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.

Inflammation and Chronic Fatigue Causes

Inflammation, as dubbed by Time Magazine, is one of the chronic fatigue causes and is a secret killer found to be the foundation for such diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, arthritis, heart attacks, Fibromyalgia, allergies, obesity and many more diseases. While many of these diseases are not related nor caused by the other, the one factor they all have in common is inflammation. Inflammation has become (epidemic).

Inflammation is an auto immune response. The body detects an invader, usually a virus, parasite or bacteria and sets of the mechanism to destroy them.  The body’s auto immune response does not decrease, making inflammation one of the chronic fatigue causes. It continues to attack thinking the invader is still present. Symptoms of chronic inflammation are swelling, pain, and redness at the point of irritation.

During the auto immune response pathogens are killed by free radicals. These are oxygen rich particles that injure and kill cells they come into contact with. When they are directed at the invading particles such as bacteria, virus or parasites this is a positive response. These free radicals rid the body of various diseases. When this free radical process goes unchecked, it becomes one of the great chronic fatigue causes, and the cells continue to be bombarded by free radicals to the point of destroying healthy tissue. The free radical process in its normal state is the process of aging. Where the imbalance occurs is when an individual gets one of the above mentioned diseases.

The body does have a natural defense against free radical attack. The presence of anti oxidants lessens the negative effect of free radicals. Chemically, free radicals are oxygen rich and anti oxidants is oxygen deficient. When these two particles come into contact they become stable. The body is no longer under attack and inflammation slows. For the chronic fatigue sufferer this means that the pain, swelling and redness decreases in their joints.

When the body does not have an adequate supply of anti oxidants, free radicals are out of balance and stress on the cellular level occurs. If left unchecked free radicals have a devastating effect on the cell membranes, blood vessels, joints, and nerve endings.

Inflammation is caused by poor eating habits. Type B malnutrition is a diet high in calories, but very low in nutrients. The result is obscenity accompanied by poor health that manifests into low grade infections including urinary tract infections, gum disease, Chlamydia and stomach ulcers. Inflammation becomes epidemic and is one of the major chronic fatigue causes.

Poor Gut health is caused by a poor diet. The immune system is centered in the intestines. If the health of the gut is poor, the immune system will be poor. A diet low in fiber and nutrients will cause an imbalance of good bacteria to bad. This condition is termed gut dysbiosis and is caused by too much sugar, white flour products and highly processed foods. A low fiber diet can lead to constipation which will prevent toxin and bad bacteria from leaving the body. The immune system suffers and can no longer protect the body. Chronic inflammation is the result.

Prolonged stress reduces the intestines ability to maintain a health balance which leads to low grade infection, parasites, attack from parasites, viruses and bacteria. Stress is one of the great chronic fatigue causes because it reduces the presence of cortisol which is a naturally occurring anti inflammatory hormone in the body.

Obesity causes inflammation because fat cells act like immune cells. The higher the concentration of fat cells the higher the concentration of an inflammatory immune response.

Free radical stress triggers the body’s immune response. These oxygen rich particles are aggressive against body tissue. When the invader is a bacterium, virus or parasite this attack is healthy, but left out of balance the present of free radicals can damage healthy tissue.

The environment plays a crucial role in the body’s bombardment from free radicals. The heavy metals-mercury and aluminum, exhaust fumes and pesticides cause a free radial response in the body. Too much sunlight causes sunburn and the body will send out the free radical immune response to heal the damaged skin. Sunburn is extremely painful on the joints and muscles.  Physical exercise causes a free radical response in the body. While a modest amount of exercise is healthy, extreme exercise is counter productive and unhealthy.

Hydrogenated and Trans fats produced from burning vegetable oils causes the release of free radicals. Over or highly processed food, deep fried foods and refined foods when eaten are filled with the broken down oils that create the free radical immune response in the body.

A diet low in anti oxidants becomes one of the chronic fatigue causes.  Foods that are rich in anti oxidants are organic fruits and vegetables.

The smartest approach for an individual suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome is to fight their disease with a nutritional approach. They should avoid foods that contain grain allergens such as: wheat and dairy from cows that have wheat as the mainstay of their diet. These allergens create a chronic inflammatory response in the body. Avoid white flour, sugar, foods high is starch content such as: potatoes. These foods lead to an increase in poor gut health by raising the level of bad bacteria which results in an increase of inflammation.

