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Diseases > Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
A nitric oxide vicious cycle
Update, December 2006
All my research has led me back to one thing: Mercury. It fits in perfectly.
Mercury affects the thyroid, which alters calcium regulation.
Mercury affects the glutamate-related enzymes.
Mercury hence causes excess glutamate leves + excess calcium levels.
Read the rest of the article and all falls in place.
Genetic differences can play a role: In schizophrenics there is a gene that screws up glutamate handling in the brain, for example.
Update, December 2003
Virtually all chronic fatigue symptoms I had have disappeared.
I have discovered what was the cause: Extremely high electrosmog levels in my appartment.
When I moved back home to my parents place in the country, the energy levels returned very soon afterwards.
In rural France I had no problems what so ever. I am not saying every CFS is caused by electrosmog (read: DECT wireless phones, cellular phones antenna's, cellular phones, UMTS, digitenne, etc),
but it would be wise to do some research in that direction.
More on that also on the index page. Please give it a look and also be sure to read the book review on it. Also check the links section for links to Homo Optimus websites for more information.
The remaining bouts of low-energy I had, were stopped by using the extremely powerful "Homo Optimus diet" by Dr. Kwasniewski from Poland.
More on electrosmog can be found on the NewTreatments.org index page.
Below are my other observations I made in 2002 and before. The mycoplasma is still a possible theory, but at least it wasn't the determining factor in my case.
Please read all material below and do your own research and draw your own conclusions. Good luck !
BREAKING NEWS, Monday 9th of January 2002
Hi,
Last night my brain wasn't sleeping while I was..
This is what I came up with this morning:
I believe the mycoplasma theory might be the truth afterall..
Does this mean all the things I already wrote down about CFS and the nitric oxid vicious cycle is nonsense.. No, not at all..
Let's put it in perspective:
The mycoplasma is the main trigger of the CFS.
It causes the upregulated immune system, cytokines and nitric oxide.
The upregulated nitric oxide then feeds the nitric oxide vicious cycle.
This explains why the licorice works: I downregulates immune system by stopping the liver from filtering out the cortisol.
This downregulates the nitric oxide production and the nitric oxide caused chronic fatigue disappears..
The mycoplasma is still there however. When one stops the licorice, the vicious cycle restarts: The mycoplasma feeds the NO-vicious cycle by upregulating the immune system..
That's also why the pain in FM doesn't disappear when one uses the licorice. The licorice only stops the NO-caused damage. The destruction and deformation of the red blood cells still takes place. The excess cyanide in the blood, caused by the breaking up of urea by the mycoplasma, crystalizes inside the red blood cells. The cyanide only crystallizes on places where the blood pressure is low. This is exactly on the tender-places of fibromyalgia patients....
I think the proof is overwhelming: 70% of the CFS patients have mycoplasma and I think there might be some false negatives among these. 60% of Crohn's patients have mycoplasma. My mother has another strange "auto-immune" disease, sarcoidosis. Mycoplasma is also linked to this disease...
The first basic steps in treating:
Mycoplasma is an anaerobic bacteria-like organism.
This means it thrives in places where there is less oxygen and it primarily feeds on glucose.
* Use the low-carb or even zero-carb diet to take away the glucose from the mycoplasma.. All other cells will happily go on using fatty acids and ketones. The mycoplasma will starve or will at least stop to thrive..
* Use DMSO as an alternative way to get oxygen to the cells
* Use hydrocobalamine (Vitamin B12b), which is a very potent nitric oxide scavenger *AND* it filters the cyanide in the blood
Suggestive evidence:
* Captain David Williams treated the CFS with licorice successfully. The pains didn't disappear however. When he went on a low-carb diet the pains disappeared for the largest part..
Please think about it and let me know what you think of it,
If this is true (I firmly think it is), this is revolutionary !
Thanks for reading,
Ed,
The Netherlands
The original article as of 2001/2002:
Below you find a new hypothesis and treatment for some cases of chronic fatigue
and fibromyalgia. A large percentage of the CFS and FM sufferers share the following
characteristics: Low blood pressure, low eryhthrocytes, low sodium levels, high
potassium levels. Often accompanied by (perhaps undiagnosed yet) hypoglycemia. If you
don't have these characteristics, then you have a different type of CFS / FM
and this proposed treatment might not be effective.
