Fatigue, chronic or severe

Fatigue is a common symptom, part of virtually every known illness. It is what is known as a "non-specific" symptom, i.e., it does not point to any specific etiology, or cause.

Some common problems that can mimic and/or cause chronic fatigue include:

• chronic disease of any kind

• chronic inflammation

• multiple sclerosis

• cancer

• most infectious disease s, e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, spirochetal (e.g., Lyme disease, syphilis)

• AIDS

• hormonal dysfunction (thyroid, adrenal, et al.)

• psychological or psychiatric disorders, depression

• disorders of the blood (such as anemia or a white cell dysfunction)

• lung or heart ailments

• heavy metal (e.g., lead, mercury) or chemical toxicity

• multiple environmental allergies and sensitivities

• autoimmune disorders of all kinds

• obesity

• and many others.

Obviously the list is long, and it could be much longer since fatigue is such a ubiquitous symptom.

There is today, with regard to this symptom, something called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), defined in part as severe fatigue of substantial duration (typically, at least six months) for which no explanation can be found in the ordinary course of medical evaluation. This is not an easy diagnosis to make, though there are several symptoms and signs that tend to support it, in addition to the underlying severe fatigue, including:

• body and/or joint aches

• debilitating headaches

• mild to moderate lymph node swelling

• muscle weakness

• confusion and "cognitive dysfunction" (the inability to think and remember clearly)

• depression and sleep disturbance

• other criteria, including several blood tests, though none is considered definitive in making the diagnosis.

A very aggressive, thorough search for a diagnosis other than CFS must be undertaken in all suspected cases, because most medical causes of fatigue are treatable, and some are quite serious. Jumping to the CFS diagnosis can cause those treatable causative conditions to be ignored, so this is an important point.

[Keep in mind that the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is merely a term we use instead of the longer, less attractive, but more accurate description: "A syndrome of fatigue about which we know almost nothing, and whose cause completely baffles us". This latter name is, in fact, essentially what we mean when we label many diseases, including this representative list: cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, and to some extent, even heart disease. These are but a few of the many, many diseases about which we actually know very little. The point is: the fact that we are able to name something does not mean that we know much about it, and certainly does not mean that we know how to treat it.]

Note that the diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been expanded, so that the current full name is Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency Syndrome (CFIDS) because along with chronic, severe fatigue, many sufferers also manifest diminished immune system capabilities.

If the diagnosis of CFIDS is made, an aggressive program of nutritional and psychological support should be instituted. The best nutritional program to combat fatigue would be very similar to the BioSlim System.

Nutritional factors: Diet should be as pure and clear of processed, adulterated food as possible. Obesity should be eliminated. Avoid sugar in all its forms, as well as all added fats and all milk products. Avoid all foods to which you may be allergic or in any way sensitive.

Both the BioSlim Formulas should be taken in full doses. Additional magnesium (for a total of 800 to 1000 milligrams per day) and calcium (to total of 800 to 1000 milligrams per day) should be taken. Other important specific nutrients, all present in the BioSlim Formulas, include: vitamin B6, pantothenic acid (a B vitamin), vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, and zinc.

Special additional nutritional factors: The amino acid aspartic acid can be very helpful, especially in the form of magnesium-potassium aspartate (800-1000 mg per day). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Essential Fatty Acids, and lactobacillus (friendly intestinal bacteria) can also help. S-adenosyl-methionine ("SAMe ") can help with any depression, including the kind that accompanies and often exacerbates chronic fatigue.