Chronic fatigue syndrome ( CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a neuro immune disease, where chronic overactivity of the immune system produces physical symptoms classically fatigue. When the immune system is active it uses free radicals to destroy unwanted invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Unfortunately there is a lot of “friendly fire” damage and we generally feel lousy when we are fighting a cold or flu. This feeling is due to the immune activity the virus has sparked. In CFS the immune system does not completely switch off and these symptoms can continue for years. The lack of definite biomarkers for the disease has led many in the medical profession to deny the very existence of the condition. This only adds insult to injury for the 250,000 people in the UK and millions round the world who are affected by CFS.

Thankfully we are making progress in the treatment and identification of this disease with vital work on biomarkers taking place in Europe and in the UK. At The Essential Health Clinic we are contributing to genetic research being carried out by Dr Jonathan Kerr at St George’s Hospital in London. His team are looking for a “gene signature” for CFS. This is a specific pattern of genes that are up regulated in the disease and this could be the first specific bio marker for CFS.
More important than identifying the condition correctly is treatment. At The Essential Health Clinic we specialise in treating neuro immune disorders such as CFS and MS. The treatment is similar and looks at four important aspects of the disease.

1. Reducing the oxidative stress caused by the immune system
2. Reducing inflammation caused by this oxidative stress
3. Reducing any further auto immunity caused by a leaky gut syndrome
4. Correcting any nutritional deficiencies.