Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
A Functional Medicine Approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) responds extremely well to functional medicine, nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest, and which may become worse with physical or mental activity.
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown, but we know from our patients and research it can have a number of triggers including chronic sleep dysregulation, environmental toxin exposures such as mercury poisoning, adrenal gland problems, underactive thyroid, key nutrient deficiencies, gut, and hidden viral infections, autoimmune disease, psychological and genetics.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can be very debilitating for the individual and their families and can result in decreasing quality of life if not treated and supported. Unfortunately, often patients are left going around the conventional health system without getting better.
Fibromyalgia is very similar to CFS, with the only real difference in symptoms is the pain element whereas is CFS has more of an immune system abnormality.
Causes
Our Functional Medicine practioners seek to address the main underlying causes of these symptoms in order to get you back to an improved quality of life, as we understand how this condition can heavily impact patients family. work and social activities.
We will also look to take a detailed history and see what other factors that be contributing to your symptoms, so we can piece together any information that can help determine the imbalance.
Heavy metals (mercury, lead) / Neurotransmitter imbalance/Hormone imbalance/ Sustained inflammation / Emotional distress and past trauma / Chronic infections/ Environmental toxicity / Leaky Gut / Genetics / Food sensitivities/allergies
CFS Symptoms.
- Muscle Pain
- Gut Symptoms
- Connective Tissue Pain
- Brain Fog
- Thyroid Issues
- Aniexty/Depression
- Skin Issues
- Chronic Fatigue
- Sleep Dysregulation
- Mysterious Symptoms
Treatment Approach
At the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine, the goals of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) treatment are at the very least drastically to reduce symptoms with the end goal of eliminating symptoms and preventing reoccurring episodes.
Conventional treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is fairly limited unfortunately and can include a number of medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, low blood pressure medications and corticosteroids which can have both short and long term side effects.
Functional medicine gives patients a viable alternative to possibly avoid use of conventional medications, or together with conventional medications in order to decrease the dosages of conventional medications required to manage your chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.In functional medicine, there is “no best medication for fatigue”. Everyone has a different makeup and will have a different root cause. We will work with the patient to identify what has caused theirs and look at a personalized treatment protocol.
Functional medicine treatment protocol for CFS will include
- Identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g., stress, a sedentary lifestyle, generally unhealthy lifestyle), sleep dysregulation that may be contributing to your chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms (CFS) symptoms
- The balancing of key hormones that might be out of synch to aid detoxification. We will look at hormone testing and adrenal gland problems to see if they are working optimally.
- Looking at microbiome testing to look for hidden gut infections and viral infections that are difficult to test for in conventional medicine.
- Investigation of mood and neurotransmitter imbalances that are contributing to a prolonged stress response.
- Balancing a dysregulated immune system.
- Clearing environmental toxins
- Optimizing blood sugar levels.
- Nutrient defiencies
ur IBS.
Our Approach to Healing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Disruptions in our digestive system may contribute to problems with absorption. Inadequate absorption implies a lack of essential fuel for cells to operate and derive energy from food which is the cornerstone of our energy production.
Based on the test outcomes, your healthcare provider can suggest specific supplements to support the cellular powerhouses known as mitochondria. In addition we will look at supplementing where neeeded which can be gut support, nutrient defiencies or a programme to remove pathogens.
Our approach is centered around testing rather than guessing, which proves to be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. Our practitioners can advise on targeted tests related to chronic fatigue, including organic acids test to measure various biomarkers related to all the systems in the body, a comprehensive analysis of the microbiome and stool, and any other relevant tests that can aid in our investigations.
ur functional practitioners can suggest supplementary treatments or lifestyle interventions that can be highly advantageous in addressing chronic fatigue.
Why Choose the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine?
Support
Once you start the process, we will guide our collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the required information we through detailed intake forms so we can understand you better and help support and motivate you through the process.
Experience
Our practitioners have years of experience dealing with multiple conditions. The functional medicine approach focuses on the route cause and addresses the imbalance.
Personalized Approach
Every one of us is unique and has a set of circumstances. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.