End Fatigue

Top 10 CFS/FMS Natural and Prescription Supplements

Beginning with the most important...

Dear Dr. Teitelbaum,

I would be grateful if you could list 5 to 10 supplements that would be top priority. I can't afford to buy every single one. I have started several as well as prescriptions. I would appreciate your time.

Thank you for your dedication to this condition. Eleven years ago things were different as to what was known about this! Needless to say, I have been too sick for too long! I am ready to get well!

Kim

Dear Kim,

Good question and a very key point. The most important supplements for CFS/FMS (beginning with most important) are listed below. The first 9 are helpful for most CFS/Fibromyalgia sufferers. I would use the last group only if you have the specific problem listed.

I have also included the 10 most important prescription therapies.

Love and Blessings,

Dr. T

Nutritional Treatments

1. Energy Revitalization System - vitamin powder - ½-1 scoop a day (as feels best) blended with milk, water or yogurt with 1 capsule of the included Daily Energy B-Complex (also available separately). If gas or stomach upset occurs, mix the powder with milk and/or start with a lower dose and work your way up to the dose that feels best or divide the daily dose into smaller doses and take 2-3 times a day. These products are made by Enzymatic Therapies and are available from our web site at www.Vitality101.com and most health food stores. One drink and 1 capsule replaces over 35 tablets worth of supplements.

2. D-Ribose (Corvalen) - 1 scoop of powder 3x day for 3 weeks, then 2x day. If too energizing, take with milk or food or lower the dose. Effects are usually seen within 2-3 weeks.

Sleep

3. Revitalizing Sleep Formula (Enzymatic Therapies & Integrative Therapeutics) - Valerian 200 mg, Passion Flower 90 mg, L-Theanine 50 mg, Hops 30 mg, Piscidia 12 mg and Wild Lettuce 28 mg. Take 2-4 capsules each night 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime. It can also be used during the day for anxiety. If Valerian energizes you (occurs in 5-10% of people) use the other components. It is also excellent for anxiety. Do not take more than 8 capsules a day.

Anti-Yeast Treatments

4. Acidophilus Milk Bacteria - Acidophilus 'Pearls' form (by Enzymatic Therapy/ Phyto Pharmica). Take 2 twice a day for 5 months. Then consider 1 a day to help maintain a healthy bowel. Do not take within 6 hours of taking an antibiotic (e.g., take it midday, if you take the antibiotic morning and night). The Enzymatic Therapy/Integrative Therapeutics Acidophilus or Probiotic Pearls form contains approximately 2.8 billion units per pearl - even though box says only 1 billion. I use only this brand, as in many other brands the bacteria are not viable.

5. Anti-Yeast (Ultraceuticals) - An excellent natural antifungal mix. Take 2 twice a day for 3-5 months.

Hormonal Support

6. Adrenal Stress End (Enzymatic Therapies or Integrative Therapeutics) - Take 1-2 capsules each morning (or 1-2 in the morning and 1 at noon). Take less or take with food if it upsets your stomach.

7. BMR Complex (Standard Process) - 1 tablet is the approximate equivalent of 15 mg Armour Thyroid. Take 1 tablet 3 times a day. If natural prescription Armour Thyroid is available I would use that instead.

For Pain (Boswellia May Also Help CFS in the Absence of Pain)

8. End Pain by Enzymatic Therapy or End Fatigue Pain Formula by ITI- Developed by Dr Teitelbaum. Contains Willow Bark, Boswellia, and Cherry. Take 2-4 tabs 3x day. It takes 2-6 weeks to see the full effect. At that time, you can often lower the dose to 1 tab 3x day or 2 twice a day.

For Chronic Sinusitis/Nasal Congestion (If Present)

9. Silver Nose Spray - 5-10 sprays in each nostril three times a day for 7-14 days until the sinusitis resolves. If your doctor will prescribe it, I strongly recommend the "Sinusitis Nose Spray."

