Diet, Yeast & Probiotics

An interesting survey involving 695 patients suffering from chronic fatigue was carried out in 1991 to assess 34 different therapies. 80% of the patients changed their diet and 73% experienced improvement in their symptoms. (2) The survey found that 55% of patients were helped by using natural anti-fungal treatments for Candida - a fungus found in the intestines which is thought to cause chronic fatigue and candiasis. Gill Jacobs, author of Candida Albicans: Yeast and Your Health (Optima 1992) recommends that people with chronic fatigue should start by using an anti-fungal at a very low dose (she refers to mycotryl 250 [grapefruit seed extract]) because of "die-off problems", the exacerbation of symptoms from the toxins of dead candida cells. She also recommends supplements to heal the intestinal wall (she mentions Permatrol) together with a good probiotic (i.e., concentrated source of beneficial bacteria such as Acidophillis).

return to top

Supplements

Chronic fatigue sufferers are often found to be deficient in the following vitamins and minerals and it has been reported that supplementing them in your diet can help enormously. (3) These include:

• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Chromium
• Vitamin B6

Essential fatty Acids (EFAs) and pancreatic enzymes have also been recommended. The best sources of EFAs are found in Tempeh, evening primrose oil, cold-pressed virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil.

Dr Stoff, author of 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hidden Epidemic - Jesse Stoff and Charles Peligrino, Ramdom House 1988, qualified homeopath and consultant in viro-immunology, also recommends a whole food diet supplemented with zinc, selenium, magnesium, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium lactate and vitamin B complex.

return to top

Rest & Sleep

It is commonly accepted that sufferers should ensure they obtain adequate rest and relaxation especially in the initial stages of the condition (See yoga & meditation below). Doctor Jesse Stoff recommends that his patients with chronic fatigue should get plenty of sleep ( especially between 9pm and 3am - because it is during that time that the liver regenerates the kepffer cells, which are vital to the body's immune system).

return to top

Electromagnetic Pollution & Geometric Stress

Electromagnetic Pollution and environmental stresses are now becoming increasingly accepted as important factors in our health. Alf Riggs, an electrical engineer, healer and douser, claims to have been to the homes of approximately 300 people all suffering with chronic fatigue and found that about 50% of them had a remarkably similar pattern in their living and working space.(4) These include such things as clock radios near the head, metal beds and bedsprings, radiators and transformers which, amongst many other things can all contribute to what is termed as over-exposure to alternating current pulse magnetic fields.

If you wake feeling exhausted, you are more likely to be affected by geopathic stress than if you wake feeling better, and get worse throughout the day. If so, geopathic stress consultants recommend that all electrical gadgets be moved away from the sleeping area, and that you should not sleep near radiators or electrical wiring. Wooden beds are also recommended.

Please Note: for all matters relating to diet and nutrition it is advisable to consult a qualified naturopath or nutritionist.

Footnotes: -
(1) ME: How to live with it - Dr. Anne Macintyre Thorsons 1993
(2) Gill Jacobs - ME The Healing Way forward - Cadeuceus 22 p17 -20
(3) (Candida Albicans: Yeast & Your Health - Gill Jacobs (optima 1992)
(4) author of 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Hidden Epidemic - Jesse Stoff and Charles Peligrino, Random House 1988, qualified homeopath and consultant in viro-immunology

return to top

Candida Albicans and Oregano

Oil of the culinary herb Oregano (Oreganum vulgare) has been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans aacording to a report in the Journal of Applied Nutrition. A concentration of the Oregano oil (0.1 m g per ml) was tested against three different Candida strains. Oregano oil contains a phenolic substance known as 'Carvacrol' which was is a known anti-Candida agent. The results revealed that Oil of Oregano found to be an effective anti-candida agent.

Stiles J, MS, Sparks W, Ronzio R et al. The Inhibition of Candida Albicans by Oregano. Journal of Applied Nutrition vol 47, No 4 1995

return to top

M.E. and Fluoride

As part of a review of research into M.E., Julia Laylander introduces her hypothesis the M.E., fibromyalgia and Gulf War Syndrome all share a common underlying aetiology at the subcellular level: magnesium deficiency combined with excess fluoride. She argued that fluoride can bind to magnesium in the body, reducing the body's ability to absorb it, resulting in lower levels available to fuel critical cellular processess.

Laylander, JA. journal of CFS 1999;5:1,67-126

return to top