 |
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Because there are no specific lab tests or clinical signs for CFS, it is difficult to know just how many people are affected by this illness. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that as many as 500,000 people in the United States have CFS.
The cause of CFS is unknown and there is no medical cure. Current theories are looking toward the possibilities of neuro-endocrine dysfunction, viruses, environmental toxins, a genetic predisposition or a combination of these. CFS seems to prompt a chronic immune reaction in the body although it is not clear if it is in response to an infection or just a dysfunction of the immune system. For many, the symptoms of CFS appeared after a minor illness, such as a cold or flu, or after a particularly stressful event in their lives. For others, CFS developed gradually with no clear trigger associated with its beginning. CFS is primarily characterized by debilitating fatigue. It may also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pains, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, and headache.
Misunderstood and often misdiagnosed, CFS is a therapeutic challenge to healthcare providers because the degree of severity can differ widely among patients and can also vary over time in the same person. CFS symptoms and the severity of these symptoms will tend to wax and wane over time, making diagnosis and treatment extremely difficult. Many healthcare professionals remain unconvinced that CFS is a genuine illness although it is slowly gaining acceptance. The reluctance is due to the fact that no specific cause has been found, no observable marker exists to specifically identify the illness and most healthcare providers are not familiar with research that lends credence to this illness.
The illness varies greatly in its duration. A few recover after a year or two. More often, those who recover are more likely to do so from 3 to 6 years after onset. Yet for some, the illness seems to simply persist. Because there is no medical cure for CFS, the primary goals are aimed at symptomatic relief and lifestyle changes that will improve the affected person’s physical and cognitive function. Symptom management should focus on relieving pain, managing sleep disorders and improving the patient´s mood.
The following are some suggested lifestyle changes that may help with CFS:
Exercise. Even the smallest bit of exercise is beneficial. Though the pain and fatigue make exercise difficult, it´s important to be as physically active as possible. Research has shown that regular exercise is an effective treatment for CFS. Choose an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your day. Begin slowly and build your endurance and intensity over time.
Diet. Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Add a quality multivitamin to ensure your daily nutritional needs are met. Eliminate the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (Nutrasweet and/or Equal) from your diet. Aspartame may decrease the availability of the amino acid tryptophan and reduce the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Those using aspartame usually find that their symptoms improve when aspartame is removed from their diets.
Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol. Both enhance fatigue and can interfere with sleep.
Sleep. Getting enough sleep, and the right kind of sleep, can help the fatigue of CFS. While we sleep, cell growth and repair takes place to combat the affects of the stress placed on our bodies. Sleep also helps our bodies fight infection. Try to develop a regular sleep pattern by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. When your sleep cycle has a regular rhythm, you will feel better. Don´t exercise right before bedtime. It could interfere with sleep. Try taking a hot bath before bed. This can help relax you and make you sleepy.
CoQ10 - Twin Pack
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a micronutrient essential to all human life. It is a naturally occurring nutrient that works as a co-factor in the body’s electron transport system where all of the body’s energy is derived. CoQ10 regulates the flow of oxygen moving in and out of the mitochondria, which are the cell’s power plants. The body’s cellular power plants can’t function without CoQ10.
Declines in CoQ10 levels occur with advancing age and appear to be correlated with deterioration of the immune system. Supplementation with CoQ10 could help to boost energy levels, strengthen and protect the heart and blood vessels, enhance the immune system and protect against free radical damage.
Like all muscles, the heart needs adequate energy to contract, and CoQ10 facilitates the production of that energy. In those with coronary heart disease, supplementation may reduce the frequency of angina episodes and increases the amount of physical exercise that a person can perform before developing angina pain. Tissues that need the largest amounts of CoQ10, like the heart, are those that require the most energy.
Folic Acid
Folic Acid (folate) is a B vitamin (vitamin B9). Folic acid deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the world. Eating a variety of folate enriched foods is the best way to ensure an adequate intake of folic acid. Unfortunately, the common American diet consists of an alarming amount of “fast foods”. Additionally, substantial amounts of folic acid are lost by today’s methods of food preparation, cooking and food storage. Therefore, supplementation of folic acid is often suggested.
