Clinic Response to XMRV Article

It is possible that in October this year, the most important research article in the history of CFS/ME was published. Why? Because the study found that most CFS/ME patients had the DNA of a retrovirus called XMRV in their blood – 67% of the sample. For the first time there could be concrete evidence of an organic imbalance in the illness. Why else? Because it was published in perhaps the world’s most prestigious medical journal –– Science – which is unheard of for CFS/ME . And also because of the credibility of the people involved, the Whittemore Peterson Institute, and announcements from people like Dr. Stuart Le Grice head of the NCI’s AIDS and Viral Cancer Center of Excellence in the U.S. All of this has massive implications for future research funding and recognition for CFS/ME so we are very happy at the clinic.

But we also take a big sigh when these articles come out and get simplified into headlines that the “cause of CFS/ME” has been found and in this case retroviral drugs may be the “cure.”

The press, patients and even medically qualified people fail to grasp that finding the DNA of a virus in a particular group of ill people does not mean it is the cause of the illness. XMRV may be a symptom of a range of organs and systems that have gone out of balance in patients due to multiple stressors on the body originating from environmental factors, genetic, structural and biochemical imbalances as well as the internal and external influence of psycho-emotional factors.

Sorry to be the kill-joy but we predict an integral approach to treatment of chronic illnesses like CFS/ME will be the most successful because human health requires a systems approach to healing– an idea that still eludes the conventional medical world obsessed with one-shot-cures based on a Newtonian model of health which is 400 years out of date.

Raw Food and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms are greatly reduced by the introduction of raw foods. Uncooked foods are living. Their nutrients and enzymes actively interact with the body when consumed and cause a live energy effect. When food is cooked above 120 degrees farenheit the enzymes and nutrients are destroyed. Cooked foods cause an energy depleting reaction through out the body.

When foods are processed or cooked their inherent energy is removed. When a person diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms eats these foods their already fatigued state is increased. The intake of highly processed and cooked foods is more draining that if they did not eat at all. Scientists do not fully understand the mechanism of raw foods versus cooked foods and why there is a synergistic affect from the raw foods, but they do agree that raw foods contain live energy.

Certain raw foods are categorized as super foods. These super foods emit a strong energy force when photographed under Kirlian light. The following foods have the highest Kirlian effect: seaweeds-kelp, Kombu, and dolce. Other super foods are wheat, barley grass, spinach, lemon and orange peel, bee pollen, spirulina, chlorella, green leafy vegetables and most herbs. The majority of these are available in powder form and their processing was not heated only dried. These super foods are an excellent supplement for chronic fatigue.

Sprouts have the highest energy and largest percentage of raw energy because they are still in the growing process. Sprouts contain high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll pigments. The ratio of vitamins of sprouts to other vegetables can range as high as 2000 percent.
Sprouter trays are readily available and a convenient way to grow sprouts. Follow the instructions for each type of sprout and some are ready to eat within 24 hours. Other sprouts are available within 5-6 days, but do not eat any sprout older than 1 week. The roots will have developed which causes the sprout to have a bitter taste.

Foods that contain fruits and vegetables can appear healthy, but they do not support optimum energy levels because they have been cooked or highly processed. Fruit juices that contain 100% juice even if they do not have added sugar are not healthy. They have been heated to a level to kill bacteria which also kills the enzymes and nutrients needed to heal chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

Packaged or tinned soups, fruits and vegetables are in the same category as the bottled juices.

Hummus, salsa, guacamole, if store bought, have been processed with heat or have added preservatives and their nutrients have been killed. Prepare these foods at home and they will have the greatest impact on the sufferers of chronic fatigue.

Fruits and vegetables in superstores may have been stored for months, and will not give the healing needed for those with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. This storage will deplete the nutrients and enzymes in the produce. Organic fruits and vegetables may not be a healthy alternative either if they have been stored for any length of time. The ideal fruit and vegetable is the one eaten within days of being harvested.

Some vegetables are not easily digested and need to be cooked. The suggested method of cooking vegetables to preserve the nutrients and enzymes is steaming. Cabbage and broccoli are not easily digested and can cause discomfort if eaten raw. These vegetables can be juiced if steaming is not an option.

