Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Affects Even The Youngest
By: Jacob Teitelbaum, MD (FFC Medical Director)

More and more youth are suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) due to the increasing stresses that our children are facing. CFS can create what is called an "energy crisis within your body that can be caused by several issues including poor diet (especially high sugar intakes which cause both yeast overgrowth and immune suppression), increased chemicals in the environment, milk allergies, and generally having to grow up more quickly. To understand this illness lets take a closer look at what is happening to cause these symptoms.

The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that controls an immense number of bodily functions; as well as, controls sleep, hormones, temperature, blood flow, blood pressure, and sweating. The hypothalamus can also be considered the circuit breaker because of the many central functions it controls. In FM/CFS sufferers the circuit breaker does not work properly which causes several symptoms all resulting in the muscles inability to get enough energy to function. Due to the lack of energy, the muscles are stuck in a shortened position, which cause the pain that some experience. This overall Energy Crisis is caused by any number of infections, stresses, or injuries all resulting from an improperly functional circuit breaker.

The good news is FM/CFS can be treated by addressing four key areas: Sleep, Hormonal Deficiencies, Infections, and Nutritional Supplementation. One of the major key components that needs to be addressed is Sleep. Because the hypothalamus controls sleep patterns and the circuit breaker is not functioning properly, most patients need a mix of natural and prescription sleep treatments. It is critical that you take enough of the correct natural and prescription sleep treatments to get 8 to 9 hours sleep each night. There are several natural therapies available including FFC's 'Rest & Restore'. Work with your physician to determine what works best for you.

A second component is Hormonal Deficiencies. Since the hypothalamus is the main control center for most glands in the body, it is essential to have the proper hormonal testing completed. Unfortunately, most blood tests were not developed in the context of hypothalamic suppression and often times the results are within a normal range . People however who suffer from FM/CFS are typically in need of natural thyroid, adrenal (e.g. glandulars that include Adrenal Stress End and DHEA) ovarian and testicular hormones despite normal blood tests. These hormones have been found to be reasonably safe when used in low doses.

A third component is Infections. Numerous studies have shown an immune system dysfunction in FM/CFS, resulting in numerous unusual infections. These include viral infections, parasites and other bowel infections but most importantly fungal/Candida infections.

The last component is Nutritional Supplementation. Widespread nutritional deficiencies are common in those with FM/CFS and require dozens of nutrients and supplements. For most people, taking handfuls of tablets each day is not appealing and many are searching for alternative methods of supplementation. With that in mind, a product to consider is the Energy Revitalization System by Enzymatic Therapy, which replaces over 35 supplement tablets with only one drink.

In addition, if you are under the age of sixteen, you most likely have neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) which is similar to low blood pressure and additionally may have an allergy to milk proteins. Some physicians do a type of test called the tilt table test to diagnose NMH. In order to treat this condition, I recommend your doctor prescribe the medications methylphenidate (Ritalin) or dextroamphetamines (Dexedrine) which are used in ADD, yet can help FM/CFS sufferers. Another medication to consider is fluoxetine or (Prozac), as well as, fludrocortisones or (Florinef) which are modestly effective in children, more so than adults. In addition, the following things can be helpful:

• Avoid sugar. Stevia is a healthy sweetener you can use as an alternative. Dramatically increase your intake of salt and water. Aim for 8 to 15 grams of salt and 1gallon of water each day.
• If you have stomach or bowel symptoms, cut out all milk products and any foods containing casein or caseinate (milk protein) as ingredients.
• If you have taken a lot of antibiotics and/or steroid medications (cortisone, prednisone, or others) ask your doctor to consider treatment with antifungals (Nystatin), for five months, and luconazole (Diflucan), for twelve weeks after that, to get rid of possible yeast overgrowth.
• If you run frequent fevers (temperatures over 98.8DEGF), you likely have a hidden infection. Get a parasite test done. It is important that this be done by a laboratory that specializes in this type of testing, such as the Parasitology Center or Genova Labs. If the parasite test is negative, ask your doctor to consider giving you a course of the antibiotic, Zithromax for twelve weeks.