I was able to construct a new hypothesis, because of the the following very interesting articles:
New hypothesis: Adrenal insufficiency caused chronic fatigue
When hypomagnesia is present, or/and the ratio magnesium/calcium is low (lots
of calcium, relatively low magnesium levels), the excess calcium levels will
cause excess calcium influx into all living cells. This is because magnesium,
can only act as a calcium-channel blocker if it is in the right balance with calcium.
The calcium
influx will cause nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inside the cells. The NO suppresses
the adrenals, causing adrenal sufficiency. The low cortisol levels will further
increase NO synthesis. This is because the low cortisol levels are making the
immune system hyper. This means upregulated nitric oxide and other cytokines.
The increased nitric oxide levels will further depress the adrenals. Vicious
Cycle.
How does calcium influx cause NO synthesis
The calcium binds to calmodulin, which in turn activates different enzymes,
including neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The NOS increases the formation
of nitric oxide (NO).
How does NO cause glutathion depletion
NO, together with the superoxide anion, forms peroxynitrite, which in turn oxidizes
the glutathione.
How do low cortisol levels cause low eryhtrocytes
Cortisol stimulates erythropoiesis (the building of new red blood cells). Low
cortisol levels explain the borderline anemia commonly seen in CFS and FM, which
is not iron anemia. It can only be detected by checking the HTC, because hemoglobin
levels will look normal.
Summary
Eating lots of carbohydrates will cause excess magnesium excretion, which will
result in a low magnesiun/calcium ratio
Not enough magnesium left to act as calcium channel blocker, result: Increased
calcium influx
Calcium influx will cause excess NO production
High NO levels will suppress adrenal hormone production
Low adrenal hormone levels will further increase high NO, inducing a vicous
cycle
Other ways to start the NO vicious cycle
Ofcourse, the magnesium deficiency is just one way to start the vicious cycle.
Any condition that causes excess NO will be able to start the vicious cycle.
Think of intestinal bacteria, a viral infection, zinc deficiency, low antioxidant
status, elevated stress levels for prolonged times.
How does adrenal insufficiency cause low blood pressure, hyperkalemia and
sodium deficiency ?
The adrenals produce cortisol, but also aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure,
sodium and potassium balance.. Low levels of aldosterone will cause the hyperkalemia,
the sodium deficiency and the low blood pressure.. Besides that NO is a potent
vascodilator. Excess NO levels in the blood will cause low blood pressure.
How can L-lysine be of any help ?
L-arginine, an amino acid is the direct precursor of NO. Without L-arginine,
no NO can be formed. Arginine uptake into neurons is controlled by non-NMDA
glutamate receptors. This became evident when these receptors were blocked by
argninine-uptake inhibitors such as L-lysine which functions as
antagonist of these glutamate receptors. Eating less arginine and increase the
lysine intake will suppress the NO production.
Suggestive evidence: Magnesium
http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/386
This article shows that magnesium levels are often low in CFS patients and most
respond favorably to magnesium supplementation. Patients taking magnesium supplements
report greater energy levels, improved emotional state, and less pain than those
taking a placebo.
Intracellular magnesium deficiency is common in CFS patients
Magnesium, B vitamins benefit CFS patients.
As additional supplements for CFS patients, the researchers recommend vitamin B12, high doses of the antioxidants (vitamins C and E and beta carotene) and COQ10.
Magnesium stops calcium from entering the cell, B12 is a very potent nitric oxide scavenger, Q10 protects against NO generation (is explained below).
Suggestive evidence: L-lysine
http://www.cfids.org/archives/2000/2000-3-article02.asp
The group has found that cystinuria, a fairly common genetic condition that
is indicated in part by high urinary lysine levels (more than 20% of urine sample)
occurs four times more frequently in CFS patients. This information can be useful
in treatment.
Suggestive evidence: Vitamins, mineral and antioxident supplements very
useful
http://www.krysalis.net/chronicfatigue.htm
David Gregg already discovered a successfull way to treat both CFS and FM. The
treatment consists of a very rich blend of potent antioxidants, minerals and
vitamins. I think this somehow alleviates NO-caused stress and by doing this
it might break the vicious cycle. Possibly the magnesium and zinc in the blend
is of great importance also. Check the B12 (1000mcg), Q10 (10mg), lysine (800mg), ginkgo biloba (400mg) contents.
