Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) explored through Nutrition and Functional medicine
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex illness characterised by profound fatigue, cognitive difficulties, pain, and other symptoms that significantly impact daily life.
Despite decades of research, the underlying cause of ME remains unknown, and there are no specific diagnostic tests or effective treatments. The diagnosis is made based on a clinical evaluation of symptoms and the exclusion of other medical conditions.
Managing ME often involves a combination of symptom management, lifestyle modifications, and supportive care.
In conversation with a Nutritional Therapist & Functional Medicine Practitioner
I spoke to Sam, a Nutritional Therapist & Functional Medicine Practitioner at Surrey Centre for Nutrition on the topic of Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Sam was inspired to study Nutritional Therapy at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) after being diagnosed with post-viral ME/CFS herself. Sam is trained in the Functional Medicine approach and is a Referral Practitioner with The Chrysalis Effect, ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia Recovery Specialists, and a member of The Thyroid Collective. She focuses on the interplay of the digestive, endocrine, nervous and immune systems in these complex conditions.
What is the root cause of Myalgic encephalomyelitis /Chronic fatigue syndrome according to functional medicine?
There are many potential underlying drivers of ME/CFS some of the more common factors are:
Nutrient deficiencies,
Poor gut health,
Adrenal fatigue,
Viral infections,
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Trauma
Some people continue to experience symptoms after addressing the above, in this case other factors should be considered these include:
Lyme disease
Mycotoxins
Heavy metal toxicity
How does functional medicine address the underlying drivers of Myalgic encephalomyelitis /Chronic fatigue syndrome?
Dietary and lifestyle recommendations are used to address the underlying drivers of ME/CFS and promote healing. Some of the key ways to help address ME/CFS are stress management and sufficient quality sleep and low impact exercise and pacing which helps to avoid post-exertional malaise (PEM), a common symptom of ME/CFS. Supporting immune function and detoxification may also be necessary for some.
What dietary changes can I make to start supporting my Myalgic encephalomyelitis?
We recommend a whole-food, minimally processed diet, with plenty of quality protein, beneficial fats and a wide variety of plant foods to provide the vitamins, minerals and micronutrients required to make energy.
How does gut health affect Myalgic encephalomyelitis?
Good digestive health is important to ensure nutrients from food are released and absorbed into the bloodstream to be used for energy production in the cells. The gut microbiome in people with ME/CFS has been shown to differ from healthy people, with dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut microbes) and intestinal permeability being common, which in turn can affect the gut-brain axis and cause cognitive and emotional issues. IBS and SIBO are also common in people with ME/CFS (1), (2).
Do hormone imbalances contribute to or affect Myalgic encephalomyelitis?
Hormone imbalances are also a key factor in ME/CFS. Adrenal hormones, in particular cortisol, are often dysregulated due to chronic stress and/or trauma. Stress hormones can in turn also impact thyroid hormones which regulate energy metabolism.
Whereas, conventional medicine may look to identify underlying issues through colonoscopy or endoscopy, maybe some bloodwork and possibly stool testing for example which are frequently recommended for those with IBS symptoms, functional medicine applies testing approaches which look for a plethora of factors that cannot be seen using conventional testing approaches. Tests that we commonly run for those clients with IBS type symptoms include;
Comprehensive diagnostic stool testing
SIBO breath testing
Food reactivity screening
Screening for Coeliac disease
Thyroid testing
The approach via conventional medicine is also different from a functional approach. This is to say that often set protocols are applied to those with IBS symptoms such as medications to reduce reflux symptoms and FODMAP dietary approaches, regardless of a lack of understanding of the true underlying factors, and without attention to the person themselves, their mind and mood etc. The conventional approach is more a one size fits all approach that cannot be personalised because the underlying factors have often not been determined.
How can the chrysalis effect help my Myalgic encephalomyelitis?
The Chrysalis Effect is an established step-by-step online programme to help support sufferers of ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia on their journey to regain health and well-being. It’s also the first ever supported recovery focused pathway to be piloted for NHS patients. Our ME/CFS specialist practitioner Samantha is a referral practitioner for The Chrysalis Effect.
How do we work with Autoimmune Conditions?
Our approach to autoimmune conditions consists of looking to understand the underlying factors to return a client to health and reverse symptoms. We do this by, identifying the true root cause of the disease, and what led the body to attack its own self-tissue will involve investigations into gut health, food and nutrition, food reactivity, pathogen and environmental toxin reactivity, chronic infections, elevated toxic load and stress and lifestyle contributory factors. Functional testing is often required to get to the root cause of what caused the onset of the autoimmune condition for each individual.
We will then use targeted approaches such as gastrointestinal healing and rebalancing, detoxification, and elimination of inflammatory foods to name just a few, and techniques to help mediate the stress response.
Are you struggling with symptoms of ME/CFS?
Book a FREE discovery call with us at the Surrey Centre for Nutrition to opt for a natural and holistic approach to your condition. We integrate Nutritional Therapy with Functional Medicine to ensure that you have a treatment plan completely suited to you and your needs.
