What is M.E./CFS?

Major Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue for a lengthy period and not relieved by sleep or rest
• Sleep disturbances - sleeping too much or too little
• Aches and pains throughout the body
• Glandular pain, often without swelling; sore throat
• Muscles tire quickly - fluctuating energies
• Unwarranted RSI (OOS)
• Persistant migraine-type heahaches
• Depression, poor concentration, memory loss, dizziness, faintness
• Digestive disturbances - nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, gas
• Food sensitivities and allergic reactions
• Extreme sensitivity; chemical odours, cold, heat, noise, electromagnetic radiation
• Menstrual problems: PMT, endometriosis, etc

Further Explaination of M.E.

M.E./CFS is ALWAYS difficult to understand. This is due to the multitude of symptoms associated with it, and the fluctuation of energies that almost always occur. It is a disorder which may affect all body systems overlapping other similar disorders - especially Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Most medical practitioners have a very limited knowledge of how to help sufferers, though the numbers of informed doctors are growing. We suggest that anyone with the M.E./CFS spectrum of symptoms use the advice and treatment given by well-qualified and recommended practitioners of natural medicine, while keeping in touch with their general practitioner.

Many factors contribute to the extent of the M.E./CFS type of immune dysfunction. These include:

• A constitutional weakness to withstand stress.
• Underfunctioning of the endocrine glands.
• Impaired anti-oxident capacity.
• Poor digestion.
• A basic sensitivity of nature.
• A limited supply of energy.
• A history of high medication use: vaccinations, antibiotics, steroid and liver-damaging drugs, oral contraceptives.
• Nutritional deficiences due to poor diet or malabsorption.

Triggers

So here you are with a wonky immune system, and whammo!
You're hit with:

• A lingering and unsuspected infection - any virus, bacterial build-up, yeast overgrowth, especially in the digestive system.
• Chemical exposure - agricultural, industrial, garden; in the workplace or home - formaldehydes, paints, varnishes, glutaraldehyde, petrol, etc. ...anything derived from petrochemicals.
• Longterm exposure to low-level electro-magnetic radiation (EMR).
• Damp and mould in your home or workplace.
• Sustained stress to body and mind - from vaccinations and surgery, to endless overwork, longterm problems with work or relationships, unending poverty and hopelessness.