Natural Health with Megan Sheppard

Megan Sheppard gives her advice on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

My good friend struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome. From time to time, she appears really well and you would never guess there is anything wrong.

At other times, she isn’t even well enough to go to work. She tries to put on a brave face, but it is affecting her whole way of life. She has already done a lot of research into causes and remedies, but it seems as if there is no real solution for this.

Is there is anything she should be considering? She is only 34 years old and is careful to eat a healthy diet.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has long been linked with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), along with the cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and a specific strain of the herpes virus (HHV6). In some cases it is a single strain, but it is more often than not a combination.

This link between viral infection and CFS was established 20 years ago by Dr A. Martin Lerner, who hypothesised that these particular viruses work by establishing a latent infection in B-lymphocytes, monocyte-macrophage precursors, or T-lymphocytes. This means that individual suffering with CFS not only have ongoing issues with the infection being reactivated, which is why the symptoms tend to come and go without ever disappearing completely.

Dr Lerner has also investigated the connection between heart health and CFS, noting that 90% of patients monitored for 24 hours show abnormalities. What is also of interest is that these abnormalities became worse upon exercising, which is consistent with the experience of CFS patients.

It is common for well-meaning family members, friends, and even health professionals to suggest that exercise will help in recovery, but in fact the reverse appears to be the truth.

I would suggest that your friend would be wise to find a practitioner who has experience or is a specialist in CFS, so that she can be tested for the various viral strains, along with other diagnostics to form an overview of her current health.

Heart monitoring may be useful, as would comprehensive blood counts, urinalysis, and testing for additional infection issues (such as Lyme disease).

I have had issues with constipation for most of my life, sometimes going for up to two weeks without a bowel movement.

I find that most products have limited effect, and are inconsistent in their success. Is there anything that you recommend that is guaranteed to work?

I have spent years using laxatives, and would rather find something that fixes the problem rather than having to be dependent on a product.

You are right to seek a solution that doesn’t cause dependence, particularly as continual use of laxatives actually depletes vitamins and minerals (specifically, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D — some of the key components in ensuring strong and healthy bones).

It is no surprise that this puts long-term laxative users at greater risk for osteoporosis and related conditions.

Kiwi fruit are one of the most effective food-based laxatives without having too harsh an effect on the bowel — prunes and prune juice often have the desired effect, but can be rather unpleasant in terms of cramping and diarrhoea.

I’m sure you will have already tried all of the common solutions, such as psyllium husks, essential fatty acids, magnesium etc. It is a good idea to also look at food intolerances and/or sensitivities, since these can sit at the root of constipation issues, particularly when they have been a lifelong problem.

Staying hydrated is also crucial for all of your organs to function effectively.

I wonder if you have discovered Oxy-Powder by Global Healing Center. Oxy-Powder is a full intestinal cleanser formulated to oxidise compaction in the bowel and provide oxygen to the intestinal tract and bloodstream.

It works effectively to clear impacted faecal matter from the colon, small intestine, and large intestine without side effects.

For more information and to order click here