Mistake #1 You Dont Need To Take Supplements If You Eat A Healthy Diet
Soil depletion and other factors make it impossible to know if diet alone meets our nutrient needs. More importantly, perhaps, Dr. Craig asserts that the demands placed on the body by high levels of oxidative stress plus the immune system alterations and energy depletion found in ME/CFS suggests that supplementation is going to be needed.
The right diet is an important part of Dr. Craigs program, but a good diet is not enough
Finally, with no FDA approved drugs available, Dr. Craig proposes that a smart evidence-based use of supplements may be the best way ME/CFS patients have of improving their symptoms.
The research on the need for supplements in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is sparse, but what is there suggests supplementation can help.
Several studies have found, for instance, low levels of B-vitamins in ME/CFS patients. A 1999 study found low blood levels of vitamins B-1 and B-6. A 2014 study found that giving ME/CFS patients a multivitamin/multimineral supplement for two months resulted in an increase in antioxidant status as well as significant reductions in fatigue, flu-like symptoms, sleep problems, autonomic nervous system symptoms, and headaches.
The Interplay Of B Vitamins In Cellular Energy Production
All the B vitamins except folate are involved in at least one and often in several steps of the energy-production system within the cell . Adequate supply of each B vitamin is required for appropriate functioning of the energy-production system and a shortfall in any one of them will be rate limiting for energy production, with potentially severe metabolic and health consequences.
Vitamin B1 occurs in the body as free thiamine and as various phosphorylated forms, including thiamine pyrophosphate . TPP is involved in dehydrogenase reactions, which result in the decarboxylation of pyruvate and of branched-chain amino acids to form acetyl-CoA . Within the citric acid cycle, TPP supports the decarboxylation of alpha-ketoglutarate into succinyl-CoA .
Riboflavin is an integral part of the coenzymes flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide , which are mandatory in the function of the flavoprotein enzymes. FAD and FMN act as proton carriers in redox reactions critical for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins . FAD is involved in the production of acetyl-CoA from fatty acids via beta-oxidation, from glucose via the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate and from catabolism of branched amino acids . FAD is required in the citric acid cycle steps that produce succinyl-CoA from alpha-ketoglutarate and fumarate from succinate , and FADH2 acts as an electron donor in the electron transport chain .
Chapter : What Exactly Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
It is a condition where the person feels extreme tiredness and lack of refreshment after sleep. Can you imagine going to sleep only to feel tired and weary? You can imagine how terrible tiring that must be. You do not wake up feeling fresh and ready for the day. Additionally, the symptoms get worse when you exert yourself physically or mentally.
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Pay Attention To Sugar
Sugar can also increase your energy temporarily, but the crash afterward can compound your tiredness. Instead of reaching for foods with refined sugar, Groppo suggests eating naturally sweet foods with a bit of protein to help even out your blood sugar and energy levels. Berries with plain, unsweetened yogurt is a great option.
Fill up on nonstarchy veggies. Try to include vegetables of all colors throughout the day to get their unique nutrients and benefits. Red vegetables, for instance, are full of phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and help reduce inflammation. Yellow veggies contain important vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and B6.
What About A Multi Vitamin
Another step in healing and maintaining the body for many people is to add a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement. It must be in addition to the supplements described above, not in place of it. It should contain a wide variety of nutrients including vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. It should also contain essential trace minerals such as chromium, selenium, zinc, manganese and others.
The basic supplements above will not always supply all of ones needs. However, they are a wonderful start toward obtaining the many vital nutrients needed by our bodies today. These nutrients are not easily available from food, even if one eats only organically grown locally produced food. Combining this with an excellent diet and a very healthful lifestyle can enhance anyones health and joy in life.
End of Basic Supplements by Dr. Lawrence Wilson © September, 2019
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Best Energy Supplements For Chronic Fatigue 2021
Chronic fatigue is a pervasive and pernicious issue right now. Most people today seem to be seriously overworked. This is true regardless of where you are: the US, UK, Europe, Canada everybody seems to be exhausted all the time.
As working hours increase and the line between leisure and work gets increasingly blurred, the issue of chronic fatigue is only going to get worse. More of us will spend a larger chunk of our day answering calls and emails and less time sleeping, relaxing, or exercising. The end result will be a population that is constantly fighting fatigue.
So whats the answer?
The obvious answer is to spend less time working and more time resting! But we know that few of you currently have that option your careers are demanding so theres no chance you can take more time off.
Another solution might be to use drugs like Adderall or Ritalin. While powerful, these drugs do not actually address chronic fatigue instead, they provide a short-term energy boost followed by a nasty comedown and a plethora of side effects .
In our opinion, the only practical, safe and appealing solution is high-quality energy supplements designed specifically to fight chronic fatigue.
Below is our choice for the best energy supplement for chronic fatigue. Weve also explained how we chose our top ranked energy supplements, and how you should use them for best results. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section at the end!