B12 is a very potent nitric oxide scavenger, Q10 protects against NO, lysine prevents entry of arginine (NO-precursor) into the cells,
ginkgo biloba inhibits NO-synthesis. Further the DMSO and MSM act as an alternative oxygen transport mechanism (besides the red blood cells)
and it also increases the absorption of the vitamins and minerals. I think these proof to be very effective.
How does licorice help ?
Dr. Baschetti from Italy suffered from CFS for 20 years. He has cured his CFS
by using licorice. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid. Glycyrrhizic acid is
a 11 beta-HSD inhibitor. This is the hormone that deactivates cortisol, converting
it into the inactive cortison. In CFS and FM patients where there is low blood
pressure, low eryhtrocytes, low sodium and hyper kalium, the licorice is very
effective. The low cortisol levels will be able to be more effective when the
glycyrrhizic acids inhibits the conversion of cortisol into cortison. Using
the licorice virtually relieves all CFS symptoms in many people. It will however
be a life-long treatment. Dr. Baschetti thinks some virus has permanently damaged
the hypothalmic-pituitare-adrenal axis. After some months of using licorice,
one needs to increase the dose a bit and perhaps even start to use small amounts
of hydrocortisone some months later. This is because the glucocorticoid receptors
were first very sensitive, because of the long time of low-cortisol levels.
Not everybody will need the hydrocortisone luckily and some are able to stay
in good health using only up to 5 grams of licorice. Dr. Baschetti started with
2 grams a day, and had to increase the dosage to 5 grams daily. He now needs
only 4 grams of licorice every day.
Isn't licorice very dangerous ?
Many people think licorice is very dangerous when taken for long periods of
time. This is definitely true in normal people that have no adrenal insufficiency
and correct potassium/sodium levels. The licorice will enhance the cortisol
levels, suppressing imune system. Also, the aldosterone levels will increase,
which in turn will cause potassium excretion and sodium retention and increased
blood pressure. In CFS and FM patients that have low eryhtrocyte levels, low
blood pressure, low sodium and hyperkalemia it isn't dangerous at all, because
it regulates the cortisol and alodsterone (and other hormones) levels, which
in turn regulates blood pressure, sodium and potassium balance.
Bacterial endotoxins might be involved
Intestinal bacteria can produce endotoxins, which have been shown to increase
NO production. The vicious cycle(s) involved in CFS and FM can only be broken
by eradicating these bacteria. This can very often be accompished by following
the Specific Carbohydrate Diet by Elaine Gottschall, which starves the bacteria.
This diet also heals crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in most people.
In some people, resistant or mutated bacteria might be involved and then also
some medications are needed to completely whipe out the bacteria. You can check
for intestinal bacteria by doing a urine organic acid test.
The hypoglycemia and diabetes link
Because cortisol is insulin's antagonist and vice versa, low cortisol levels
will induce high insulin levels when carbohydrates are eaten. These high insulin
levels cause fast dropping of blood-sugar levels, which will cause hypoglycemia.
Besides that, the high insulin levels will further antagonize cortisol levels,
aggrevating the symptoms.
Combined treatment
First, check to see if you have lowered eryhtrocyte levels, low blood pressure,
sodium deficiency and hyperkalemia. This must all test postive, otherwise you
don't have the type of CFS/FM that can be treated with this protocol.
Next, check the magnesium and calcium levels. If magnesium levels are low or
if the magnesium/calcium balance is low, then you also need to supplement magnesium.
The only good oral supplement is magnesium-glycinate by Carlson labs. Most other
supplements are not well absorbed or contain excitoxins. A transdermal DMSO-magnesium
oxide might proof to be very successful and much cheaper than magnesium by IV.
Also reduce calcium intake until the magnesium/calcium balance is corrected.
Use the vitamin, anti-oxidant and mineral blend from David Gregg (or a comparable
blend).
Supplement L-lysine and decrease the arganine intake.
Further increase Q10 supplementation and ginkgo biloba which both inhibit NOS
(read below: Striking resemblance)
Very important: Stop eating most carbohydrates: No more bread, cookies, pasta,
grains, corn, potatoes and no fruit. Insulin is cortisol's antangonist and vice
versa.
Also to prevent the bacteria in the gut from producing the endotoxins, make
sure you don't eat carbohydrates that are not fully digested. Use the SCDiet.
If this doesn't relieve the symptoms, you can also consider to use the licorice.
I have a gut feeling that the protocol above will proof to be sufficient already.
Be sure to monitor the potassium and sodium levels to make sure the mineral
imbalance is turned the other way around.
