Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME): Finding Solutions in Holistic Medicine

Seventeen million people worldwide are affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis, a disease characterised by unrelenting feelings of exhaustion and mental confusion. The frustration and hopelessness experienced by these individuals is usually difficult to put into words, little wonder many commonly develop chronic depression.

“It’s like everything that you have is suddenly torn apart; not having any control over your body is scary, and it’s difficult to explain to loved ones why suddenly you can’t perform your usual activities.” This statement comes from a wife/mother who suffers from myalgic encephalomyelitis and whose sentiments echo several individuals who also gave interviews after receiving positive results from alternative medical treatments.

Others have expressed that the hardest part of living with the illness is the loneliness. Not being able to socialise and not having anyone who truly understands the desperation they feel, and it affects them psychologically. On the flipside of it, friends and family see nothing wrong with them, they appear to be the same, just tired all the time and disoriented.

If depression is a problem good results have been found by supplementing with Serotone 5HTP which is a natural amino acid and formulated alongside in the capsule are B-Vitamins and Zinc. 5Htp is normally taken between meals away from food with a small carbohydrate snack ( piece of fruit, raisins oa a biscuit) or if you want it for sleeping take at the end of the day.

Definition

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) can disrupt relationships and change the quality of life for individuals and their families. ME is also referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a description viewed by many in the science community as an inaccurate label. ME is an acquired neurological disease with complex, systemic dysfunctions. It interferes with the nervous system, immune system function, and cellular energy metabolism. The disease ultimately affects the body’s entire regulatory system.

As a result a person with ME produces abnormalities in physical and mental function. On the positive side, this description is measurable, enabling researchers to clinically study the underlying cause of the disease with the aim to better understanding it and provide possible solutions.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

There is controversy between doctors and researchers of ME over the terms “chronic fatigue syndrome” and “ME”. The term chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is often used by doctors to identify complaints of chronic fatigue in patients. Because ME denotes inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, to which there appears to be no objective evidence, doctors maintain their description as CFS.

The description ME is the preferred term by many people with the condition who feel that the word ‘fatigue’ is overused and does not sufficiently address the severity of the disease.

The label CFS has persisted for many years, mainly because of a lack of understanding of the disease process, its origins and pathways, and how it manifests itself in the various symptoms expressed by patients.

In view of more recent research and clinical trials that strongly points to widespread inflammation and multisystem nerve dysfunction in patients, it is now more important to use the term, myalgic encephalomyelitis as an accurate and defining label.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis is also consistent with the neurological classification of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD G93.3). ME is accompanied by nerve and muscle involvement and has a case definition distinct from that of CFS.

Consequently, ME now has an “Awareness Month” and is recognised by the Department of Health in the UK and the Centre for Disease Control in the States. It also has a powerful national alliance body established to raise awareness of the devastation caused by having this neuro-immune disease and the issues surrounding disease recognition and definition.

The Cause of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

The cause is difficult to pinpoint; ME is an acquired disease with several theories but none conclusive. Some scientists believe it has a viral connection, such as with Herpes zoster virus or shingles that lives dormant inside specific nerves of the body, eventually manifesting when the immune system is low. Another cause could be the influenza virus, which can cause fatigue for several weeks after recovery from the flu, however, individuals with this type of infection may not experience the chronic conditions typically associated with ME.

Others theories point towards a disorder of the immune system with central nervous system involvement.

Other factors thought to agitate cells in the body and contribute to ME development are:

Inherited genetic predisposition

    Viral infection
    Exhaustion and stress
    A traumatic event
    Depression

Factors thought to make the condition of ME worse are:

    Poor diet
    Recurring viral and bacterial infections
    Inactivity or excessive activity
    Environmental pollution

Although the cause is not known, how the disease develops and affects other bodily systems is becoming more and more understood.

Who Suffers Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Many people who develop ME were previously healthy or led normal lives. The disease affects any age group. It is estimated that one in 300 people in the UK have this problem and 1 million people in the US.

The most common age for ME to develop is in the early twenties and mid-forties. The most common age for it to develop in children is between 12 – 15 years, but it can also develop earlier.

Signs and Symptoms

There are no obvious abnormalities in individuals with the dysfunction; friends and family typically don’t see a physical problem. That is why it is very difficult for sufferers to explain how they feel especially when they believe they will not be “heard” or receive genuine understanding.

The major criteria used to distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis from a “syndrome” are:

    Persistent fatigue not resolved through bed rest and severe enough to alter daily activity by at least 50% for at least six months
    Symptoms are made worse by exercise
    When other chronic clinical conditions such as psychiatric disorder can be ruled out

Other symptoms of ME can include physical, cognitive, and nervous disorders.

