels in the absence of adequate glucagon. This occurs at the expense of the adrenal glands, contributing to adrenal exhaustion further, remember that the body is craving energy and adrenals are the glands that deal with energy production, so the aim is to give support to the adrenals and not to exhaust them further. Hence excess carbs create more stress and anxiety in people who are already under duress.Choosing Enough Adequate FatsWhen balancing Chronic Fatigue, the right fats in the diet are very important and some people need between 15 , 30% fat at every meal. Some might need up to 30% of fat at this time. The best fats are the ones found in egg yolks, omega-3's in fatty fish and fish oil, organic butter, avocados and organic coconut butter. For vegetarians it is better to have coconut fat, a healthy fat that promotes energy in the body. Why is fat important? Fat should be part of every meal -- when added to carbs and starches it lowers the insulin surges in the bloodstream from carbohydrates.What to avoid and replace with better alternativesThe most difficult thing for most people to give up is coffee, black tea and sugar or energy drinks (containing guarana) in times when they are craving energy. Did you know 1 cup of coffee can keep your cortisol levels high for up to 18 hours in your system? Basically coffee just adds to the stress on your central nervous system because coffee activates the fight/flight sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response; and constant SNS over stimulation is what creates Chronic Fatigue in the first place.SNS stimulation needs to be toned down as to allow the body to experience more balance naturally and activate at the same time the parasympathetic nervous system stimulation (PNS) -- rest,relaxation, rejuvenation, recovery state.What to enjoy instead while still gaining energyInstead of coffee, enjoy organic green tea with stevia throughout the day or organic cacao and stevia. Both drinks are very high in antioxidants and help to raise the energy in the body without over stimulating. Avoid sugar, jam, malts, and fruit juice as they all raise blood sugar levels very quickly and exacerbate adrenal gland problems further. Generally the analogy of the effects of caffeine and sugar on the adrenal glands is that of flogging a dead horse, even though in the short term it may be pleasurable. The only way to stop this is a diet much higher in protein/fat and no sugar. That will naturally raise the energy.How to Address Emotional/Mental StressesIn balancing the underlying emotional/mental stresses it is important to create some down-time, simple pleasure fun time in order to fully activate the PNS system. Whether it is finding short solace in a place of quieting the mind, or making a point of being in nature, or even just enjoying simple meditation, this is far more important than trying to cope while relying on too many supplements.Most people take large amounts of ginseng and adrenal support formulas with the aim to keep up with the existing state. This leads to their adrenals crashing even quicker. Ginseng is helpful but can only be taken for 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months at a time, then the body needs rest from the over stimulation of the ginseng.A little daily rest here and there, even 5-10 minutes is the best remedy for Chronic Fatigue as it is the quickest way to shift the mind into PNS, rest and relaxation, which is what the body is craving in order to regain some more energy.A 20 minute meditation practice whereby your breathing is slowed down, simple yoga where the mind is comfortable not agitated trying to do too much, allows the body to repair itself naturally. This form of relaxation shifts the mind/body system from a SNS state to a PNS state, where self recovery and self-rejuvenation takes place effortlessly. The importance of facilitating this on an ongoing basis is what stops the constant energy drain.In dealing with emotions it is important to just accept them without the need to over analyze, control or fix them, as this creates more tension which adds to more stress. It also creates inner struggle with what one is experiencing, this need to control our feelings and over analyze them is what can create Chronic Fatigue in many people who are not comfortable with their own powerful emotions. Understanding Emotional Intelligence is important -- this allows us to feel the emotions.On a physical level, emotions don't happen in your head, they are actually felt throughout your body as molecules called neuropeptides attach themselves onto cellular receptors that are located in every body part. When the emotion is felt, but not expressed, it's as if these molecules of emotion get stuck in your system looking for a way out. All that is needed is expression of the emotion and ownership of the experience. No fixing, doing, psychoanalyzing, justifying and certainly no blaming.In conclusion, complete recovery of Chronic Fatigue requires a twofold approach applied simultaneously. Firstly, balancing the energy drain with appropriate nutrition to support the adrenal glands and build energy in the body. Secondly, acknowledging and neurologically balancing the emotions of fear/anxiety/anger which are causing the biggest energy drains in the body.By accessing the stress programs you have, you can gently access the unconscious mind as that is where the stress programs and survival patterns are most active. Energy/Meridian/Brain Integration based modalities may help people get in touch with their subconscious and unconscious mind in a more direct manner. Emotional Freedom Technique, Holistic Kinesiology, BSFF and Spiritual Acupuncture are all examples of this approach.It is also helpful to remember that according to Quantum Physics, a problem and a solution exist on the same time/space continuum that is the same level of existence. That is like 2 sides of a coin and it depends on which one you flip. So accessing the subconscious mind not only presents the opportunity to balance the stress patterns but the solutions to the stress patterns as well.This approach facilitates more available energy on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level, the whole lesson of Chronic Fatigue, as Chronic Fatigue is about the energy drain, so its gift is how to increase your energy for life by preventing energy drains in your body from stress.In Wellness!Teya SkaeReferences:(http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/printindex.php)(http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/shamesadrenal.htm)Better Health Channel 2007, Chronic fatigue syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 30 March 2007,