10. The above 9 are helpful for most people with CFS or Fibromyalgia. The items below are only if you have the specific problem listed.

10.1 For Osteoporosis or Osteopenia (loss of bone density).

Bone Health (Ultraceuticals). Take 3 capsules 1-2 times per day as directed by a physician. Do not take calcium products within 2 hours of thyroid medications. Bone Health contains Strontium, which is much more effective than Fosamax for building strong bones, but safe. This product also contains vitamins D and K, Calcium, magnesium, and manganese for maximum benefit. It is outstanding for building bone density.

10.2 For High Cholesterol - Statin drugs like Mevacor can severely flare Fibromyalgia, and Co-enzyme Q10 200-400 mg a day should always be taken with it. Better yet, I substitute the natural formula below (which can also be taken with cholesterol lowering meds if needed).

Chol-Less (Ultraceuticals) - This natural mix of cholesterol lowering herbs is excellent to optimize cholesterol levels. Give it 6 weeks to see the effects. Take 3 capsules a day.

10.3 For Heartburn, Indigestion or Reflux - For detailed information on getting off acid blockers, read my article "Getting off of acid blockers naturally." Chronic acid blockers (e.g., Prilosec) are a poor long-term solution for these problems, as it worsens digestion and your defense against bowel infections. Use the treatment(s) checked off below. After 1 month you can stop your prescription acid blocker and switch to Tagamet (cimetidine - over-the-counter), up to 400 mg 3 times a day as needed, then taper off the Tagamet as able. Use Complete Gest Digestive Enzymes as well and sip warm liquids with meals instead of cold water (digestive enzymes work poorly at cold temperatures). Taking a minute to relax before eating and chewing your food will also help digestion. Coffee (including decaf), colas, Aspirin and/or alcohol can markedly worsen indigestion and reflux.

___ A. Complete GEST Enzymes (Enzymatic Therapies)/Similase (Integrative Therapeutics) - 2 capsules with each meal to help digest your food properly. If you have ulcers or they irritate your stomach begin with GS Similase.

___ B. Mastic Gum - 500 mg 2 capsules twice a day for 2 months, then as needed.

___ C. Heartburn Free - by Enzymatic Therapies. 1 every other day for 20 days (may initially aggravate reflux).

___ D. Rhizinate (DGL Licorice) (Enzymatic Therapies/Integrative Therapeutics) - 380 mg (not the sugar free one). Chew 2 tablets 20 minutes before meals.

10.4 For Anxiety.

Calming Balance (Health Freedom Nutrition) or Tranquility (Ultraceuticals) - Vitamin B1 500 mg, passion flower, theanine, magnolia, B vitamins, and magnesium. 1-3 caps 1-3x day is outstanding for anxiety (the effect increases with 1-4 weeks of use).

Top 11 Prescription Therapies (Holistic and Standard) for CFS and Fibromyalgia (Beginning with the Most Important...)

1. Armour Thyroid and high dose T3
2. Diflucan 200mg a day for 6 to 12 weeks
3. Ambien,trazodone, Klonopin,Xyrem and other sleep aids
4. Compounded estrogen and testosterone
5. (Intravenous) high potency nutritional therapies and B12 shots
6. CPAP for sleep apnea and UARS
7. Sinusitis nose spray (By prescription from ITC Pharmacy by mail)- excellent!
8. Cortef (natural hydrocortisone in ultra low, safe dosing)
9. Antiviral treatment with Valcyte, IM gamma globulin shots and IV anti-viral mixes (natural), and antibiotics for other infections
10. Heparin shots
11. If needed for pain, Lyrica, Skelaxin and Ultram

If getting treatment, be sure your physician is an expert in all of these areas. If not, consider seeing a Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center (FFC) physician (see www.Fibroandfatigue.com) if your doctor is not willing to learn. If they are willing to learn, let them know that FFC is expanding and hiring new physicians. We’re always looking to hire good physicians and train them!