Chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. CFS affects an estimated
one to two million people, afflicting twice as many women as men. |
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| How does chronic fatigue immune dysfunction
syndrome develop? |
Many experts suspect
that this condition has an autoimmune component, as many of those diagnosed with
CFS have been found to have circulating antinuclear autoantibodies in their blood.
However, most autoimmune diseases are associated with tissue destruction or organ
damage, but in CFS there is no specific damage identified.
Chronic fatigue is a major symptom in many other illnesses, especially autoimmune
diseases, so other conditions must be ruled out before a diagnosis of CFS is
made. These conditions include lupus, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, AIDS,
antiphospholipid syndrome, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyositis,
and depression. It's also thought that CFS may develop from a common virus by
those with a genetic predisposition to develop the illness, as is the case with
some of the other autoimmune diseases. |
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| What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue
immune dysfunction syndrome? |
The main symptom of
CFS is an unusually debilitating fatigue that lasts six months or more and forces
the patient to reduce activity. Other symptoms include impairment of short-term
memory (brain fog), chronic sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle and joint
pain, headaches, weakness on one side, unrefreshed sleep, low grade fevers, fatigue
lasting for more than 24 hours after exertion, problems with concentration, flu-like
symptoms, sleep disorders (apnea/insomnia), tingling in the legs or arms, and
depression.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of chronic fatigue
immune dysfunction syndrome but they do not address the root of the problem.
Generally, by undergoing comprehensive natural medicine testing, the reasons
the body is producing antibodies against itself can be found. Some of these reasons
include sensitivities or allergies to foods, inhalants and chemicals and various
infections.
Discover why we believe that natural treatments are the best way to treat
chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome.
| Modern Medicine's Approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome |
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The immune system, which
is a complex network of specialized organs, cells and cell products, is continually
making antibodies to help rid the body of substances it sees as "non-self," such
as bacteria, viruses, infectious agents and even "worn out," damaged or mutant
cells. When the immune system identifies an infection or allergen, it produces
antibodies against the offending organism or substance so it can be eliminated
from the body. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system fails to distinguish
between "self" and "nonself," and thus attacks the body's own vital organs, systems,
cells and tissues.
The list of autoimmune diseases is both long and disturbing. In treating these
diseases, modern medical practitioners focus on relieving the symptoms and slowing
the progression of the diseases. The main allopathic treatment used for most
autoimmune conditions is Prednisone (steroids). This approach, at best, can just
slow the progression of the disease. Used long-term, Prednisone can cause a host
of problems, including osteoporosis, immune suppression, weight gain, bloating,
thin skin, easy bruising and many other troubling side effects. Prednisone is
used because it helps control symptoms; but it does not address the etiology
of the underlying condition. |
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| The Natural Approach to Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (Autoimmune Diseases) |
In caring for patients,
natural medicine practitioners look for the cause of the problem and recommend
therapies that address the source of the disease. This involves giving the body
what's missing and removing what's harmful.
Since autoimmune diseases are caused by autoantibodies, the question we ask
is, "Why is this person making these antibodies?" Most experts in the natural
medicine field believe that many of these autoantibodies are produced by the
body in response to an infection or allergen. When the offending infection(s)
or allergen(s) are removed, the production of these destructive autoantibodies
stops.
To help the body stop producing autoantibodies, patients are placed on allergy
elimination diets. The offending foods are avoided for three months. At that
time, the patient will undergo provocation/neutralization allergy treatments
to desensitize for the offending food(s). If no improvement is shown, serial
dilution allergy testing and treatment is done for chemical and inhalant allergies.
It may also be necessary to test and treat for sensitivities to the natural hormones,
such as estrogen, progesterone and serotonin. |
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| A Final Note About the Immune System |
We've noted the important
role that the immune system plays in identifying and eliminating infectious cells
in the body. It's also important to highlight the critical role this system plays
in eliminating abnormal or mutant cell types which may also arise. This function,
known as immune system surveillance, constitutes one of the body's major defenses
against cancer.
Today's statistics show that one in three Americans will develop cancer in
their lifetime. The body depends on a healthy, well-functioning immune system
to protect it from this devastating disease.
Clearly, it is not enough to treat symptoms or slow the progression of autoimmune
diseases; it is essential to restore the immune system to a healthy state and
prevent against further damage and disease. And with natural medicine, this kind
of healing is possible! |
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Recommended Services: Chiropractic
Care, Massage Therapy, Physical
Therapy, Rehabilitative Therapies, Living
Well for Life, Auricular Therapy
If you are interested
in more information about natural treatments or to schedule an appointment at
one of our three convenient locations, please contact Central Health and Wellness
at 972-671-5263 or use the online Inquiry Form
Disclaimer:
The preceding is to provide information about relief and the benefits
that may be derived. It is not intended to claim a cure for any disease or condition.
It should not take the place of your doctor’s advice or treatment.
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