(http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome?open)MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 27 April 2007, (http://www.mdainternet.com) (secure site).M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society of Victoria Inc. 2006, What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society of Victoria Inc, Melbourne, viewed 27 April 2007.About the authorTeya Skae M.A., B.A.,Dip Health Sciences, Dip Clinical Nutrition
Kinesiologist/Nutritionist/Writer
Health/Life Coach and Educator
Teya is the founder of Empowered Living
www.empowered-living.com.au
specialising in Neurologically Balancing busy people for chronic fatigue, corporate burnout, physical/emotional stress, Emotional Freedom Technique to resolve energy blocks, Metabolic Typing Nutrition and Results Fat Loss. Teya writes article for various publications and runs empowering educational courses in the area of balancing your health, physical body,emotions, and how to have more energy to enjoy your Life! (Source: NaturalNews.com)...
POSTED 10/01/2008 at 02:00 AM --
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[short reports] guided self-instructions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial
A minimal intervention, based on cognitive–behavioural therapy for
chronic fatigue syndrome and consisting of self-instructions combined with
email contact, was tested in a randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN27293439). A
total of 171 patients participated in the trial: 85 were allocated to the
intervention condition and 86 to the waiting-list condition. All patients met
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for chronic fatigue
syndrome. An intention-to-treat analysis showed a significant decrease in
fatigue and disability after self-instruction. The level of disability was
negatively correlated with treatment outcome. Guided self-instructions are an
effective treatment for patients with relatively less severe chronic fatigue
syndrome. (Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry)...
POSTED 09/29/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Evidence of inflammatory immune signaling in chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study of gene expression in peripheral blood
Background:
Genomic profiling of peripheral blood reveals altered immunity in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) however interpretation remains challenging without immune demographic context. The object of this work is to identify modulation of specific immune functional components and restructuring of co-expression networks characteristic of CFS using the quantitative genomics of peripheral blood.
Methods:
Gene sets were constructed a priori for CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes and CD16+ neutrophils from published data. A group of 111 women were classified using empiric case definition (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and unsupervised latent cluster analysis (LCA). Microarray profiles of peripheral blood were analyzed for expression of leukocyte-specific gene sets and characteristic changes in co-expression identified from topological evaluation of linear correlation networks.
Results:
Median expression for a set of 6 genes preferentially up-regulated in CD19+ B cells was significantly lower in CFS (p=0.01) due mainly to PTPRK and TSPAN3 expression. Although no other gene set was differentially expressed at p (Source: BioMed Central)...
POSTED 09/25/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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How a stressful state leads to chronic fatigue (part 1)
(NaturalNews) Chronic Fatigue with its debilitating constant tiredness, is a condition of our times, affecting teenagers, as well as men and women of all ages. But have you ever wondered what its real cause might be? Part 1 of this article series examines the hidden causes of Chronic Fatigue.It might surprise you to learn stress is the culprit.There are various kinds of stresses, but the one thing they all have in common is that it is always about survival. Stress is classified as a stress when it impacts our survival capacity in some way.Let's define 5 major stress categories1. Physical survival or basic life needs: enough food, shelter, clothing, money to get by. Very basic survival needs.2. Biochemical stress: sleep deprivation, hormone imbalances, malnutrition and malabsorption, drugs and too much caffeine or stimulants.3. Mental: work commitments, deadlines, constant work pressure, running away or avoiding work related confrontations, dealing with bosses and executives or study/exam pressure, over thinking, over analyzing. Many people experience this stress all the time.4. Environmental stress: noise pollution and chemical toxicity from environment or sudden chemical toxicity such as mercury leakage from amalgam fillings or inhaling paint fumes.5. Emotional stress: anything to do with any relationship, human connectedness, family, self worth etc., love and bonding.Out of all the stress categories, the Mental and Emotional stresses create the most havoc in your mind/body system with debilitating symptoms particularly if the stress is prolonged.A recent study on work-related stress is revealing, (http://au.news.yahoo.com/080123/15/15lx7.html) .10,000 British public servants were assessed over a 12 year period by a team from University College in London. It was the first