Physical Symptoms:

    Muscle weakness and pain
    Sleep disturbance
    Blurred vision
    Tender swollen lymph nodes
    Poor circulation (cold hands and feet)
    Irritable bowel syndrome
    Sensitivities to food, medication, light, and touch
    Uncomfortable and frequent urination

Cognitive Symptoms:

    Short term memory loss
    Difficulty processing information
    Headaches
    Significant pain

Nervous Disorders:

    Interrupted sleep patterns
    Depression
    Anxiety
    Feeling disoriented

The list is not exhaustive and can include many other symptoms. One individual describes her symptoms:

“When you have no energy, you become passive, your personality doesn’t shine through; you can’t be playful, jolly, or silly, because that takes energy; nothing that you are passionate about shines through.”

Energy, much like the pumping heart, is an unconscious process that is expected to always be present when you need it. ME often affects energy production which explains the reason for the profound fatigue.

Diagnosis

Myalgic encephalitis cannot be diagnosed with standard medical tests. A doctor will diagnose for ME by evaluating the length of period that symptoms have persisted, and ruling out other causes of fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and a weakened immune system.

Blood tests may be ordered to rule out anaemia, underactive thyroid gland, liver and kidney problems commonly linked to fatigue. These problems, however, are not usually in people with ME.

Conventional Treatment

Because doctors and scientist have failed to agree on the nature and pathogenesis of the “disease,” treatments are not streamlined, therefore patients are treated according to the range and severity of symptoms.

There is no cure for the illness. Symptomatic treatments may help ease troublesome headaches, muscle and joint pains.

Depression, which is a common response to ME can make symptoms worse. Doctors would likely prescribe anti-depressants to alter your mood state and help you manage any sleeping difficulties.

A natural remedy for helping with anxiety problems and sleep disturbances is serotone 5HTP.

With the emergence of more compelling data on the disorder, treatments are becoming more consistent.

Alternative Medicine Approach

Homeopathy is a holistic system of therapy that forms a part of the complementary and alternative medicine system. This approach treats the whole human being physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It works with the body’s natural healing tendencies to correct imbalances rapidly, gently, and permanently.

Homeopathic remedies address a wide range of concerns, from wellness and prevention to treatment of illnesses and injuries. Individuals with ME will typically have a lengthy first-time appointment as data is collected. In most cases the homeopathic physician will study the person’s entire history and character traits, not just the symptoms. Each symptom stems from the same root cause therefore if a patient complains of chronic fatigue, they may also be depressed, have headaches, as well as a long list of other problems associated with the cause.

By addressing the root problem, the symptoms will lessen and fade. Natural remedies used to treat all disease and injuries are derived from plants and mineral sources. The medicines stimulate the body’s natural defence system and enable an effect at a deeper level. Many patients feel better after having the correct remedy administered.

Other approaches include pacing and aggressive rest therapy and relaxation therapies to encourage ‘stability’ in the body, herbal remedies, and diet. The approach is also very scientific incorporating the healing powers of natural plant sources with modern science to maximise positive results.

One theory for treating ME is that it is linked to Candidiasis, which is a fungal disease which takes over the intestines. Many people have tried this approach and have had considerable success and relief from the symptoms. The therapy basically involves cutting out all carbohydrates from the diet for 2 to 3 weeks, and then re-introducing only complex carbohydrates very gently to the diet. Fruit (which consists of simple sugars) is normally excluded for at least 6 months. The person follows a diet of high protein and vegetables, ideally eaten raw and no dairy products.

Fungal infections like these thrive on carbohydrates and cutting these out of the diet will starve and kill off the organism. This can bring on flu type symptoms and bed rest and plenty of reverse osmosis or filtered water is recommended during this period. Should you experience this discomfort it is a good sign that it is working, so persevere and you will get through it. Natural anti-fungal agents such as Golden Seal, Caprylic Acid, and Yeast Cleanse together with high strength probiotics will also enhance this therapy. Re-instatement of a healthy balance of gut flora will improve the immune system and increase energy levels which have been reduced by toxic overload. Complete recovery does take time, however, and any future return to old eating ways may cause a relapse; so listening to your body is essential.

Good advice for treating ME clearly involves improving general health and boosting the immune system. This may require a detoxification programme and eating a more balanced diet high in antioxidants and immune enhancing herbs like Echinacea, Astragalus and Siberian Ginseng.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis is currently not regarded as being curable, but there are many options for managing the condition sufficiently well. When urgent treatment is not sought, the disease can have immeasurable ill effects on the individual’s quality of life. Families also suffer along with the afflicted family member. Support groups and notable organizations are available online, which are dedicated to helping people affected by the disease.

Further Reading:

Candidiasis – A Proven Natural Approach

Copyright Natural Health 4 Life 2021 | Company No: 07370770 | Website by Media Orb