A Personalised Approach To Chronic Fatigue
You may also be interested in the section of my blog dedicated to chronic fatigue syndrome, click here, in particular:
- Can Mould And Mycotoxins Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Functional Medicine Approach
Considerations For Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There are many avenues to explore when considering a personalised approach to chronic fatigue (1):
- Dietary modification
- Functional nutritional deficiencies
- Physical fitness
- Psychological and physical stress
- Environmental toxicity
- Gastrointestinal imbalances
- Immune dysfunction
- Inflammation
- Oxidative stress
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
The below images details the ‘modifiable physiological and environmental factors’ in chronic fatigue syndrome:
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, 2014; 20, 1
What Tests Should Be Done For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Let’s dive in to the above factors in a little more detail.
With the above list in mind there are various tests that can be considered when taking a personalised approach to chronic fatigue syndrome. Let’s first remind ourselves with the saying “treat the individual, not the disease”. This is such a powerful quote and it means we first need to explore what might be contributing to someone’s level of fatigue, which will then dictate which testing might be most appropriate to run. We can’t select the best test, just based off of the diagnosis – which in this case is given when you are experiencing a specific constellation of symptoms.
Nutritional Considerations And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Nutrient deficiencies are the first thing to be ruled out or ruled in as a cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. Key nutrients include iron and vitamin B12.
Test: Nutrient testing or/and organic acid testing
Recommend Labs: Genova Diagnostics or Great Plains Laboratory
Psychological/Physical stress And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There is a connection between adverse childhood events and chronic fatigue syndrome and similar conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Test: Salivary cortisol testing
Recommend Lab: Healthpath
Environmental Toxicity And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A very common finding in my clinic practice is clients who have lived in a water damaged building – there’s been a historical water leak, or they live in a basement apartment, or an attaching flat has had a leak.
Test: Heavy metal testing, environmental toxin testing, mycotoxin testing, detox capacity testing.
Recommend Labs: Great Plains Laboratory
Gastrointestinal Involvement And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There is a lot of research discussing the role that imbalances in the gut might play in chronic fatigue. Considerations include:
- SIBO: small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
- Leaky gut.
- LIBO: large intestine bacterial overgrowth.
- Infections.
- Gut inflammation.
Test: Stool, SIBO, and leaky gut testing
Recommended Lab: Healthpath
Immune Dysfunction And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Test: Functional blood analysis, comprehensive viral or pathogen profile
Recommended Lab: Functional Dx
Inflammation/Oxidative Stress And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Test: Functional blood analysis, organic acid testing
Recommended Lab: Functional Dx, Genova Diagnostics, Great Plains Laboratory
Mitochondrial Dysfunction And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
When there is an energy issue, there is a mitochondrial issue. The million dollar question is…why? Fortunately we have answered some common reasons as to why above!
Test: Organic acid test
Recommended Lab: Genova Diagnostics, Great Plains Laboratory
Summary:
The first step to taking a personalised approach to chronic fatigue syndrome is an in depth enquiry in to your health history and lifestyle. This will then help us understand which of the above factors might be contributing to your symptoms and thus which testing, and what approach is going to be needed to support you back to optimal health.
References:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: a personalised integrative medicine approach: click here.
Alex is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFMCP) and has a MSc in Personalised Nutrition. He is also a breathwork facilitator with a background in personal training and massage therapy. He also runs The Resiliency Program - a 24 week program aimed at building physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience.