Striking Resemblance: Read this testimonial
http://home.tampabay.rr.com/lymecfs/mymeds.htm
Searching the web I found this CFS testimonial..
Notice the striking resemblances with this proposed treatment.
A quote:
First, because people were reporting that they had a lessening of their
brainfog by using Ginkgo Biloba, I started with that. I had the same
good results. However, I found it to be very dose dependent - if I
forgot to take it, the brainfog returned immediately. However, when I
increased CoQ10 to over 150mg a daily, the brainfog lifted permanently
and I no longer needed Ginkgo. Additionally, with CoQ10, I can run out
of it for a day or so and the brainfog doesn't seem to return for
several days.
Guess what:
http://www.newtreatments.org/Adrenals/ga/301
Co-Enzyme Q10 protects against nitric oxide generation
http://www.newtreatments.org/Adrenals/ga/302
Ginkgo Biloba inhibits nitric oxide synthesis
Neurontin
Neurontin seems to be very effective in raising energy levels in persons with
CFS and FM. Neurontin works because it's a glutamate antagonist. This means
it depresses glutamate levels. Glutamate opens the voltage dependent calcium
channels of the cells. This causes calcium influx, which via the calmodulin enzyme increases
nitric oxide synthase, which in turn causes the production of high levels of nitric
oxide. Neuronin makes sure the glutamate can't open the calcium door of the
cell. So it breaks the vicious cycle.
But wait, there is even more:
The Zinc relation
>Zinc is also a very potent
>inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. Increased levels of chelatable zinc
>have been shown to be present in cell cultures of immune
>cells undergoing apoptosis.
http://www.powerpak.com/PowerGraphs/1999/dec/Iron.cfm
>By contrast, a zinc deficiency is associated with Parkinson's disease. Levels
of zinc in the cerebrospinal fluid of victims are substantially lower than those
without Parkinson's. The enzyme superoxide dismutase contains zinc as an essential
component. It is normally present in high concentrations in the substantia nigra
where it scavenges free radicals. It catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide
anions to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen thus exerting a neuroprotective effect.
Zinc supplementation produces significant increases in superoxide dismutase
activity.
http://www.sbwise.com/ingredients/zinc.htm
>Many antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase also require zinc. Zinc
levels are lower in the brain and cerebrospinal fluids in patients with Alzheimer's.
Zinc deficiency may lead to the destruction of nerve cells and the formation
of neurofibrillary tangles and plaques.
Remember: Nitric oxide + superoxide ---> pyroxinitrite, a free radical
The link: High calcium levels will antagonize both magnesium and zinc.
* Low magnesium levels will cause excess calcium influx, causing more NO production
* Low zinc levels can't inhibit NOS and besides that the very important zinc-dependent
superoxide dismutate will be deficient also..
I also found some studies that show that NOS-inhibitors lessen the skin-problems
in the zinc defincients.
NOS-inhibitors also stop the diarrhea that occurs with zinc deficiency..
So it would be important to check the calcium, magnesium and zinc levels. If the calcium is relatively high and the zinc and magnesium relatively lower (as in my case), this will cause excess NOS.
Most people don't know that imbalances will also cause problems, even when the mineral levels are within reference values. We have to check the relative values of the minerals, especially the ones that antagonize the others. This is also the case in depressions: Only the severely depressed really have low magnesium levels, while the normal depressed have normal magnesium levels, but high calcium levels. This imbalance can cause the same symptoms as a magnesium deficiency.
Possible link with other minerals
Selenium is an essential element of two antioxidant enzymes that remove
lipid hydroperoxides. These are glutathione peroxidase and phosphlipid hydroperoxide
dependent glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione levels must be low in CFS patients,
because NO forms pyroxinitrite, which oxidizes the glutathione.
Manganese is an important part of manganese superoxide dismutase, another
antioxidant that scavenges the superoxide anion. NO can only form pyroxinitrite
when the superoxide anion is available. You will find by checking my mineral
levels in the table below, that my natural ability to oppose NO and its products
will proof to be very difficult. It's important to replenish the minerals that
are deficient. This shows again that minerals are very important for health.
Alas, many physicians don't even care about minerals.