Oil Pulling and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Oil pulling is an effective way to remove toxins for patients with Chronic Fatigue syndrome . Oil pulling is the swishing of oil in the mouth to remove unhealthy bacteria while adding health benefits through the tissue of the gums, tongue and sides of the cheeks. Oil pulling is referred to Kavla Gandoosha or Kavala Graha from the text Charaka Samhita from the Ayurvedic and it is believed to cure more than 30 systemic diseases including diabetes, migraine, asthma, gum disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. Traditional oils used for oil swishing are sesame and sunflower, although contemporary practices include the use of coconut oil. Toasted sesame oil should not be used and organic oils should be used if possible. The oral health of an individual with chronic fatigue symptoms is directly related to their physical health. If a low grade infection is present the result is an increase in the pain, fatigue, cloudy thinking and inflammation of chronic fatigue syndrome.

The way oil pulling works is that the bacteria that causes plaque is attracted to the acids in the oils. When these oils are introduce into the mouth the oils bind with the bacteria and are spat out and removed from the mouth. Rinsing with these oils will provide a much more hygienic mouth than traditional alcohol rinses. Another advantage of oil swishing is that the prolonged exposure of these oils in the mouth provides a means for the body to absorb essential nutrients and fatty acids sublingually which reduces inflammation caused from chronic fatigue disability. The swishing of these oils does not expose them to gastric juices and this is an added benefit for individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and leaky gut.

The procedure for oil pulling is simple. Before introducing food or water into the mouth, the individual places one tablespoon of oil in the mouth. Tilt the head back and let the oil surround the back molars. Swish the oil from the back of the mouth to the front by sucking in the cheeks, then puffing them out. Suck the oil through the teeth, and then move the teeth up and down in a chewing fashion. The oil should not be gargled. Repeat this procedure for 10-15 minutes. If this procedure is done properly the oil will become white, thin foam when spat in the sink. If the oil is yellow the procedure was not performed long enough. It is important to note that the oil should not be swallowed. If it was, all of the bacteria and toxins that were removed would be introduced into the stomach. If the oil swishing is performed mid day wait at least 4 hours after a meal before oil swishing.

Do not be alarmed in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome become worse for a short period of time while practicing oil swishing. If the symptoms become too uncomfortable reduce the frequency of the oil swishing procedure until the reaction is bearable.

Menopause and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and menopause overlap. Joint pain, headaches, lack of energy, depression and anxiety are present in both conditions. Menopause patients experience hot flushes, decreased libido and aging skin.

The three stages of a women’s lifecycle are pre, peri and post menopause and all three of these stages can be treated with the same diet as the patient that suffers from chronic fatigue. Menopausal woman are encouraged to increase their intake of phyto oestrogens as these will increase the hormonal level in the body. This increase in hormones is helpful to the patient with chronic fatigue also. When the body is depleted of necessary hormones the blood sugar level fluctuates. This fluctuation causes inflammation in the joints of the individuals. The goal is to have a healthy balance of hormones so the adrenal glands do not become stressed. When this gland experiences stress the body will try and recover by over producing adrenaline. This powerful hormone will cause the muscles to flex and over extended periods of time without reduction the muscles become overtaxed and inflamed.

Foods to avoid during menopause and those that suffer from chronic fatigue disease are: white flour, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. These cause the blood sugar level to fluctuate which puts added stress on the adrenal glands. Reduce the consumption of caffeine. Caffeine increases the risk of osteoporosis which is already a risk factor for individuals experiencing menopause. Reduce the intake of dairy products as they cause an acidic reaction in the body which leads to inflammation and osteoporosis. Avoid saturated fats and non organic meats. These cause an increase in fat cell production which leads to a rise in the oestrogen level in the body. Avoid hydrogenated and Trans fats as their presence damages the cell wall and can lead to increased inflammation.

Foods to increase are those that contain phyto oestrogens: tempeh, miso, soy beans, chick peas, lentils, red clover, and linseeds. These are suitable supplements for chronic fatigue. These will cause a natural balance of hormones in the body. Increase the intake of foods high in essential fatty acids such as tuna, herring, anchovies, trout, nuts and seeds. These foods lubricate the joints, vagina, and skin and help lower inflammation.

Maintain a high level of fiber intake. This will reduce constipation and help remove added oestrogens. Chronic fatigue disease suffers and menopausal women need to have regular bowel movements to keep the gut free from toxins and unwanted hormones. By drinking enough water to cause urine to be lightly yellow colored is a benchmark to assure daily bowel movements. Consuming 5 -12 servings for fresh fruits and vegetables will help provide the needed fiber to keep healthy bowel movements that is needed to keep menopausal women and chronic fatigue suffers from experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

Lifestyle adjustments will help reduce symptoms of menopause and chronic muscle fatigue. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing will alleviate stress and reduce the impact on the adrenal glands. Avoid extremes of body weight. Too much fat or not enough fat negatively affects the menopausal woman. Too little fat causes strain on the adrenal glands and too much fat releases an excess of oestrogens in the body. The proper amount of exercise and weight bearing activities aid in protecting the body from muscle and bone weakness. Xenoestrogens are compounds in the environment that cause the oestrogen levels in the body to increase. These toxins permeate into food from plastic containers, plastic wraps, lotions, creams, non organic foods, microwaveable containers, and cleaning products.