large-scale population study looking at the effects of stress from everyday working life on heart disease. During that time, seven surveys were conducted and chronically stressed workers were found -- people determined to be under severe pressure in the first two of the surveys -- had 68 per cent higher risk of developing heart disease.Epidemiologist and study leader Tarani Chandola was quoted saying the findings suggest stress induced biological changes may play a more direct role than previously thought. This study provides the strongest evidence yet of how on-the-job stress raises the risk of heart disease by disrupting the body's internal systems."In the study, stressed workers also had lowered heart rate variability -- a sign of a poorly functioning, weak heart -- and higher-than-normal levels of cortisol, a "stress" hormone that provides a burst of energy for a fight-or-flight response."Too much cortisol circulating in the blood stream can damage blood vessels and the heart... If you are constantly stressed out, these biological stress systems become abnormal," Chandola said.So what does Stress have to do with Chronic Fatigue?Everything! According to Dr. Hans Selye, also known as the 'father of stress response' because he was the first medical doctor to elaborate on the GAS (General Adaptation Syndrome) response, ongoing stress leads to Chronic Fatigue and if not dealt with, complete adrenal failure and heart failure can be the result.As an author of 1,700 scholarly papers and 39 books on how stress affects our entire system, Selye stated that headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety/panic attacks and cardiovascular and kidney diseases are brought on by stress."Every stress leaves an indelible scar, and the organism pays for its survival after a stressful situation by becoming a little older," says Dr. Hans Selye.What happens when any form of Stress impacts your life?Stage 1: Alarm Reaction known as 'fight or flight'. In this stage your body is geared to ward off the impacting stress which could be anything or anyone, including our loved ones, any pressures for our time, money or love and challenges to our identity in any way.In this stage, the body is alarmed by the stressors and mounts an aggressive anti-stress response to reduce stress levels. Some doctors call this the Early Fatigue stage.Stage 2: Resistance Response. This is where the stress goes for some days, weeks, even months. In this hyper vigilant state, the body is resisting the ongoing stress but at the expense of the adrenal glands over-pumping the stress hormones.Stage 3: Exhaustion. When the resistance stage goes on for longer than the body can physically cope with, exhaustion sets in after one or two years. In this stage, people normally start to experience Fibromyalgia, aches/pains, back-ache, muscle tension, severely suppressed immune system and muscle weakness. Many experience sluggishness and weight gain.Stage 4: Failure. After a couple of years of over-pumping stress hormones daily, eventually, the adrenal glands become totally exhausted. People at this stage have a high chance of cardiovascular collapse, nervous breakdown, and according to Dr. Selye -- total collapse, even death.To understand how and why Chronic Fatigue happens to us, we need a basic understanding of the functions of the adrenal glands. These are walnut-sized glands located on top of each kidney. Their purpose is to help the body deal with stress and help us to survive.Adrenals are important control centers for many of the body's hormones. The outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex, produces hormones including cortisol, DHEA, estrogen and testosterone. The centers of the glands produce adrenaline, the hormone named after them.The basic task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body's resources into "fight or flight" mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.When you are stressed, your adrenal glands produce cortisol in excess. Cortisol is also known as the death hormone, because it is highly toxic and catabolizes (literally tears down) muscle mass for energy, your organs, diminishes your strength and your speed of recovery and makes people unable to cope with daily life. Adrenal fatigue also known as Chronic Fatigue occurs when the amount of stress exceeds the capacity of the body to recover from the stressful challenges.And that list of stressful challenges is endless, including:* lack of sleep* a demanding boss* the threat of losing your job* financial pressures* personality conflicts* yo-yo dieting* relationship turmoil* death or illness of a loved one* skipping meals* reliance on stimulants like caffeine and starchy carbs* digestive problems* over-exercise* illness or infection* unresolved emotional issues from our past or presentThe result is adrenal glands that are constantly on high alert.These are common symptoms that are directly related to stress* Weight gain around the waist and inability to lose it.* Regular bouts of colds/flu and other respiratory ailments.* Reduced sex drive.* Poor memory* Lack of energy in the mornings and also in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.* Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.* Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reasons* Mild depression* Food allergies* Increased effort to perform daily tasks* Dry and thin skin* Hypoglycemia , low blood sugar* Nervousness* Palpitations* Unexplained hair lossEvery challenge to the mind and body creates a demand on the adrenal glands by secreting stress hormones, one of which is cortisol and when the levels are in excess it literally destroys the body.The destructive effect of high cortisol levelsIn its normal function, cortisol helps us meet the stressful challenges, by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that's okay. But at sustained high levels, cortisol gradually tears your body down.Stress, as noted earlier, raises your cortisol levels and this affects not only your body, but also your whole brain function by reducing your ability to focus/concentrate and remember things, making you somewhat incoherent. If this is not bad enough, cortisol then diminishes your immune system, making you unable to 'turn up' for your life.Why does it happen this way?Obviously, to force us from 'soldiering on' so you are forced to deal with the stress itself, whatever it may be. It's usually at this point that people start seeking some form of professional help, as opposed to compensating and pretending they're coping with everything -- when the body is clearly in 'danger alarm mode', because the stress is not being addressed and the symptoms are piling up.The mind is very good at fooling itself into a coping mechanism, yet your body will always reflect signs of stress. Often, people ignore them and start 'micromanaging' symptoms (the term I use in clinic when people focus on 1 symptom at a time), rather than understanding their own patterns of survival by looking at emotions/attitudes towards situations in their life and thus 'macro managing' their symptoms.Hidden causes of stressIt's important to emphasize the role of emotional factors. Guilt, pain from past hurts, self-destructive habits, unresolved relationship problems -- your past and present emotional experience may serve as an ever-present stressor. Dealing with these problems directly is much more beneficial than trying to micromanage symptoms which lead to focusing on the symptoms rather than the causes, the stress itself.Thoughts and emotions and our belief systems have the most debilitating effect on our mind/body system. Powerful emotions arise out of stress -- fear, frustration, anger, sadness, apathy, hopelessness -- and usually overwhelm when the person is too exhausted to deal with anything. All these have a profoundly toxic effect on the mind/body as they force the adrenals to release more stress hormones.In summary, our ability to handle stress, physical or emotional, is a cornerstone to our human survival. Our adrenal glands are equipped to ward off and modulate all stress. When these glands become dysfunctional and/or exhausted, our body's ability to handle stress reduces, and multiple symptoms will arise.Even though it is always the adrenals that need special attention in the initial recovery process of Chronic Fatigue, for complete recovery it is necessary to identify the emotional or mental stress, acknowledging the impact it has on the mind/body. Balancing the stress allows people to take responsibility for their symptoms and surrender to their own healing process.Balancing Chronic FatigueIn part 2, we will explore ways to address and balance Chronic Fatigue from the mind/body perspective by looking at practical ways of macro-managing this debilitating condition, instead of micro-managing each individual symptom which usually leads to more frustration or more exhaustion. Having the resources and the right tools to support the mind/body system during this very stressful time helps sufferers to retrain their mind-body system and enable them to respond more appropriately to similar stresses in the future.In Wellness!Teya SkaeReferences:(http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/printindex.php)(http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/shamesadrenal.htm)Better Health Channel 2007, Chronic fatigue syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 30 March 2007, (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Chronic_fatigue_syndrome?open)MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 27 April 2007, (http://www.mdainternet.com) (secure site) .M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society of Victoria Inc. 2006, What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society of Victoria Inc, Melbourne, viewed 27 April 2007 About the authorTeya Skae M.A., B.A.,Dip Health Sciences, Dip Clinical Nutrition
Kinesiologist/Nutritionist/Writer
Health/Life Coach and Educator
Teya is the founder of Empowered Living
www.empowered-living.com.au
specialising in Neurologically Balancing busy people for chronic fatigue, corporate burnout, physical/emotional stress, Emotional Freedom Technique to resolve energy blocks, Metabolic Typing Nutrition and Results Fat Loss. Teya writes article for various publications and runs empowering educational courses in the area of balancing your health, physical body,emotions, and how to have more energy to enjoy your Life! (Source: NaturalNews.com)...
POSTED 09/20/2008 at 02:00 AM --
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Association of comorbid mood disorders and chronic illness with disability and quality of life in ontario, canada.
Association of comorbid mood disorders and chronic illness with disability and quality of life in Ontario, Canada.
Chronic Dis Can. 2008;28(4):148-54
Authors: Gadalla T
Mood disorders are more prevalent in individuals with chronic physical illness compared to individuals with no such illness. These disorders amplify the disability associated with the physical condition and adversely affect its course, thus contributing to occupational impairment, disruption in interpersonal and family relationships, poor health and suicide. This study used data collected in the Canadian Community Health Survey, cycle 3.1 (2005) to examine factors associated with comorbid mood disorders and to assess their association with the quality of life of individuals living in Ontario. Results indicate that individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, bowel disorder or stomach or intestinal ulcers had the highest rates of mood disorders. The odds of having a comorbid mood disorder were higher among women, the single, those living in poverty, the Canadian born and those between 30 and 69 years of age. The presence of comorbid mood disorders was significantly associated with short-term disability, requiring help with instrumental daily activities and suicidal ideation. Health care providers are urged to proactively screen chronically ill patients for mood disorders, particularly among the subgroups found to have elevated risk for these disorders.