My mineral levels:
For an example, check my intra- and extracellular mineral levels as of December
2001:
* Use the mineral interrelationship
chart to check how minerals antagonize eachother
* Green means it's elevated, red means it's below reference values or borderline
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Mineral levels from
left to right: blood, serum and intracellular values
3D chart of all mineral
levels
Note that calcium levels are elevated to 150%, whereas zinc and magnesium are
in the normal range.
Sodium (Na) levels are below normal and potassium (K) levels are elevated 250%.
Note: I've used index values, where 0 means it's the minimum reference value
and 100 means it's the maximum reference value. Values above 100 mean that they're
elevated beyond reference values and below 0 are below reference values.
Update Monday 7th of January 2002
OK. I've found the first inconsistency: This
list shows that calcium deficiency is common in CFS patients. This
contradicts my findings that my calcium levels are high and the magnesium levels
relatively lower. Perhaps it might still be that the calcium levels, even though
they are low, are relatively higher than the magnesium levels. This might still
cause the hypomagnesia-like symptoms. I will have to study this further...
Low Cortisol, Low DHEAs
OK. This confirms the theory.. I think my DHEAs are also low because I suffer
from the main low-DHEAs symptoms: cold hands, temperature regulation, dry skin
and brittle hair..
Every amino acid is low
It seems like *every* amino acid tested is low in CFS patients. This might explain
why a high-protein diet helps ?
Cytokine and Interferon-gamma (also a cytokine) are both high.
This confirms the theory: The immune system is hyper because of the low cortisol
(confirmed).
Detailed information on adrenal hormones
First an overview of the hormones produced by the adrenals:
Source: The
Adrenal Gland
The adrenal gland secretes steroid hormones derived from cholesterol.
Aldosterone:
------------
Acts on kidney, regulates H2O and electrolyte balance
Secretion stimulated by:
* dehydration
* low Na+ (sodium deficiency)
* low ECF volume
* high K+ (hyperkalemia)
* decrease in blood volume & pressure
Mechanism of stimulating adrenal cortex:
* stimulates adrenal cortex via renin-angiotensin mechanism to release aldosterone
Actions:
* Increases Na+ kidney tubular reabsorption, which prevents Na+ depletion
* H2O retained by Osmosis, increasing ECF volume & blood pressure
* increases retention of Cl- & HCO3- which increases buffering capacity
of blood
* decreases tubular reabsorption of K+ & increases K+ excretion
* promotes excretion of H+ & reduces blood acidity
Glucocorticoids
---------------
regulate metabolism, resistance to stress, help body to adapt to external
changes & irregular food intake
* Secreted on diurnal cycle associated with activity level
* Cortisol (hydrocortisone), corticosterone & cortisone
* Increases liver gluconeogenesis from amino acids & lactic acid, increasing
blood glucose levels without reducing glycogen stores
* Increases protein breakdown in muscle, amino acid transport to liver to synthesize
plasma proteins or to other cells for ATP synthesis, reduces stored tissue protein
* Increases lipid breakdown in adipose & mobilizes fatty acids for cellular
respiration, save glucose for the brain
* Stress resistance - above & vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure
* Inhibit cellular inflammatory response (mast cells, phagocytes) but also retard
wound healing, depresses cartilage & bone formation, good for chronic inflammatory
disorders
* Depress immune response - high doses in organ transplants
Please review all the functions of these hormones and see for yourself that most CFS symptoms can be explained by low cortisol and low aldosterone.
Elevated calcium levels due to thyroid hypofunction !
My serum calcium levels are 50% elevated (116, normal range is 86-106).
I think this has nothing to do with eating habits or low magnesium intake. Instead
I propose it's because of thyroid hypofunction caused by adrenal insufficiency:
I propose that the thyroid hormones are also low. This would explain my high calcium levels, as the parafollicular cells of the thyroid should secrete calcitonin, which reduces free ionized Ca+ level. Source: The Thyroid Gland.
Quote from Captain David Williams:
Thyroid hypofunction has been noted in hypoadrenalism; however, it has been
found counterproductive to treat this dysfunction with thyroid hormones (link).
Rather, treating the glucocorticoiddeficiency in reported to be more succesful
in raising thyroid output.
So it seems that the adrenal insufficiency also causes thyroid hypofunction. This can't be treated by thyroid hormones. The thyroid will start to function again when the adrenal hormones are ok. The adrenal hormone levels can be increased directly by prednison or indirectly by licorice or even less direct by breaking the nitric oxide vicious cycle.
