Copper

Hi zarla,
This is an exerpt from an article I wrote last year. It was written specific to fibromyalgia, however, treatment protocol for CFS is near to identical. This is not intended to replace appropriate treatment by a licensed medical provider, but is offered as information only. I hope you find some help here:

1. DIET: The first step in establishing protocol for this disorder would be a complete dietary and medical history, including all medications currently used. A minimum of three days of diet records would then be run through software to establish specific nutrient deficiency, with suggestions as appropriate.

Monitoring diet and greatly reducing (for most) the intake of meat, dairy, refined carbohydrates and sugars, and increase fiber intake through the use of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy (non-rancid) fats (flax seed, virgin olive oil, cold-pressed vegetable oil, fish oil) will greatly improve overall health, stimulate metabolism, and support pain reduction.

The elimination of tobacco, alcohol, products containing artificial sweeteners (Nutrasweet, etc), MSG, caffeine, and sodium reduction are indicated in cases of chronic pain. These are muscle stimulants and/or affect blood pressure, headaches, sweating, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

Allergic response to foods or environmental substances may increase stress and physical symptoms. It is therefore helpful to determine and eliminate any allergens present in the diet and/or environment through metabolic assessment, hair analysis, food sensitivity tests, nutritional kinesiology, and lifestyle evaluation . A slow transition towards improving the diet will be appropriate for most.

Digestive and liver support decreases abdominal irritation and discomfort. An essential amino acid formula (Digestive enzymes) and an anti-oxidant formula daily between meals for digestive enzyme activation. These may also be supportive in cases of chronic pain and inflammatory response. Bromelain is also reported to produce a similar effect. A liver support tonic made of dandelion root, oatstraw, cleaver's herb, plantain, and catnip tinctured in glycerin works well to control feelings of acid-reflux through stimulation of hydro-chloric acid (HCL, contrary to TV commercials, your body REQUIRES HCL for proper digestion, heart burn is a general indicator of not enough HCL!), taken 1/2 hr. before meals. This MUST be done under the supervision of a qualified professional. Prior allergy testing may be necessary as many of the herbs may provoke an allergic response. It is also essential to use a professional to insure appropriate balance of herbs and doseages.

For general health support, a multi-vitamin with minerals, a phytochemical preparation, to strengthen and support the immune system, and 1-2 TBS ground flaxseed daily for Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids.

If arthritic symptoms are a significant factor, there are a number of products available to support joint and/or soft tissue integrity. A preparation containing Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin may be helpful. St. John's Wort oil, applied topically, helps relieve sore joints/muscles and is especially beneficial for relieving sciatic pain.

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Copper
Let Miracles Replace all Grievances

[This message has been edited by Copper (edited 01-10-2001).]