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Treatment details
The following treatments look at all aspects of CFS-ME,
but it is important to get advice from a qualified practitioner before
starting any new treatment. For a briefer guide click here.
Herbal remedies
Ginkgo biloba- A powerful dietary supplement for the circulation system
and brain, Ginkgo biloba also helps to relieve muscle pain.
St John's Wort- May help to inhibit viral infections, and is also good
for depression and nerve pain.
Evening Primrose Oil- Can relieve pain and inflammation.
Vitamins
Vitamin B - Various vitamin B deficiencies can exacerbate CFS-ME
Vitamin C- enhances immunity and protects against infection
Vitamin E- improves circulation
Minerals
Chelated magnesium- Supplementing the diet with magnesium can help prevent
depression, dizziness, muscle weakness and twitching. Magnesium
deficiencies are thought to be one of the major causes of CFS-ME.
Maximol- this is a mineral supplement, packed with organic fulvic acid
and ionised polarised electrolytes which are thought to be helpful in
rejuvenating the body's biosystems.
Calcium magnesium plus zinc- Zinc helps to promote a healthy immune system,
calcium is required for the assimilation of magnesium and zinc.
Amino Acids
L-Glutamine- this may be helpful for recovering from muscle weakness
and fatigue during relapses. It will also help support a healthy
immune function. A good source of high quality glutamine powder
is Higher Nature Telephone 01435 882 880 (Approx £11 for 100 grams).
Anti-oxidants
Revenol- This is thought to detoxify any toxicity which may have been
building up in the cells. It is thought to improve overall health
and resistance to opportunist infections, relief from joint and arthritic
pain, and help to clear thinking.
Oxyguard - Available from Safe Remedies telephoning 01289 332 888
Co-enzymes
Co enzyme Q10- Plays a crucial role in the generation of cellular
energy, Q10 also stimulates the immune system and increases circulation.
Nutrients
Nutrients that have been shown in clinical trials to help in certain
areas. Glyconutritionals provide the body with essential monosacharides,
most of which are not present in sufficient amounts in the average western
diet. Of the 8 essential sacharides necessary for optimal metabolic
function in humans, only glucose and galactose are normally present in
sufficient quantities in the diet. Tests have shown that glyconutrients
may be of therapeutic benefit to CFS-ME patients.
Remember: Do not take any supplements without first
informing your doctor.
Pharmaceutical medication
These drugs can only be prescribed by your GP. There are pharmaceutical
medications which may be useful for CFS-ME but only with the support of
your GP.
Nimodipine (calcium antagonist)
Antidepressants
Over the counter
Various medications for symptoms of CFS-ME eg cold sore treatments,
mouth ulcer treatments, pain killers, are available from the pharmacist
without prescription.
The alpha state
This is a healing state which enables your body and mind to heal itself.
You can teach yourself the alpha state, or learn it with the help
of a qualified practitioner. Modifying the frequency of your brain
waves and entering the alpha state places you in direct communication
with your subconscious mind. Once communication is established you
can use the language of mental imagery to make changes beneficial to your
own development. In the alpha brain wave state individuals can access
their harmony and healing. In that state things are seen in a different
light and individuals find they actually have the talents and resources
to deal with things in a positive, successful, creative and fulfilling
way.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy has shown promising results in facilitating coping
and alleviating some of the distress associated with CFS-ME, it can also
be helpful in defining and setting limits, which is essential in recovery
from CFS-ME
Anger management/
release
It is not healthy to harbour anger and frustration, however with any
long term chronic illness, emotions such as these are common, therefore
it is important to learn to deal with these emotions appropriately to
prevent a double negative effect on yourself.
Eye movement
desensitisation
This is a complex method of psychotherapy that allows the brain to
heal its psychological problems at the same time as the rest of the body
is healing its physical ailments.
Time line therapy
This is an extension of NLP (neuro-linguistic-programming) that comes
from Tad James. It works by looking at the way you organise your
memories. By simple guided talks it can take you back to the past
or forward to the future to deal with whatever you want to focus on.
Unlike many other therapies it is not necessary to relive any painful
experiences.
Relationships
Strong supportive relationships with family and friends may be an
important factor in the overall improvement of people suffering from CFS-ME.
Exercise
It is crucial to know how to balance appropriate exercise and rest
to maximise the speed of recovery. With CFS-ME it is as if you are
running on a rechargeable battery; you can do something in the present
moment, however, if you do too much, you are likely to suffer later.
So....plan to build so much activity into your day, but be aware of the
signs that let you know when you have overdone it and .......take heed!
The Zone Diet
This diet is thought to increase mental focus, energy and enhance
physical performance. It is a 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, 30%
fat ratio diet, thought to be of particular benefit to anyone suffering
from CFS-ME
Wheat
Related Syndrome and Organo-phosphate Toxicity
A study has shown that Wheat Related Syndrome has similar symptoms
to CFS-ME, (Dr Sheila Gibson et al 1995) and that wheat may be responsible
in some way for passing on a significant amount of pesticide and/or herbicide
residues producing toxic effects and contributing to much of the chronic
ill health seen today. Allergies to particular foodstuffs eg wheat
are something that anyone with CFS-ME has to pay particularly close attention
to.
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