PMID: 18625088 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chronic Diseases in Canada)...
POSTED 09/17/2008 at 01:12 PM --
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[letters to the editor] hpa-axis dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome: clinical implications
(Source: Psychosomatics)...
POSTED 09/14/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Immunological aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Immunological aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Sep 15;
Authors: Lorusso L, Mikhaylova SV, Capelli E, Ferrari D, Ngonga GK, Ricevuti G
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a specific clinical condition that characterises unexplained disabling fatigue and a combination of non-specific accompanying symptoms for at least 6 months, in the absence of a medical diagnosis that would otherwise explain the clinical presentation. Other common symptoms include headaches, myalgia, arthralgia, and post-exertional malaise; cognitive difficulties, with impaired memory and concentration; unrefreshing sleep; and mood changes. Similar disorders have been described for at least two centuries and have been differently named neurasthenia, post-viral fatigue, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic mononucleosis. Recent longitudinal studies suggest that some people affected by chronic fatigue syndrome improve with time but that most remain functionally impaired for several years. The estimated worldwide prevalence of CFS is 0.4-1% and it affects over 800,000 people in the United States and approximately 240,000 patients in the UK. No physical examination signs are specific to CFS and no diagnostic tests identify this syndrome. The pathophysiological mechanism of CFS is unclear. The main hypotheses include altered central nervous system functioning resulting from an abnormal immune response against a common antigen; a neuroendocrine disturbance; cognitive impairment caused by response to infection or other stimuli in sentient people. The current concept is that CFS pathogenesis is a multifactorial condition. Various studies have sought evidence for a disturbance in immunity in people with CFS. An alteration in cytokine profile, a decreased function of natural killer (NK) cells, a presence of autoantibodies and a reduced responses of T cells to mitogens and other specific antigens have been reported. The observed high level of pro-inflammatory cytokines may explain some of the manifestations such as fatigue and flu-like symptoms and influence NK activity. Abnormal activation of the T lymphocyte subsets and a decrease in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity have been described. An increased number of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD38 and HLA-DR activation markers have been reported, and a decrease in CD11b expression associated with an increased expression of CD28+ T subsets has been observed. This review discusses the immunological aspects of CFS and offers an immunological hypothesis for the disease processes.
PMID: 18801465 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Autoimmunity Reviews)...
POSTED 09/14/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Anaesthesia for patients with idiopathic environmental intolerance and chronic fatigue syndrome
Background
Idiopathic environmental intolerance syndrome (IEI), formerly known as multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCSS), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are controversial diseases and there is little information in the literature regarding the appropriate conduct of anaesthesia in such patients.
Methods
We studied 27 patients referred to our anaesthetic allergy clinic with IEI and CFS and performed literature and web searches on anaesthesia in these disorders.
Results
The patients had a significant incidence of adverse events related to anaesthesia which were not allergic in nature. The adverse effects usually occurred postoperatively and were self limiting. Patients with IEI and CFS are not at risk of anaphylaxis and there is no scientific evidence that any drug or technique is excessively hazardous. Neither our patients nor the review of the scientific literature supported available web-based recommendations for the anaesthetic management of patients with IEL and CFS.
Conclusions
We suggest that the anaesthetist may be best to use the technique they would use if the patient did not have CFS or IEI but avoid drugs to which there is a history of adverse response. Anaesthesia is likely to be associated with adverse effects in these patients but the effects are not likely to be severe. A series of recommendations for the safe and harmonious conduct of anaesthesia in patients with CFS and IEI are provided. (Source: British Journal of Anaesthesia)...
POSTED 09/08/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Me sufferers rely on alternative medicines
More than a third of patients with long-term fatigue conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) believe complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are more effective than traditional medicine in treating their illness, research launched at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester reveals. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)...
POSTED 09/08/2008 at 05:00 AM --
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Neuropsychological performance in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome: results from a population-based study
Objective: To examine the neuropsychological function characterized in subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) at the same time controlling for relevant confounding factors. CFS is associated with symptoms of neuropsychological dysfunction. Objective measures of neuropsychological performance have yielded inconsistent results possibly due to sample selection bias, diagnostic heterogeneity, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and medication usage.
Method: CFS subjects (n = 58) and well controls (n = 104) from a population-based sample were evaluated, using standardized symptom severity criteria. Subjects who had major psychiatric disorders or took medications known to influence cognition were excluded. Neuropsychological function was measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).
