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The following is are a series of questions and answers that discuss chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome and fibromyalgia (CFIDS/CFS/FMS). The answers, provided by CFS/FMS expert Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., review these illnesses, what causes them, what they feel like, testing, and how to get well. To see the complete list of questions, go to the CFS/FMS Information Center.
QUESTIONS
What are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia? And how can multiple different triggers cause the same syndrome?
DR. JACOB TEITELBAUM ANSWERS
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are a group of symptoms that commonly occur together and characterize a specific disease process. In CFS/fibromyalgia, these symptoms include fatigue; diffuse achiness (if fibromyalgia is present), poor sleep, brain fog, increased thirst, weight gain, bowel disorders, poor libido, and frequent infections.
These are but a few of the more common symptoms! There are many more, and these will be discussed in an upcoming question.
One does not need to have all of the above symptoms to have CFS/fibromyalgia. Even three or four of these, in the absence of another known cause, are adequate.
If there are number of problems that can cause a malfunction in the same part of the body, these can all cause similar syndromes. This is a case in CFS/fibromyalgia. As I'll discuss later, there are many things that can trigger this process. Once the process is set in motion however, it becomes self-sustaining. In CFS/fibromyalgia, the problems trigger a cascade effect where, like a stack of dominoes that gets pushed over, one problems triggers the next, which triggers the next and so on. To get well, one needs to see which systems have been affected in any given individual, and look to see if the initial trigger is still active. Then these all need to be treated simultaneously. To date, we have found over 50 common problems that cause the persistence of these syndromes. The average person with CFS/FMS has five to seven of these processes.
Despite the many triggers that can cause these syndromes, most patients seem to have dysfunction or suppression of a master gland in the brain called the hypothalamus. This gland controls sleep, your hormonal system, temperature regulation, and the autonomic nervous system (e.g. -- blood pressure, blood flow, and movement of food through your bowel). This is why you can't sleep, you have low temperature, you gain weight, and (because poor sleep causes immune dysfunction) you are prone to multiple and recurrent infections. The hypothalamic dysfunction by itself can therefore, cause most of the symptoms we listed above! I suspect that problems with the "energy furnaces" in your cells (called the mitochondria) often cause the hypothalamic suppression.
ABOUT DR. TEITELBAUM
 | Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is author of the best-selling book From Fatigued to Fantastic and lead author of the landmark study titled "Effective Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia — A Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study." Dr. Teitelbaum, himself a chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) and fibromyalgia patient, has developed integrative and holistic approaches to dealing with CFIDS and fibromyalgia, allowing many patients to live more effectively with these conditions. |
In addition to his book, medical practice, research and active lecture schedule, Dr. Teitelbaum has developed an innovative web-based online program to help identify potential CFIDS/fibromyalgia triggers and develop an effective integrative and/or holistic treatment protocol to pursue individually or with a practitioner’s guidance.
 | Dr. Teitelbaum has also formulated the “End Fatigue Energy Revitalization System,” manufactured to his specifications by Enzymatic Therapies/PhytoPharmica, for people who suffer from lack of daytime energy, often followed by restless sleep. The “End Fatigue Energy Revitalization System” includes: |
- Daily Energy Enfusion Drink Mix to help build all-day energy and endurance. One scoop a day of this citrus powder replaces approximately 25 supplement tablets. The Enfusion drink is designed to be taken with the Daily Energy B Complex, to support endurance and energy. This product is available at most health food and vitamin stores, various online outlets, Dr. Teitelbaum’s website, and from online retailer Iherb.com.
- Fatigued to Fantastic!® Revitalizing Sleep Formula helps patients get eight hours of deep sleep naturally so they wake up energized. This product at most health food and vitamin stores, various online outlets, Dr. Teitelbaum’s website, and from online retailer Iherb.com.
Dr. Teitelbaum's website is located at www.endfatigue.com.
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new fitness regimen. Please see our full disclaimer.