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Enzymatic Therapy Fatigued To Fantastic Adrenal Stress End 60 Capsules
3.0 Not sure if it works
I started taking this after I had taken the d-ribose and acetyl-l-carnitine. I did not notice any changes but then again I did note a great increase of energy with the ribose and carnitine. I did not experience any of the stomach problems that have been previously reported. I am really impressed with the ribose and carnitine. If you have chronic fatigue I would try the ribose and the carnitine first.
1.0 Made me think I was going to DIE!
I ordered this, couldnt wait to try it, I have suffered from Chronic fatigue for a decade, when I got my package in the mail, I ate a meal and took two as it says on the package. WIthin 20 minutes I broke out in cold sweats and had pain in my stomach that was the worst I have ever felt in my life. I am bummed about it, what works for some isnt for others I guess.
5.0 Seems to help combined with prescription cortisol
Its difficult to rate supplements because who knows if theyre really helping long term? However, I seem to be able to take less prescription cortisol while on this, and I generally like Dr. Teitelbaums approach to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia . I wouldnt recommend this unless you have clear symptoms of low cortisol though .
5.0 Love this product!
5.0 Works to combat the worst fatigue
5.0 Fatigue fighter
5.0 It is everything that is advertised!
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Diet & Herbal Supplements For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
With an increased inclination towards alternative medicine, it is not uncommon to see numerous dietary supplements and other herbal preparations being marketed everyday that claim to benefit patients with CFS or even cure them. Patients are however warned against such unscrupulous claims, as it can lead to adverse effects or cross reactivity between other medicines used for CFS treatment. It is always advisable to consult with the treating physician before using any such form of therapy. Vitamin A, C and B12, iron, zinc, selenium, germanium, magnesium sulfate, adenosine monophosphate, glutathione and melatonin are some of the most commonly referred vitamins, minerals or coenzymes that claim a therapeutic benefit.
Herbal preparations of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, garlic, comfrey, bromelain, astralagus and others such as borage seed oil, primrose oil, and mushroom extract also claim to offer relief to CFS patients, the effectiveness of which is yet to be established.
Avoid Smoking And Chemical Exposures
People with CFS should avoid, as much as possible, exposure to tobacco smoke, toxic chemicals, and pollutants. Smoke contains many toxicants, including carbon monoxide and nicotine, which alter the function of the nervous system and may increase risk of chronic pain.170,171 Exposure to cigarette smoke, even secondhand, is pro-inflammatory and suppresses or disorders immune response.172 A large multi-center prospective study of 9,209 non-demented patients found higher cigaretteexposure correlated with significantly higher rates of cognitive decline.173 Other studies have linked tobacco smoke exposure withgreater symptom burden in CFS or related conditions .174,175
Exposure to toxic compounds has been associated with CFS.176,177 Some individuals with reported chemical sensitivities also have severe chronic fatigue. In some cases, CFS symptoms have resolved in chemically sensitive individuals when they reduced or eliminated their toxicant exposure.178
If possible, those with CFS should also live and work in well-ventilated buildings. Indoor levels of pollutants such as solvents, pesticides, and dust are generally higher in buildings with poor ventilation. In a study of 100 large office buildings, office workers experiencing fatigue or difficulty concentrating were less likely to work in well-ventilated buildings or buildings with well-maintained ventilation systems compared with less well-ventilated or well-maintained buildings.181
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Supplement Options For Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by various symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and muscle aches. Some supplements may help reduce these symptoms. Supplements that may be beneficial include coenzyme Q10, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, ribose, magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin D.
Because supplements have potential side effects and can interact with medications or other supplements, a medical professional should always be consulted before taking any new supplement.
What Novel And Emerging Therapies Appear Promising For Cfs
- DHEA replacement therapy in women who had CFS and low DHEA-S levels significantly improved fatigue, pain, memory, and sexual functioning.
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation , a non-invasive brain simulation technique, may be a useful therapeutic approach for helping manage symptoms of CFS.
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Summary And Quick Facts For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated condition characterized in part by profound fatigue that persists for more than six months. Between 836,000 and 2.5 million people in the United States are believed to have CFS.
- In this protocol you will learn about the complex nature of CFS and several factors that may contribute to its onset. You will also learn about the treatment approach typically taken by conventional physicians and how a more comprehensive, integrative approach may be necessary for optimum management of CFS symptoms.
- Once a diagnosis has been established, an effective treatment strategy must take into consideration the medical, nutritional, physical, psychological, and social needs of each patient. Emerging research has led to the development of several novel treatment strategies that may benefit those with CFS.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated condition characterized in part by profound fatigue that persists for more than six months. Other features can include cognitive difficulties, muscle and joint pain, depression, poor sleep quality, or other nonspecific symptoms. Many people with CFS have difficulty working, attending school, exercising, and carrying out daily activities. Sadly, conventional physicians often overlook this condition, and as many as 80% of individuals suffering with CFS may not receive an accurate diagnosis. The illness follows a variable course and is associated with significant quality of life issues.
