Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Persistent Infections

There is still much unknown about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but one thing science has proven is that CFS is associated with changes in the immune system. This is where the acronym CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) came from.

CFS patients often have many different and unusual infections at the same time. Because these infections are numerous, it can be difficult to treat as each infection needs to be treated directly. CFS patients are at high risk of contracting many infections. CFS sufferers whose CFS came on suddenly were most likely caused by viral infections. Some of these include the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), or cytomegalovirus (CMV). The medical theory behind these viruses is that once infected, over a period of time, these viruses are no longer active. In PWCs (People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) the body still acts as if they are active and this may result in elevated levels of interferon.

Our bodies produce interferon to fight viral infections. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., director for the Annapolis Research center for Effective FMS/CFS Therapies says, When a person with cancer or hepatitis is injected with interferon, he or she becomes achy, fatigued and brain-fogged. Under active adrenal glands can also cause interferon levels to become elevated. Because of this elevation, it is more accurate to say that the bodys immune system is not functioning properly than to say that it is under active.

He believes, along with other research, that the immune systems in PWCs is in overdrive and exhausts itself. Because the immune system malfunctions, the effectiveness of the bodys natural killer cells decreases. Natural killer cells are an important defense mechanism against fighting infection and disease.

Common recurrent infections among PWCs include chronic bladder, sinus, respiratory, prostate and are treated with antibiotics. Repeated use of antibiotics can lead to yeast overgrowth. The controversial theory among physicians is that the chronic overgrowth of yeast may be a strong trigger for CFS, Fibromyalgia and even further immune dysfunction. PWCs frequently have bowel parasite infections that can cause severe allergic and sensitivity reactions.

As you can see, CFS is much more complicated and disabling than many people think. It takes a knowledgeable physician who knows how to treat these multiple infections without antibiotic use. Treatment centers like Dr. Teitelbaum runs and the Fibro and Fatigue Centers are skilled in treating the multiple infections in PWCs.

Some of the treatment protocol recommended by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum to treat infections without antibiotics is found in his popular book, From Fatigued to Fantastic. Below is just a short list of treatment items he recommends. Please never attempt any treatment regimen without consulting your physician first.

Respiratory infections, cold or flu

Take natural thymic hormone. This can be found in a product called ProBoost and it is a very effective immune stimulant.

Take 1,000 milligrams of olive leaf extract three times a day for 3 – 7 days.

Take 1,000 – 8,000 milligrams a day of vitamin C – at first enough to get diarrhea. Then cut back to a comfortable level.

Zinc lozenges 5 – 8 times a day -t hey need to have 10 – 20 milligrams of zinc per lozenge.

Drink plenty of water and hot caffeine-free tea or hot water with lemon.

Sinus infections

Try nasal rinses.

Use a humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom.

500 milligrams of vitamin C daily.