Results: Compared with controls, CFS subjects exhibited significant decreases in motor speed as measured in the simple and five-choice movement segments of the CANTAB reaction time task. CFS subjects also exhibited alterations in working memory as manifested by a less efficient search strategy on the spatial working memory task, fewer % correct responses on the spatial recognition task, and prolonged latency to a correct response on the pattern recognition task. A significantly higher percentage of CFS subjects versus controls exhibited evidence of neuropsychological impairment (defined by performance 1 standard deviation below the CANTAB normative mean) in tasks of motor speed and spatial working memory. Impairment in CFS subjects versus control subjects ranged from 20% versus 4.8% in five-choice movement time (p = .002) to 27.8% versus 10.6% in search strategy on the spatial working memory task (p = .006).
Conclusions: These results confirm and quantify alterations in motor speed and working memory in CFS subjects independent of comorbid psychiatric disease and medication usage. (Source: Psychosomatic Medicine)...
POSTED 09/07/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Myalgic encephalomyelitis sufferers rely on aternative medicines
More than a third of patients with long-term fatigue conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) believe complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are more effective than traditional medicine in treating their illness, research launched at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester reveals. (Source: News-Medical News Feed)...
POSTED 09/07/2008 at 09:38 PM --
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Functional incapacity and physical and psychological symptoms: how they interconnect in chronic fatigue syndrome
Psychopathology 2008;41:339-345 (DOI:10.1159/000152375) (Source: Psychopathology)...
POSTED 09/02/2008 at 11:08 AM --
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
New evidence; conclusions confirmed for CBT and Dietary supplements. (Source: Clinical Evidence)...
POSTED 08/27/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Chronic fatigue syndrome with autoantibodies - the result of an augmented adjuvant effect of hepatitis-b vaccine and silicone implant.
Chronic fatigue syndrome with autoantibodies - The result of an augmented adjuvant effect of hepatitis-B vaccine and silicone implant.
Autoimmun Rev. 2008 Aug 22;
Authors: Nancy AL, Yehuda S
BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) that defines by prolonged fatigue and other manifestations, was recently integrated into a spectrum of central sensitivity syndromes including several diseases as fibromylagia. CFS etiology is multi-factorial commonly triggered by infectious agents. Vaccines, induce an immune response similarly to infections, and may trigger just like infections autoimmune diseases, CFS and fibromyalgia. Furthermore vaccines contain an adjuvant which enhances their immune stimulation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old woman was diagnosed with CFS accompanied by fibromyalgia, demyelination and autoantibodies. Her illness begun following the 2nd dose of hepatitis-B vaccine, and was aggravated by the 3rd vaccination. She underwent silicone breast implantation 6 years before vaccination with no adverse events. However, between the 2nd and 3rd vaccination she suffered a breast injury with local inflammation. Upon explanation of her breast implants silicone leak was observed. DISCUSSION: Vaccines have been reported to precede CFS mainly following exposure to multiple vaccinations (e.g. the Gulf war syndrome), or as an adverse response to the vaccine adjuvant (e.g. the macrophagic myofasciitis syndrome). Silicone is considered an adjuvant to the immune system, and may induce "the adjuvant disease". Silicone implant, especially silicone leak relationship with autoimmunity and CFS has been the focus of considerable debates. CONCLUSION: Our patient illness started following hepatitis-B vaccine, suggesting that it was caused or accelerated by vaccination. In parallel to vaccination our patient suffered from breast injury, which might represent the time of silicone leak. The exposure to the adjuvant, silicone, might have augmented her immune response to the vaccine. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of combined adverse effect to vaccine and silicone. Vaccine safety in individuals with silicone implants requires further studies.
PMID: 18725327 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Autoimmunity Reviews)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 11:00 PM --
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Chronic fatigue syndrome: pathophysiology and treatment (r01)
Program Announcement from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts (Source: NIH Funding Opportunities (Notices, PA, RFA))...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 12:00 PM --
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The biology of chronic fatigue syndrome
(Source: Nature Network Boston - Upcoming Events)...
POSTED 08/19/2008 at 09:27 AM --
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Pots versus deconditioning: the same or different?
Abstract The 2007 Streeten Lecture focused on the idea that physical deconditioning plays a key role in the symptomology and pathophysiology
of POTS. Parallels were drawn between the physiological responses to orthostatic stress seen in POTS patients and the physiological
responses seen in “normal” humans after prolonged periods of bedrest, deconditioning, or space flight. Additionally, the idea
that endurance exercise training might ameliorate some of these symptoms was also advanced. Finally, potential parallels between
POTS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia were also drawn and the potential role of exercise training as a “therapeutic
intervention” in all three conditions was raised. The conceptual model for the lecture was that after some “initiating event”
chronic deconditioning plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of these conditions, and these physiological changes
in conjunction with “somatic hypervigilence” explain many of the complaints that this diverse group of patients have. Additionally,
the idea that systematic endurance exercise training might be helpful was advanced, and data supportive of this idea was reviewed.
