James W. Forsythe, M.D., H.M.D.
Winning the Battle of Fatigue with Natural Energy Boosters
Dr. James Forsythe recommends essential herbs and supplements for treating fatigue.
Are you dragging through your days? Do you spend your mornings hitting the snooze button on the alarm clock, and your afternoons joking about the joys of artificial stimulants? Do you fantasize about vacations that allow you to do nothing but sleep, eat, and sleep some more? Way too many of us slog through our days exhausted, worn out from the demands of work, family, home, and our own unrealistic expectations.
Considering the hectic lifestyles of most Americans, it’s not surprising that so many people are tired. Far too many Americans spend the majority of their adulthood feeling mildly to severely exhausted. In fact, fatigue is among the most common health complaints of Americans today, with up to 20 percent finding fatigue to be a significant problem in their lives.
Persistent fatigue can be caused by a myriad of physical and emotional problems. It accompanies almost every disease from the common cold to cancer and can be a physical manifestation of depression, emotional stress, and anxiety. World renowned medical oncologist and homeopathic physician, James W. Forsythe says many of his cancer patients say that it is the most disruptive side effect of all. “Fatigue is the most common side effect of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy affecting 70 to 90 percent of all my cancer patients.”
Fatigue can result from viruses, medications and possible undetected illnesses or conditions, such as anemia, candida, allergies, malabsorption, or hypothyroidism. Emotional stress, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and hydrogenated fats are also energy robbers. Fatigue can even be a symptom of the “winter blues” or seasonal affective disorder.
Low energy is a common consequence of our stressful world, but it can be a sign of a more serious health problem. How do you know the difference? Dr. Forsythe advises that if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms along with a chronic lack of get-up-and-go, consult a health professional:
- Frequent infections, particularly of the respiratory system or gums
- Chronic digestive problems
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Sleeping too much or too little
- An inability to feel joy or hopelessness
Illnesses must, of course, be treated by a healthcare professional. At the Century Wellness Clinic, Dr. Forsythe and his medical team can run the following tests to try to identify underlying conditions: CBC to test for anemia; a testosterone level for men and testosterone and DHEA level for women to check for low sex hormone levels; a chemistry panel to look for electrolyte abnormalities and to check liver and kidney function; Cortisol testing for adrenal insufficiency; and HGH levels for patients with suspected pituitary insufficiency.
Beyond ordinary or even “above normal” fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome or CFIDS can be so severe that it’s actually disabling. No specific laboratory test is available for CFIDS, and no clinical sign can verify its presence, which means no one knows exactly how many people are affected by this illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, estimates that as many as 500,000 people in the United States have CFIDS or a CFIDS-like condition. In a recent study CFIDS was found in 235 out of every 100,000 people, with the prevalence four times higher in women than men. CFIDS and Fibromylagia (FMS) are linked to the same virus.
But what about those of us who are not sick and still feel worn out by our fast-paced lifestyles? Dr. Forsythe partly blames lifestyle choices. “Chances are this lack of energy can be traced to poor nutrition and blood sugar metabolism, vitamin and supplement deficiency, lack of exercise, stressed-out adrenal glands or toxic overload in boosting energy levels.”Although many people suffering from fatigue become even more exhausted after physical exertion, a graded exercise program has been proven to have long-term benefits. Patients who participate in regular exercise over time are able to do more physical work before becoming exhausted and note an improvement in mental attitude. To begin a graded exercise routine, patients should exercise only up to the point at which they begin to feel tired. They should increase exercise time very gradually, by a minute or so every few days.
Most experts agree that stress is a major factor in fatigue, and stress reduction can play an important role in recovery. Stress reduction through meditation, visualization, yoga, and massage can be helpful.
A form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture works by rebalancing the energy system of the body, known as “chi.” Adjustments are made by gently inserting very fine needles along specific points in the body to stimulate and balance the flow of energy. After the body is balanced on physical, mental, and emotional levels, healing can take place. Many people have found relief with acupuncture in treating chronic diseases such as CFIDS.
People often discover that modifying their diets can greatly improve their energy levels.
RECOMMENDED FOODS
- Green vegetables
- Low-glycemic fruits such as apples, berries, and kiwi
- Legumes
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy protein such as chicken without skin, fish, and tofu
LIMIT
- Dairy products
- Red meat and pork
- Alcohol
- White sugar
- Caffeine
- White flour
- Cured meats
Dr. Forsythe’s Prescription for General Supplements and Herbs for General Fatigue
According to Dr. Forsythe, the most important generalized nutrients and herbs for treating fatigue are bee pollen, brewers yeast, and iron. In addition to a multivitamin, potassium, selenium, vitamin A, zinc, Octacosonal capsules, free form amino acids found in protein supplements, vitamin B complex, and vitamin B12 are extremely useful. Acacia, cayenne, ginkgo biloba extract, Siberian ginseng, gotu kola, and guarana help combat fatigue.
KIDNEY AND LIVER SUPPLEMENTS--Fatigue may be caused by toxemia, the presence of wastes and poisons in the blood stream. Cleavers, red clover, burdock root, celery seed, and devils claw are excellent blood tonics, as is plantain, which grows wild in back lanes and gardens of Vancouver. For liver function, milk thistle and barberry are two of the best herbs. In particular, milk thistle has been demonstrated to protect the liver and encourage the growth of new liver cells.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM secretes hormones into the body and regulates metabolic function. Because all of these hormones occur within a range, what may be standard for others may not be the hormone range you fall within. If you find you have persistent symptoms, but test results come back "normal" ask for a more sensitive test or ask where you are in the range of normal. Panax ginseng can stimulate the endocrine system but should be taken early in the day and avoided if you have high blood pressure or suffer from insomnia.