Reduce the consumption to 3 times per week or avoid altogether consuming red meat. Red meat is high in saturated fats that promote the free radical response in the body. Avoid carbonated beverages, coffee and tea as these are acid promoting and will increase inflammation.

Reduce foods that cause an allergic reaction. Common allergic foods are eggs, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, aubergines, plums, oranges, and rhubarb. These foods can trigger a reaction of swollen joints, stiffness, and achy muscles found in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

The second approach for individuals with Epstein Barr chronic fatigue is to increase those foods that decrease inflammation. Foods to increase are: Fish, lean organic chicken, turkey, and soy grass fed beef.  These foods help maintain a stable blood sugar and keep insulin levels balanced.

Increase the intake of alkalizing foods such as: cherries, carrots, apples, blackberries, cucumbers, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, bananas, kiwi, chard, mixed greens, and spinach.

Use olive oil instead of other vegetables for cooking. Olive oil will not break down and cause the free radical response that the other oils will. Increase intake of foods high in Omega 3 such as: tuna, herring, nuts, sardines, seeds, mackerel, walnuts, flax oil/seeds, and anchovies.

Nuts and seeds also contain Omega 6 which is anti inflammatory.

Foods high in vitamin D should be consumed daily as a deficient of vitamin D cause inflammation in the body. Foods with high concentrations of vitamin D are: eggs, cod liver oil, beef liver and meat, salmon, mackerel, tuna, and herring.

As an alternative to wheat, use rice, spelt, barley, millet, guinoa or amaranth.

Anti inflammatory spices such as cayenne, rosemary, and turmeric should be added to food whenever possible.

An alternative to dairy milk that was obtained from cows that consumed wheat is rice, almond or soy milk.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation for the patient with a chronic fatigue diagnosis. Proper mouth hygiene: daily brushing, flossing and rinsing will reduce the presence of gum disease.

A limit amount of sunshine daily from 20-30 minutes is healthy and will increase the absorption of vitamin D. Avoid sunburn, though as this is pro-inflammatory.

Increase physical exercise to 30-60 minutes up to 5 times a week. This increase in physical exercise will help lubricate the body’s joints, increase metabolism and strengthen muscles. If an individual with chronic fatigue syndrome exercised more than the recommended amount the effects can be unhealthy.

Create a plan for reducing stress. Added stress from the workplace, home, or social situations causes hormones to become imbalanced and that leads to inflammation.

Arthritis and Chronic Muscle Fatigue

Chronic muscle fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are auto-immune, pro-inflammatory disorders. What this means is that the body is being damaged by its own immune system. While the immune system is the body’s way of fighting off viruses and bacteria, when inflammation occurs the body perceives these conditions as invasive. The resulting symptoms are stiffness in the joints, pain and swelling.

While chronic muscle fatigue includes other areas than the joints of the knees, hips, hands and spine, it shares the same symptoms of these areas as arthritis when inflammation arises.

Treatment for arthritis are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDS.  These drugs are effective in reducing inflammation and they enhance joint strength, but they do have their risk factors. NSAIDS allow absorption of toxins in the gut and promote gastrointestinal antigens. NSAIDS can cause inflammation along the lining of the blood vessels that contribute to atherosclerosis and heart disease. NSAIDS are used to treat the symptoms of chronic fatigue and arthritis rather than relying on understanding the causes.

Reducing the risk factors of chronic muscle fatigue and arthritis will aid in reducing the symptoms of the disease. A diet that contains high levels of wheat, sugar, and fat will increase the symptoms while a diet high in fruits and vegetables will lower the symptoms of these diseases.

Colas and other high acidic foods and beverages will irritate these conditions as well as arthritis. Obesity and inactivity are risk factors that put stress on the joints and when combined with a poor diet will cause the pain and swelling of the joints to increase. Lack of sufficient sleep causes undue stress on the mind and body which puts added stress on the immune system. High intake of processed foods which have lower nutritional value causes a micro deficiency of needed minerals and vitamins. An over consumption of potatoes, white flour and other high starch foods promote a high concentration of bad bacteria in the gut which can lead to leaky gut as well as irritating the symptoms of chronic muscle fatigue.

