Breaking the Chronic Fatigue Cycle
Reclaim Your Vitality and Boost Energy with Functional Medicine
Do you find yourself trapped in the relentless cycle of chronic fatigue? Do even the simplest tasks feel like insurmountable challenges?
Did you know in 2021–2022, one point three percent of adults had chronic fatigue syndrome also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). The percentage of adults who had ME/CFS increases with age through ages 60–69!
“Functional medicine offers a personalized and integrative approach to chronic fatigue, addressing the root causes of your condition, rather than just the symptoms,” explains Dr. Anju Mathur, medical director of Angel Longevity Medical Center in Los Angeles. “By focusing on the root cause of your condition and addressing those issues you can reclaim your vitality and feel like yourself again.”
Let’s look at the realm of functional medicine and explore some of the therapies used to alleviate this energy-draining condition.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue?
No single cause of chronic fatigue syndrome has been identified. Some experts believe it may be a viral infection or immune system disorder. Others believe it is related to psychological stress, trauma, or toxins. While there is not one known cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, there are known risk factors. They include:
Hormonal imbalances
Abnormal blood levels of hormones produced by the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands can be found in most people who suffer from chronic fatigue. This is one of the issues a functional medicine practitioner will test.
Viral infections
Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after a viral infection, many believe that certain viruses may trigger the condition. Viruses that are thought to possibly trigger chronic fatigue include the Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, and mouse leukemia viruses.
Recently, the COVID-19 virus has also been identified as a cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. People who experience what is called Long COVID are prone to chronic fatigue.
Immune system issues
Those who suffer from chronic fatigue tend to have a slightly impaired immune system. However, it is unknown if the impairment is enough to cause chronic fatigue itself.
Discovering which of these issues you have will be crucial to helping your body heal.
What are the Best Ways to Manage Chronic Fatigue?
Functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach – it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several therapies that could be used, depending on your specific situation.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
As part of chronic fatigue treatment, this approach can help improve hormone imbalances for both men and women. Hormone imbalances occur when women age and go through menopause and when men age and experience falling hormone levels. Hormone imbalances can affect your energy levels and, once they are brought back to a normal range, improvement can be seen.
IV therapy and vitamin infusions
Intravenous (IV) therapy is a method of feeding vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Doing so may boost the immune system, supplement deficiencies, and provide an immediate therapeutic response. There are several vitamin and nutrient IV therapies that can be used to help improve your health and get you back to feeling like yourself.
Chelation therapy
This chronic fatigue therapy uses medicines that remove both toxic and non-toxic metals from the body. Toxic metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium are known to interfere with many biological functions within the body. A chelating agent, such as EDTA, binds to these metals in the bloodstream and guides them out of the body. Getting toxic metals out of the body can improve an array of diseases and problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome.
Phospholipid exchange therapy
Chemicals from preservatives in foods, pesticides and some prescription drugs may stay in the phospholipid layers of cells, which can result in increased levels of toxicity and cellular degeneration. This can cause dysfunction in the brain, nervous system, and immune system, all of which could be connected to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Phospholipid exchange therapy gets rid of these toxins to eliminate or reduce certain disorders.
Ultraviolet blood irradiation (UBI)
This therapy uses ultraviolet light in combination with your blood to kill pathogens and bacteria. The blood gets charged with more energy from the light and increases the blood’s oxygen levels, which has an antimicrobial effect and boosts white blood cell activity. UBI can improve overall immune function and may help with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Handing chronic fatigue syndrome requires a tailor-made, multifaceted approach. It’s about creating a synergy that aligns with your unique circumstances, propelling you towards a life where fatigue doesn’t dictate your every move.
Results of Functional Medicine Interventions
Jacque’s story illustrates how a functional medicine program can change chronic fatigue syndroms:
“I could hardly get out of my bed, I was no longer driving, and I was depressed,” he says. “I started with Vitamin IV therapy and later did some other services. It has made a huge difference. I have energy again and I am no longer depressed. I am looking forward to going back to school.”
The functional medicine approach to chronic fatigue syndrome is not just about managing symptoms; it’s a narrative of empowerment. By discovering the underlying issues that are affecting your health, and addressing those issues directly, puts you at the helm of your health journey armed with the knowledge and strategies to break free from chronic fatigue.
It’s a journey towards regaining more than energy– a life where fatigue is but a distant memory, and each step is taken with renewed vigor and purpose.
If you need assistance with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, contact Angel Longevity Medical Center for an appointment with Dr. Mathur.
