End Fatigue
New This Week: September 21, 2011
30 Top Tips for Treating CFS & Fibromyalgia When All Else Fails
Part 3 of 3: Hidden Infections
Dear Readers,
In my previous two newsletters, I presented part 1 and part 2 my 3-part series on how to treat stubborn cases of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. This week I conclude the series with a discussion about one of the most difficult parts of treating these illnesses — going after hidden infections. I also give you the final 10 of my top 30 tips for treatment.
If you have strep throat or a bladder infection, it's easy for a doctor to collect the bacteria, put it in a culture dish, and figure out the type of bacteria that's causing the problem — and treat it. But if you have one or more of the infections that are commonly seen in CFS and fibromyalgia — antibiotic-sensitive, viral, parasite, and Candida infections — there aren't any accurate tests for detection. That means these infections often need to be treated empirically without lab confirmation, based solely on symptoms and their response to treatment.
In earlier newsletter articles, I have discussed when to treat for hidden antibiotic-sensitive infections and when to consider a trial of antivirals. In addition (and most importantly) aggressively treating Candida is a crucial part of treatment for virtually everyone with CFS and fibromyalgia. Those three articles supply the basis for treating infections directly, and are worth reading if you have persistent CFS/FMS. The question is what to do when you suspect hidden infections that you can't get rid of. This is the focus of today's article.
Read part 3 of this special series »
Love & blessings,
Dr. T
P.S. — In next week's newsletter, I'll begin a 5-part series on a review of the SHINE protocol. I'll not only remind you of the basics, but I'll also update you on new elements in the protocol and recent advances that make it even more effective. Stay tuned!
Research Briefs
Zinc Lozenges Can Cut Length of Colds by Half!
There have been a lot of studies on using zinc lozenges to reduce the length and severity of colds. Some have been positive and some have been negative. A researcher from the University of Helsinki in Finland analyzed all the studies — and found some very reassuring results for this winter's cold season.
Natural Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy
We've known for years that the burning, tingling pain of diabetic neuropathy can be effectively prevented and treated with natural therapies — and a big, four-year study shows that the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid is uniquely effective.
Narcotics Can Hamper Hormones
Though opiates are sometimes needed for pain control, they can cause a myriad of problems, including hormonal dysfunction.
Featured This Week
ProBoost™ (Thymic Protein)
Best Natural Booster to Your Immune System!
The thymus gland is a major regulator of immune function, and the hormone it makes to regulate immunity is called "Thymulin." Optimizing immune function is an important part of recovering from CFS and fibromyalgia.
Although adequate sleep and powerful nutritional support (I recommend the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder) are the foundations of optimizing immunity, there are two other powerful tools. For three months, add a zinc tablet 20-25 mg a day (at any health food store and most supermarkets), to treat the zinc deficiency routinely seen in fibromyalgia and chronic infections. Then the zinc in the vitamin powder is enough to maintain optimal function.
For a very powerful immune boost, get ProBoost. Thymic Protein A, the active ingredient in ProBoost, has the same biological activity as the natural thymic protein that is produced by the thymus gland.
I consider ProBoost to be a "must have" for the medicine cabinet. Taken early during a cold or other viral infection, it powerfully helps maintain optimal immune function. Simply dissolve one pack under your tongue 3x day until it passes.
Interestingly, a study looked at taking ProBoost three times a day. After three months, the Epstein Barr virus antibody levels dropped by 70%.
To learn more about Thymic Protein, see Avoiding and Treating Infections without Antibiotics »
Zinc Picolinate
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in most major metabolic pathways. General signs of human zinc deficiency indicate that zinc has important functions in maintaining immune function, reproduction, healthy skin, and growth.
Numerous studies support the fundamental role of zinc in normal immune response in humans. Immune cells must be able to rapidly divide in order to respond to daily challenges. Like all rapidly dividing cells, immune cells depend on adequate amounts of dietary zinc.
Human and animal studies show that zinc picolinate is well absorbed and retained compared to many other zinc supplements tested. Picolinic acid is an isomer of nicotinic acid (niacin) and a natural metabolite of tryptophan. It acts as a potent chelator of metals in nature.
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
Dr. T's Free Lecture in Virginia
If you plan to be in Richmond, Virginia on Tuesday, September 27, I invite you to stop by Good Foods Grocery at 7:00 p.m. to hear my free lecture. I'll be discussing my new book Real Cause, Real Cure.
Cool Stuff
For Cat Lovers
A true story told in pictures of tigers living among monks.
This Week's Joke
A Police Stop at 1 A.M.
An elderly man is stopped by the police around 1 a.m. and is asked where he is going at this time of night.
The man replies, "I am going to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body."
The officer then asks, "Really? Who is giving that lecture at this time of night?"
The man replies, "That would be my wife."
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