Folic acid is essential in energy production and in the formation of red blood cells. It strengthens the immune system by aiding in the proper formation and functioning of white blood cells. It is required for healthy cell division and replication. It is also involved in protein metabolism and synthesizing genetic material in every cell of the body to normalize brain function. One of the most important roles that folic acid plays is in regulating homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid naturally formed in the body as a result of the breakdown of another amino acid, methionine. Increased levels of homocysteine have been associated with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to the accumulation of fatty plaques) and osteoporosis by the interference of collagen cross-linking. Deficiencies in folic acid may also lead to decreasing size of the thymus and lymph nodes, as well as damage to white blood cell function.
There is an increased demand for folic acid in pregnant women because of the high demand of the developing fetus. Folic acid helps regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation and may prevent a majority of neural tube defects including spina bifida, anencephaly and premature birth. Conversely, birth control pills block the effects of folic acid within cells by stimulating a molecule to inhibit its absorption by other cells. Decreased levels of folic acid enhance a woman’s risk factor of cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although postmenopausal women aren’t necessarily deficient in folic acid, supplementing folic acid in their daily diet has demonstrated a significant reduction in homocysteine levels that may help decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
L-Carnitine Fumarate
L-Carnitine is an essential nutrient first found in muscle extracts in 1905. Later, in 1927, the chemical structure of L-Carnitine was confirmed. This vitamin-like nutrient, also known as Vitamin BT wasn’t available commercially until the 1980’s. L-Carnitine’s main responsibility is that of energy production and proper fat metabolism.
L-Carnitine is found most often in meat and meat extract. In the human body, L-Carnitine is found abundantly in heart and skeletal muscle. It can be synthesized in the human liver, but insufficient amounts are produced in infants, in adolescents and in adults under certain physiological conditions. Two essential amino acids, lysine and methionine, are required for L-Carnitine bioynthesis,. Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B6 and Niacin are also involved in a sequence of enzymatically catalyzed reactions. It is evident that a lack of availability of any of these essential nutrients would greatly impair the body’s ability to synthesize L-Carnitine.
L-Carnitine is used extensively in sports nutrition to provide nutritional support for producing energy in the heart and muscles, to raise energy, endurance and stamina during heavy exercise, to improve performance during physical efforts, to compensate for losses incurred after exhaustive exercise, to increase resistance to fatigue and to effect fast recovery. Supplementing with L-Carnitine lowers lactic acid accumulation and spares glycogen, which are two factors that cause fatigue. Reduced muscle pain and decreased muscle damage are thought to be attributed to L-Carnitine’s ability to help increase oxygen supply to the muscle through an increase in blood flow.
L-Carnitine plays a significant role in turning fat into energy. This essential nutrient carries long chain fatty acids across the mitochondria for subsequent fat breakdown and energy production. A number of studies have using L-Carnitine as part of a weight management program have shown that L-Carnitine works to increase lean muscle mass and decrease Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat content. L-Carnitine may provide optimal fat oxidation in conjunction with dietary changes and exercise.
L-Carnitine has shown positive results in clinical studies related to cardiovascular health. Supplementation of L-Carnitine may help support the heart muscle, dramatically increase the heart muscle capabilities and may be helpful in sustaining a healthy heartbeat.
LiveBac®
A probiotic is defined as a live microbial product which is beneficial to the host by contributing positive bacteria to the micro-flora of the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic contain naturally occurring, beneficial lactic acid bacteria that are present in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy human beings and animals. These bacteria participate in a variety of positive, health promoting activities in human physiology. Probiotics are regarded as \"friendly Bacteria\" that inhabit the intestinal tract and contribute to good health by improving nutrition and protecting against disease. Some of the positive attributes are:
– Enhanced digestive function.
– Maintenance of microbial balance.
– Protection against pathogenic bacteria.
– Production of necessary vitamins and growth factors.
– Enhanced immune response.
Each tablet contains 1 billion viable colony-forming friendly organisms. This formulation is stable at room temperature and does not need refrigeration.
Malic Acid
Malic Acid is the principal acid contained in apples and many other fruits and vegetables. It supports energy production by allowing your body to produce ATP more efficiently, which is essential for proper muscle function. Leading healthcare professionals familiar with Fibromyalgia recommend Malic Acid, combined with Magnesium, for the chronic muscle soreness and fatigue experienced by most patients with this condition.
Healthcare providers have found that patients with Fibromyalgia who use a combination of Malic Acid and Magnesium reported improvements in the reduction of muscle pain and tiredness.