A stressful work environment and toxins at home can cause hormone imbalances that can lead to inflammation in the intestines which allows these toxins to permeate through out the body which will irritate the joint.

A strategic approach is needed nutritionally in order to reduce the symptoms of inflammation of these diseases. Avoid wheat and dairy as they are pro inflammatory and if a patient has arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome these foods will irritate the already inflamed joints. Foods that elevate the blood sugar level such as: sugar, potatoes, white flour, and other starchy foods will nourish the bad bacteria in the gut which affects inflammation in the body.  Foods high in saturated fats, hard cheeses, processed meats, and dairy leads to obesity which will promote chronic inflammation.

Allergic responses to foods can lead to symptoms of arthritis. Tomatoes, peppers, oranges, plums, rhubarb, aubergines, plums and eggs can trigger allergic reactions that lead to chronic inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints.

An increase in certain foods will reduce inflammation. Lean protein, preferably organic, foods such as: Chicken, fish, turkey, soy fed beef will help maintain a static blood sugar level. This will then prevent the fluctuating blood sugar that leads to inflammation.

Apples, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and grapes if eaten in their whole state contain anti oxidants and acidic lowering properties which prevents the damaging effects of inflammation that are found in chronic muscle fatigue and arthritis.

Kale, chard, carrots, cucumbers, spinach and other mixed greens are alkaline foods that will lower the acidic levels of the body and will reduce inflammation.

Foods that are natural high in Omega 3 such as: Walnuts, herring, tuna, mackerel, seeds, flax seeds/oil, anchovies, salmon, and sardines are anti inflammatory and will comfort the joints of patients with arthritis and chronic muscle fatigue .

Nuts and seeds also contain Omega 6 which is anti inflammatory.

A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to chronic pain of the muscles and bone. Foods that contain a higher concentration of vitamin D are cod liver oil, egg yolk, beef liver, and deep water oily fish (tuna, sardines, herring, salmon and mackerel).

Rice, spelt, barley, millet, rye, and amaranth are good alternatives to wheat as these foods will not cause the upset in the gut or promote breeding of bad bacteria.

Rosemary, cayenne, and turmeric are anti-inflammatory spices that when added to food help decrease inflammation as well as chronic fatigue herbs.

Almond, rice and soy milk are good alternatives to dairy milk as they are high in protein and essential nutrients that help in reducing inflammation.

Lifestyle has a profound effect on patients that suffer from arthritis and chronic fatigue.

Daily exposure to sunlight for at least 20 -30 minutes daily significantly increases the absorption of vitamin D. This vital vitamin plays an important role in reducing inflammation.

An increase in physical activity of 30-60 minutes at least 5 times a week increases the metabolism and will assist in lubricating the joints, reduce pain and inflammation and increase mobility.

Learning ways to decrease stress in all levels of lifestyle is important in maintaining an anti inflammatory lifestyle. Work, personal and social relationships that are stressful because hormonal shifts that have a profound impact on patients that suffer from arthritis and chronic fatigue disease. Yoga, meditation, and Pilates will increase the flexibility of the joints while reducing stress in the body.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome may also experience the same symptoms as multiple chemical sensitivity.  Multiple chemical sensitivity is an extreme sensitivity or allergic type of reaction to a combination of chemicals. This sensitivity is unique to individuals. It is the accounting of symptoms similar to those present in chronic fatigue syndrome disability such as joint pain, clouded thinking, memory loss, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and digestive problems.

Some additional symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity that are not necessarily autoimmune related are eye irritation, respiratory problems, nasal and sinus irritations, skin irritations and seizures.

The link between individuals with chronic muscle fatigue and multiple chemical sensitivity is that they are both experience chronic inflammation. When the body’s immune system becomes depleted inflammation is the result. When a person has an auto immune disease  they begin to show a multiple chemical sensitivity and the disease becomes worse. With an already depleted immune system any additions of toxins from a combination of chemicals makes it more difficult for the body to fight them off.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity are closely related and it is difficult to determine if one causes the other or if they both result simultaneously.

There are three main theories of how multiple chemical sensitivity occurs. The first one is that somehow the immune system has become damaged or overly sensitized. The second theory is that enzymes have been depleted and internal toxins have affected the immune system. The third theory is that it is a conditioning response. This theory suggests that the body responded emotionally to an allergic reaction to a food or chemical and further exposure will cause fear or create a trigger to other foods and chemicals.