The main conclusion is that the medical community must retain their empathy for patients with unusual conditions but at the
same time send a firm but empowering message about physical activity. As always, we must also ask what do the ideas about
physical activity and inactivity and the conditions mentioned above not explain?
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory REVIEW ARTICLEDOI 10.1007/s10286-008-0487-7Authors
Michael J. Joyner, Mayo Clinic Dept. of Anesthesiology 200 First Street SW Rochester MN 55905 USAShizue Masuki, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine Dept. of Sports Medical Sciences Matsumoto Japan
Journal Clinical Autonomic ResearchOnline ISSN 1619-1560Print ISSN 0959-9851 (Source: Clinical Autonomic Research)...
POSTED 08/15/2008 at 01:49 AM --
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Marine phytoplankton is next revolutionary superfood for disease prevention and extraordinary health
(NaturalNews) In previous articles and product reviews here on NaturalNews, we've covered some astonishing superfoods. The most impressive of those have been derived from microalgae: Astaxanthin, Chlorella, Spirulina and Blue-Green Algae.Now, a new microalgae product has emerged in the natural products market that joins the ranks of these high-potency superfoods: Marine Phytoplankton. And unlike most of the other microalgae products on the market that are freeze dried into powders, tablets or capsules, the Marine Phytoplankton product I'm reviewing here is raw, unprocessed, in liquid form and full of life!But beware! In researching related products for this story, I've discovered at least two products in the marketplace today that sound like they deliver marine phytoplankton, but they actually deliver only miniscule portions of the phytoplankton along with lots and lots of filler. I'll reveal the names of those products that I don't recommend later in this article. You'll also get to view a video review where I compare these products right in front of your eyes so you can actually see the nutrient density in glasses of water (see below).I'll also reveal my No. 1 recommended "Editor's Choice" marine phytoplankton product and tell you where to get it at 22% off the retail price. I don't earn anything on the sale of this product, nor have I been paid anything to review it. This is a 100% independent, unbiased review of a product so impressive that I actually brought two bottles with me to Ecuador!Read this product review if you're interested in learning about the latest, most nutritionally-potent superfood product that can provide you with astonishing health benefits. This is a superfood that contains potent anti-cancer nutrients, elements that help reverse heart disease, nutrients for protecting brain function and even specific minerals and phytochemicals that can help normalize body weight.I'll describe more about these benefits later. You may also want to watch my YouTube video review of this product here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZZ-QFPnfL0Legal note: All benefit statements in this article are my own opinion and do not necessarily represent the "official" position of the manufacturers or resellers of this product, all of which have been heavily censored by the FDA from telling you the truth about what superfoods or nutritional supplements can really do for your health. Nothing in this article is FDA approved. (And that's why it actually tells you the truth!) In my view, the FDA is run by white-collar criminals who hope to prevent you from learning the kind of information presented in this non-commercial, independent product review.What is marine phytoplanktonMuch like chlorella and spirulina, marine phytoplankton is a single-celled organism that's been on planet Earth for literally billions of years. It is the life form responsible for creating an oxygen-rich environment on our planet. Without it, the atmosphere would have remains inhospitable to humans and other mammals that depend on oxygen, so it is no exaggeration to say that marine phytoplankton created the opportunity for human life on Earth. (That's worth noting because it turns out that marine phytoplankton can also protect human life on Earth right now!)Like all microalgae that grow in the ocean, this particular strain of marine phytoplankton (there are more than 40,000 strains of microalgae, but this one was chosen for its potent health benefits) is rich in chlorophyll, trace minerals (from the ocean water) and carotenoids. It is the carotenoids that give it color, and as anyone who has been paying attention to nutrition already knows, the pigmentation nutrients are the medicines!Just like with fresh vegetables, it is the color itself that provides the most potent medicine. The purple anthocyanins in purple cabbage, for example, are anti-cancer nutrients. The phycocyanin in spirulina is also a super potent anti-cancer nutrient. The carotenoids in carrots protect the nervous system, and the red pigments in astaxanthin are miraculous fat-soluble antioxidants that give your muscles and tissues superhuman-like protection against aging and oxidation. (See my detailed article on astaxanthin here: http://www.naturalnews.com/023177.html )Marine Phytoplankton contains hundreds of different carotenoids, minerals, amino acids and nutrients. And compared to land-based plants (which are usually mineral deficient), ocean-based plants are naturally rich in ocean water minerals, including all the trace minerals that can prevent and reverse serious disease.For example, selenium halts cancer tumors. Zinc accelerates tissue repair in the body. Magnesium helps reverse heart disease and neurological disorders. Strontium is the "secret" mineral for building strong bones. Chromium helps boost insulin sensitivity which helps regulate blood sugar. Iodine prevents breast cancer and regulates thyroid function, which ends out-of-control appetite cravings... And the list goes on! These minerals are the foundational secrets to lasting health, and they're all found in ocean-based marine phytoplankton.They're also found in seaweed, of course, which is why eating lots of seaweed, dulse, kelp, nori and other sea vegetables is such a smart health strategy. Unfortunately, the American palette doesn't include seaweed, and virtually all Americans (and Canadians, Brits, and Aussies) remain dangerously deficient in key trace minerals. This is especially true in the Midwest or regions where people are mostly living on beef, potatoes, junk food and soda pop... (I know, 'cuz I grew up there...)Marine phytoplankton is a medicinal powerhouse created by Mother NatureBeyond the trace minerals, marine phytoplankton contains literally hundreds of potent phytochemicals that work in synergy to protect your body's tissues, detoxify your blood and remove toxins, enhance oxygenation and circulation and reverse abnormal cell division that can lead to cancer.Ocean-based plants are the future of nutritional medicine. And if society ever gets rid of the quackery of Big Pharma and the criminal actions of the FDA, it will inevitably turn to medicines from the ocean to treat (and cure!) numerous health conditions.I have no doubt that if every American were given just 10 drops of Ocean's Alive Marine Phytoplankton each day, we'd see a huge drop in degenerative disease. I think we'd see cancer rates plummet by up to 90 percent; diabetes would be drastically reduced, heart disease numbers would drop sharply. Alzheimer's cases would be way down and behavioral disorders in children would virtually disappear. That's from just 10 drops a day of just one microalgae product.Imagine if we added astaxanthin, chlorella, goji berries and other superfoods to the diets of everyone! We'd see cancer virtually disappear. (Which is exactly why the cancer industry doesn't want you to know about these solutions... they would all be put out of business!)What health conditions can marine phytoplankton help treat or cure?Based on my considerable nutritional research, I believe marine phytoplankton provides nutritional elements and phytochemicals that can help prevent, treat and cure all of the following health conditions*:• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type-2 diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders such as lupus
• Eczema and skin disorders
• Breast cancer, prostate cancer and other cancers
• Heart disease and atherosclerosis
• Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Parkinson's disease and other neuromuscular disorders
• Liver disease and hepatitis
• Depression, mood swings and behavioral disorders
• Eye disease
• Infertility and reproductive system disorders
• Infections and common colds
• Asthma and respiratory disorders
• Kidney and bladder disorders
• Osteoporosis and skeletal disorders
• Chronic pain and joint pain* Please do not self-treat or self-diagnose. Always work with a qualified naturopathic physician to treat or cure a disease or health condition. Please also note that curing most degenerative diseases requires that you stop poisoning yourself with processed foods, pharmaceuticals, toxic personal care products and other chemicals. No superfood will save you from a highly-toxic lifestyle, or smoking cigarettes, or taking poisonous pharmaceuticals. Do not use marine phytoplankton allopathically, as a way to mask your symptoms. Use it as part of a lifestyle transformation program that gets you OFF the dangerous chemicals and ON to natural medicine and fresh, living foods.Safety note: Since marine phytoplankton contains vitamin K, it can theoretically interfere with blood thinning medications. So check with your naturopath about the safest way to get off your meds and get onto nutrition so that you no longer need blood thinning meds! (Which are based on rat poison, by the way... no kidding!)Why nutrient-rich microalgae is advanced medicineWhy do I believe marine phytoplankton can help prevent, treat or cure all of these diseases? Because I recognize that marine phytoplankton is a whole food medicine containing hundreds of different nutritional elements that work synergistically throughout the body. Modern medicine doesn't recognize that. Conventional physicians and medical authorities are stuck in the "one drug, one symptom" mode of thinking, which is very limited. It's hopelessly outdated, in fact, as it's based on the discovery of penicillin and the idea that every disease has a single countering chemical that can kill it.But modern diseases aren't infections! You can't "kill" cancer (they try, of course, with surgery and chemotherapy, and usually they just end up killing the patient rather than the cancer). You can't "wipe out" diabetes with a chemic | | | | |