PITUITARY SUPPLEMENTS--Low testosterone production, called hypotestosteronism, can result in fatigue. Standard western biomedicine can provide testosterone injections or a testosterone patch. Vitex and chaseberry can support the pituitary, the gland that regulates hormone production, including testosterone. A Chinese herb called damiana can also stimulate testosterone production. Damiana and ginseng may also assist with sexual dysfunction but should be used sparingly to avoid overtaxing your system. Again, if you need rest, it is important to respect what your body is telling you.
ADRENAL GLAND SUPPLEMENTS -- Siberian ginseng, borage, and licorice all support the adrenal gland. Licorice is relatively inexpensive, makes a delicious tea, and has been shown in Chinese, Japanese, and European research to be an antiviral. Licorice is also good for the liver and could be helpful in cases of co-infection with hepatitis.
THYROID TESTING -- If your thyroid is out of balance, you will probably suffer fatigue. Hypothyroid is the underproduction of the thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms of people suffering from this disorder are fatigue and intolerance to cold. Seaweeds, like dulse or kelp, provide natural iodine, the basic substance of the thyroid hormone. Kelp is inexpensive and available in tablet form. It can also be sprinkled as a seasoning or added to soups or stews. Dulse can be eaten in the same way. Children in the Maritimes eat dulse like chips, making a salty, fat free snack. Bayberry, black cohosh, and goldenseal may also assist with hypothyroid.
Dr. Forsythe’s Prescription for Nutritional Supplements and Herbs for CFIDS Patients
On a cellular level, the common denominator for CFIDS appears to be a lack of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main source of energy. Cells convert food and water into ATP to use as energy. Studies have shown that ATP concentrations are much lower after exercise in patients with CFIDS. This suggests that individuals suffering from CFIDS have a defect in their cells’ ability to produce ATP. Fortunately, an array of nutritional supplements improves ATP production and increase energy.
N-ACETYLCYSTEINE (NAC) increases production of glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants produced in the body. Glutathione is used in the final phase of the body’s elimination of toxins. It is vital for proper functioning of the nervous system, muscles, and immune system. Since glutathione is necessary for ATP production as well as detoxification and immune function, supplementation with NAC may be helpful.
NADH (NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE) is another chemical that is necessary for the production of energy inside all our cells. Studies suggest supplementation with NADH is effective in reducing many symptoms of CFIDS.
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID is a powerful antioxidant in its own right, but it has the added benefit of helping the body use other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Alpha lipoic acid also helps the cells maximize their production of energy by working with NADH to produce ATP. It has also been shown to help remove certain toxic heavy metals such as lead and cadmium from the body and prevent the damage that occurs to cells from exposure to these metals.
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE (ALC) and L-CARNITINE. Several studies have confirmed that individuals with CFIDS have lower cellular levels of both ALC and L-carnitine and that supplementation with these nutrients improves symptoms. ALC is primarily found in the brain and is used for energy production and synthesis of neurotransmitters. L-carnitine is primarily found in muscle cells and has been shown to produce significant improvements in energy levels in patients with CFIDS.
MAGNESIUM is necessary for energy production and utilization of B vitamins and helps to activate over 350 enzymes in the body. A study in Lancet showed that CFIDS sufferers had lower levels of magnesium in their red blood cells compared to healthy individuals. When these patients were treated with magnesium, they were found to have improved energy levels, a better emotional state, and less pain.
B VITAMINS are a complex of 11 vitamins. Many of the B vitamins such as folic acid, B6, and B12 have been shown to be lower in people with CFIDS. These three B vitamins in particular play an important role in detoxification, as well as helping with energy production, adrenal function, red blood cell production, and nervous system health.
VITAMIN C is an important antioxidant known to enhance immune function. Under stressful conditions such as CFIDS, the body needs additional vitamin C to help the immune system function normally. A clear correlation has been found between low levels of vitamin C and fatigue. Vitamin C is particularly helpful in CFIDS when there is evidence of an ongoing viral infection, such as a lingering sore throat.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs) play an important role in maintaining immune function and reducing inflammation throughout the body. They also assist in maintaining normal brain and nervous system function. Research has demonstrated that many CFIDS patients showed an improvement in symptoms afterthree months of supplementation with EFAs. One study found a combination of 1000-2000 mg of EPA (eicosapentaneoic acid), 300-600 mg of DHA (docosahexenoic acid), and 100-200 mg of GLA (gamma linolenic acid) to be of value.
WINTER CHERRY Also known as ashwagandha, winter cherry is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been shown to reduce oxidative damage to tissues including the brain, spinal cord, and liver. It improves memory and adrenal function, stimulates thyroid activity, and increases the body’s ability to fight viruses by increasing white blood cell count.
CORDYCEPS This herb has several beneficial effects and may be helpful for reducing fatigue, stimulating the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
GINKGO Ginkgo provides diverse benefits, including the ability to protect cell membranes,
neutralize free radicals, improve circulation, and enhance blood supply to the brain—all functions that boost immunity and overall health.
ASTRAGALUS This herb stimulates the immune system and improves energy. It may have powerful effects on the reduction of CFIDS symptoms, particularly if there is evidence of immune dysfunction or viral activity.
S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE (SAMe) can be helpful in reducing the depression and muscle pain that often accompany CFIDS. SAMe is naturally made in the body from certain amino acids when our cells have proper levels of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. SAMe is an important cofactor in the metabolism of many neurotransmitters in the nervous system that help balance emotions and reduce fatigue and depression.
When it comes to dosage, each individual has different needs. Please call the Century Wellness Clinic during regular business hours 775-827-0707 or e-mail us questions by clicking here regarding your specific needs.
The information contained in this Health Report is intended for education purposes only. It is intended to complement—not replace—the advice provided by healthcare providers.
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