The environment in which a person spends time has a profound effect on multiple chemical dependency. Farmers that use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, industrial workers that are exposed to solvents, war veterans that were exposed to chemical warfare and employees of buildings where chemical vapors with improper ventilation all have an increased risk of getting multiple chemical dependency.

For individuals that are not exposed to chemicals risks through their work environment they still have to be careful of too much exposure. New carpeting will release certain chemical gases, cleaning supplies, printer toner, second had smoke, residing near manufacturing buildings that release chemicals into the air and water, and even certain hobbies can cause too much exposure. Photography, oil, acrylic painting and printing can cause a reaction.

For the chronic fatigue syndrome individual in the UK with these environmental conditions it is impossible to know if their symptoms are the result of their disease or a reaction to multiple chemical sensitivity.

Treatment for this condition varies. Since individuals are unique in their sensitivity what works for one will not work for the other. The basic approach for treatment is to bolster the immune system. Proper diet is a strong defense against chronic fatigue causes as well as multiple chemical sensitivity. Foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, almonds, seeds, flax and foods high in omega –3 help reduce inflammation. In individuals where allergies occur those foods should be avoided. An increase of lean protein with foods such as chicken, turkey, fish and soy help the body to maintain proper blood sugar levels which keeps inflammation in check.

While it is impossible to avoid all exposure to chemicals or foods that trigger multiple chemical sensitivity it is possible to create a game plan to try and manage this condition.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Polycystic Ovaries

People with chronic fatigue and polycystic ovaries experience worsening symptoms with poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Additional symptoms of polycystic ovaries are increased body hair, low or absent menstruation, weight gain, mood swings, acne and fertility problems. Lifestyle changes help alleviate these symptoms. With normal ovarian function the ovaries produce a single healthy egg that is released once per month during ovulation. With Polycystic disease the ovary is enlarged, ovulation is involved with many follicles that bunch together like a clump of grapes. This malfunction in the ovaries produces an excess of hormones. If the hormones are prevented from absorbing from the intestinal tract a build up of toxins will occur. The liver is also affected, as the intestines will release these excess hormones into the liver for filtering. This build up has an inflammatory effect on individuals with polycystic ovaries as well as Epstein bar chronic fatigue.

With the increase of polycystic ovaries a risk of diabetes develops. The body will then have a difficult time regulating proper blood sugar levels and insulin resistance results. This in turn leads to an increase in inflammatory tissue and will cause further discomfort for patients with Fibromyalgia, chronic muscle fatigue and sufferers of polycystic ovaries.

Proper eating habits are indicated to alleviate the stress placed on the bowel and liver. A diet high in fibre and nutrients forces the bowel to move, which results in the removal of unwanted hormones. The diet should consist of a higher percentage of vegetables, at least 5 servings per day, as these will move food through the digestive track and they are high in anti oxidants, which help maintain healthy tissue. When considering carbohydrates it is best to choose foods low on the glycaemic index. These are carbohydrates that are slowly absorbed into the body and do not have a marked affect on blood sugar level. Examples of these foods are whole grains and green vegetables.

Foods high in omega 3 such as herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and tuna are anti inflammatory foods an they are suggested for individuals with Polycystic ovaries, chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

An increase phyto-oestrogens help balance excess levels of hormones in the body that occur with individuals with polycystic ovaries. Examples of these foods are chickpeas, red clover, beans, lentils, miso, linseeds, tempeh, and soybeans.

Drinking plenty of pure water daily forces the body to flush toxins and hormones from the gut and adds to the overall approach of treating this disease.

Avoid any food that causes the gut to shut down. These foods are sugar, processed foods, white flour, foods high in fat, and foods that contain zenoestrogens. These are harmful compounds that increase oestrogens levels in the body and they are found in plastic containers, plastic wraps, and microwaveable containers that cause an increase in hormones.  If possible avoid non-organic foods as they contain higher levels or residual pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Certain creams and lotions have zenoestrogens and should not be used.

Exercise should be practiced on a daily basis as weight gain is common in women with Polycystic ovaries. A program that promotes increasing the metabolism in order for the bowel to move toxins along is suggested. These activities include yoga, brisk walking, low impact aerobics, swimming and dancing.