A study in the Journal of Nutritional Medicine suggests that the muscle pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia are predominantly caused by the breakdown of muscle proteins due to a deficiency of oxygen and other substances needed for ATP production. Further, the study presented data supporting the critical role of Magnesium and Malic Acid in ATP production under low-oxygen conditions.
Jorge Flechas, M.D., M.P.H., has participated in two medical studies that have tested to combination of Malic Acid and Magnesium for Fibromyalgia patients. In these studies, patients reported a significant reduction in pain and tenderness within 48 hours and without any side effects. In his practice, Flechas has used these combination supplements for six years on about 500 Fibromyalgia patients and states, “I have found the results are positive 90% of the time”.
Research has found Malic Acid, combined with Magnesium, to be an effective dietary aid for Fibromyalgia.
Olympian Labs combines these two highly effective ingredients to help you combat the constant pain and fatigue associated with this disease.
Vita-Vitamin, Multi-Vitamin/Mineral
Vita-Vitamin is scientifically designed with the latest technology in vitamin science. All of the nutrients are synergistically balanced to yield the highest possible benefits. This formulation uses the highest quality of chelated minerals, which can be regarded as the Gold standard for the industry. Premium Gold minerals are custom mineral formulations developed strictly for Olympian Labs. These minerals are guaranteed to be the highest quality available and carry the Premium Gold Mineral Seal of Quality. Independent research suggests that chelated minerals may be more bio-available than the regular ionic minerals.
Vita-Vitamin contains vitamins, minerals and herbs well known for their beneficial role in nutrition. This unique vegetarian formula provides all your daily nutritional needs in easy to swallow capsules and tablets.
• Formulation also contains Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). ALA may help recycle vitamin C and vitamin E.
• Formulation does not contain Beta-carotene because it interferes with the absorption of Lutein. Independent studies suggest that Lutein promotes eye health.
• Contains Lycopene. Significance of Lycopene is well documented in the scientific literature.
• Minerals used in this formulation are specially produced for Olympian Labs.
• Vita-Vitamin is formulated in a proprietary herbal base composed of Grape skin extract, Barley grass, Goldenseal root, Echinacea purpuria, Pau d’arco, Parsley, Lecithin and Rice Bran. These herbs are well known for their beneficial nutritional attributes.
Vitamin A: Promotes growth and repair of body tissue, bone formation, healthy skin and hair. It is also essential for night vision.
Vitamin C: Promotes healthy cell development, wound healing, improves resistance to infections. It is also known to improve collagen formation and provide protection against cataracts.
Vitamin D: Aids absorption of calcium and may help build bone mass.
Vitamin E: Required for normal growth and development. It is a powerful anti-oxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
Vitamin B-1: Thiamin is essential for converting carbohydrate to energy, normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
Vitamin B-2: Riboflavin helps red blood cell formation, release of energy from food. It is needed for vision and may protect against cataract formation.
Vitamin B-3: Niacin or nicotinic acid promotes release of energy from food. And proper functioning of nervous system. Non-flush niacin is used in this formulation.
Vitamin B-5: Pantothenic acid aids in the normal growth and development.
Vitamin B-6: Pyridoxine is essential for protein metabolism, nervous system, and immune function. It is also involved in the synthesis of hormones and red blood cells.
Vitamin B-9: Folic acid is needed for normal growth and development, red blood cell formation. It is also known to reduce risk of neural tube birth defects. It can control homocysteine levels and thus may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Vitamin B-12: Methylcobalamine is vital for blood formation and healthy nervous system. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is very common in vegetarians.
Biotin: Biotin works with carboxylase enzymes, ATP, and magnesium in the metabolism of fatty acids and proper utilization of B-vitamins. It also plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins and purines.
Calcium: Essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It assists in blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
Magnesium: Activates over 100 enzymes and helps nerves and muscle function.
Chromium: Assists in the metabolism of glucose and may help regulate blood sugar.
Iodine: It is the active part of thyroid hormone. It helps regulate growth, development and energy metabolism.
Manganese: Necessary for the normal development of skeletal and connective tissues. Manganese is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Molybdenum: Needed for the metabolism of DNA and RNA, and the production of uric acid.
Selenium: It is an essential component of the key antioxidant enzymes and is necessary of normal growth and development. It is also involved in the use of
iodine in thyroid function.
Zinc: Essential part of more than 100 enzymes involved in digestion, metabolism, reproduction, and wound healing.
<< Return to the Conditions Directory
|
|