What Nutrients May Benefit Cfs
- Roburin-rich French oak wood extract: In an open-label controlled trial that evaluated patients with CFS, roburin-rich French oak wood extract was demonstrated to relieve a wide range of CFS symptoms.
- L-carnitine: A study of CFS subjects compared the FDA-approved antiviral drug amantadine with L-carnitine authors concluded L-carnitine was better tolerated and produced significantly greater clinical improvement.
- D-ribose: Ribose is critical to the synthesis of important biological compounds as well as many compounds involved in cellular energy production and transfer, and low levels of ATP generation are considered one possible underlying mechanism for fatigue upon minimal exertion in CFS.
- Probiotics:Several studies have found that probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may decrease symptoms of CFS.
- B vitamins: B vitamin-related enzyme activity has been found to be lower in patients with CFS, and women receiving a daily low potency multivitamin/mineral supplement containing B vitamins had significantly less fatigue, better sleep, and fewer and less intense headaches.
- Adaptogenic herbs: Adaptogenic herbs are of particular interest in CFS due to their reputation for boosting energy as well as their possible effects on the HPA-axis and on supporting healthy immune system function. Some adaptogens considered promising for CFS include Rhodiola rosea , Panax ginseng, and Ashwagandha.
by Cort Johnson | Sep 28, 2014 | Homepage |
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Top Five Supplement Mistakes And How To Avoid Them By Dr Courtney Craig
In this video Dr. Craig, a recovered ME/CFS patient, examines how to choose supplements that work, mistakes people make when taking supplements, and how to streamline your supplement regimen to save you money.
First she refers to an ebook by Dr. Charles Lapp and Dr. Bruce Shepherd that proposes that supplements for ME/CFS should meet three criteria before they recommend their general use by the ME/CFS population:
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- It must be safe.
- There must be a scientific basis for its effects.
- It must cause a positive effect in at least fifty percent of those who take it.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
While the term chronic fatigue is fairly descriptive of this crippling illness, it doesnt tell the entire story. Chronic fatigue often starts suddenly, with flu-like symptoms. But unlike the flu, it can last a lifetime.
In addition to the profound fatigue experienced, other serious symptoms often accompany CFS, such as:
- joint pain that moves from one spot to another
- digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome .
Sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome also experience significant alterations in levels of irritability, mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and depression. According to a study published in Family Practice, 36 percent of individuals with CFS were clinically depressed and 22 percent had seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Simply, the emotional and mental side effects of CFS cannot be overlooked, and treatment must include the mind, body and spirit.
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Get Tested For Other Conditions
Anaemia is often found alongside arthritis and is a common cause of fatigue. Anaemia can be caused by lack of iron in your diet, and this means your red blood cells cant carry enough oxygen to the parts of your body that need it.
GPs are generally very good at diagnosing and treating anaemia, says Dr Rae.
However, thyroid disease remains a major concern, because it can masquerade as so many other conditions. Dry skin and thinning hair are common symptoms, alongside the fatigue and aching joints that people put down to arthritis. Your rheumatologist or GP should offer tests to check your thyroid function.
If thyroid disease is diagnosed, its reasonably easy to manage with the right medication.
Calcium Magnesium Zinc And Selenium
Most everyone needs more of these vital minerals than they can obtain from food. Few good sources of these minerals exist in foods today. Calcium is found in raw dairy products, carrot juice, sardines, bone broth, and a little is found elsewhere. However, most people do not obtain nearly enough from food alone.
Magnesium is only found in whole grains, and a little in other foods. Very few people get enough from their food. Zinc is found mainly in meats, but one must eat a substantial amount to obtain enough. The correct form of selenium is found in blue corn, organic yellow corn, sardines, kelp and a few other foods, but most people need a supplement.
I suggest that every adult take a supplement of about 750 mg of chelated calcium daily, about 450 mg of chelated magnesium daily, about 30 mg of chelated zinc daily and about 200 mcg of selenomethionine or yeast-based selenium daily. This is not costly and they are readily available.
Children over the age of about 5 may need a supplement as well, based mainly upon their weight.
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Relax And Reset Your Mind
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome treatment can sometimes be frustrating. You require a strong mind and willpower to battle this illness. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can relieve the anxiety associated with chronic fatigue, and help your body and mind to relax.
If your body, mind, and soul are at peace, you will notice a reduction in some of the symptoms that cause CFS.
Know Whats In Your Supplement
Research is your best friend when it comes to natural vitamins so make sure to do some research before taking anything new!
Avoid any artificial sweeteners while on the quest for natural energy boosters as they may actually cause fatigue instead of stopping it.
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