Far InfraRed Sauna Therapy and Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue can be treated with far infrared sauna therapy. The concept of the sauna has been around since ancient times. Saunas provide a dry hot temperature to raise the body’s temperature to promote the dilation of blood vessels which leads to perspiration through the pores of the skin. This activity releases toxins from the body.

Some patients, especially ones with chronic fatigue cannot tolerate the elevated temperature of the room. Infrared sauna therapy is a directed source of heat light without the need to elevate the temperature of the room. Infrared sauna therapy is less invasive and produces better results than dry saunas.

Infrared sauna improves the body’s circulation and internal congestion. Those that suffer from chronic fatigue will experience improved feeling of well being. Raising the body‘s core temperature kills bacteria and viruses which adds to the overall health benefits of the individual.

Perspiration removes heavy metals, toxins, and radio active particles that can clog the body’s metabolism.

Infrared sauna offers the same benefit of exercise without the effects of exertion. When a person is chronically fatigue, physical exercise can deplete the benefits.

A sauna will inhibit the adrenal response of flight or fight. Sweating induces a relax and digest response which gives the body a stress free benefit.

Infrared sauna therapy loosens tendons and ligaments and relaxes the nervous system responses. This can reduce the pain from chronic fatigue felt in the joints.

Infrared sauna therapy helps the body maintain a balanced PH level which aids in reducing inflammation in patients with chronic fatigue diagnosis.

The increased body temperature hastens the destruction of weaker cells that have been exposed to parasites, bacteria, viruses, radiation, and fungi.

Infrared sauna therapy stimulates the production of proteins that are designed to have an added healing affect on the body.

Deep tissue healing is promoted from sauna therapy.

Reduces pain by increasing circulation, oxygenation, removing toxins and lowering the sensitivity of sympathetic nervous responses.

The benefits of infrared sauna therapy are targeted for anyone with toxins from pesticides, mercury, lead, aluminum, arsenic, nickel and cadmium, patients with multiple chemical sensitivity, low and high blood pressure, cold hands and feet, muscle, joint and nerve pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

During infrared sauna therapy treatments negative symptoms may increase. These negative symptoms are actually a sign of healing. Contact your practitioner if they feel these symptoms are too severe. When toxins are removed from the cells they bombard the blood stream and are transported to the liver, kidneys and intestines. This bombardment causes a temporary overload to the body.

Symptoms of overload are fatigue, skin rashes, infections, foul body odor and sensitive to certain foods. For patients with chronic fatigue syndrome the effects will be greater than a healthy person.

Increased bile from the liver may be dumped into the intestines which results in diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Dormant infections may become active due to the body’s reduced immune response.

The thyroid and adrenal gland becomes active trying to combat the bombardment of toxins. This leads to adrenal stress which promotes inflammation, fluctuating blood sugar and can cause sleep disturbances.
Chemicals from drugs that are stored in the cells may be released such as anti biotics. Their release will cause healthy bacteria in the intestines to be reduced which will lead to diarrheoa or constipation.
To reduce the reactions of infrared sauna therapy it is best to shorten the sauna sessions or eliminate them for a short period of time until the symptoms are bearable. Relax frequently. Drink plenty of filtered water and eat light meals. Do not take vitamins or supplements that are not related directly to detoxification. Before beginning infrared sauna therapy introduce other detoxification means such as: enemas, massage, colonics, acupuncture, chiropractor therapy, castor oil packs, or foot reflexology. These detoxification measures are also beneficial to individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

Certain precautionary measures are necessary before beginning infrared sauna therapy. Do not wear metal jewelry. Menstrual flow can be increased during sauna therapy. High blood pressure should be monitored as sauna therapy raises the body temperature which directly affects blood pressure. Pregnant or lactating women should have a physicians release before undergoing infrared sauna therapy. Any prosthetic devise that is metal based should be tested in the sauna for short periods of time until a tolerable level of time is determined.

Diabetic should introduce shorter sauna sessions to determine their affect on blood sugar.

Ingestion of LSD or other psychedelic drugs can release of flashback as sauna releases stored chemicals in the tissues of the cell.

Heat stroke may result, although rare, and anyone undergoing infrared sauna therapy should always have an attendant near. Never take an infrared sauna without having support near.