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a hormone produced in the C cells of the thyroid gland that helps
regulate blood calcium by slowing down the amount of calcium released from the
bones. Calcitonin works in opposition to PTH and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D.
Source
Also produced by parafollicular cells within the thyroid is the polypeptide
hormone calcitonin. It funtions in calcium maintainence to decrease the levels
of calcium in the blood. When serum calcium levels are excessive, calcitonin
is released. It inhibits bone resorption (by inhibiting osteoclast activity),
allows the loss of calcium in the urine and therefore decreases calcium in the
blood. It opposes the action of parathyroid hormone and has been used clinically
for the treatment of osteoporosis. Source
Since calcitonin also affects phoshorous metabolism in parallel to calcium, high phosphorous levels can also be suspected. Alas, my phoshphorous levels weren't tested.
However, this information shows that calcitonin has at best a minor role in
regulating blood concentrations of calcium:
Despite the effects on calcium described above, it seems that calcitonin
has at best a minor role in regulating blood concentrations of calcium. One
interesting piece of evidence to support this statement is that humans with
chronically increased (medullary thyroid cancer) or decreased (surgical removal
of the thyroid gland) levels of calcitonin in blood do not show alterations
from normal in serum calcium. Source
The fact that calcitonin is successfully used to treat hypercalcemia *does*
show that calcitonin does affect calcium blood concentrations:
There are several therapeutic uses for calcitonin. It is used to treat hypercalcemia
resulting from a number of causes, and has been a valuable therapy for Paget
disease, which is a disorder in bone remodeling. Calcitonin also appears to
be a valuable aid in the management of certain types of osteoporosis. Source
Parathyroid hyperfunction ?
The parathyroid hormones oppose the calcitonin. Could this mean that the parathyroid
is functioning hyper ? Or is the low-calcitonin secretion enough to cause the
high serum calcium levels. Is the parathyroid function affected by adrenal insufficiency
? This is to be investigated...
Parathyroid The four parathyroid glands lie on top of the thyroid gland in
seperate nodes spread out to the four quandrants of the thyroid. Parathyroid
homone is under direct feedback control of circulating levels of calcium. If
calcium levels fall, then parathyroid hormone is released. As calcium levels
rise, release of the hormone is reduced. Parathyroid homone acts on bones, the
kidneys and the intestines to reabsorb calcium. Source
Hyperparathyroidism because of low calcitonin, which normally antagonizes
parathyroid hormones ?
Pharmacologic doses of calcitonin act as an antagonist to PTH, lowering serum
calcium and phosphorus, and inhibiting bone reabsorption. Source
Melatonin is also a nitric oxide scavenger.
Melatonin, which has a methoxy group in the 5-position and an acetyl side chain, exhibited the most potent scavenging activity among the compounds tested
Source
Melatonin too is a major physiological antioxidant (and hormone) by directly reacting with hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, or by stimulating the expression of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, or glutathione reductase. Melatonin has also been reported to inhibit nitric oxide synthetase.
Source
Melatonin: Method of action
a) Melatonin receptors are located in the plasma membrame of the cells (AC:Adenylatcyclase)
b) Melatonin enters the cell and binds to the Retinsaure-Z-Rezeptor (German). This is a steroidhormone receptor.
c) Melatonin binds to calmodulin and inhibits it to produce the nitric oxide synthase enzyme. It deactivates the calmodulin.
d) Melatonin is a more effective radical scavenger than glutathion and vitamin E
Source of chart
Source
Studies show however that nocturnal melatonin levels are elevated in CFS and FM patients...
Update, January 8th 2002
The increased blood acidity might cause the high calcium levels. Both calcium and phosphorous are involved.
Guaifenesein
Guaifenesein works because it pulls calcium out of the body. Many with FMS have reported positive results.
Check the Guaifenesin-FM homepage and the Beat CFS and FMS site for detailed information.
High calcium levels might be caused by:
* Low thyroid hormones (calcitonin)
* Hyperparathyroid hormones
* Acidosis because of low aldosterone
* Excessive vitamin D
B12 as a nitric oxide scavanger and cyanide scavenger
B12 is a very potent nitric oxide scavenger. CFS patients have almost no B12 in the central nervous system and the brain.
The B12 to use is hydrocobalamin. Another theory says that CFS is caused by biochemical warfare. The mycoplasma that's in everyone
today, will wake up when your immune system is down. A mycoplasma is a pathogenic organism, so minute than normal blood and tissue
tests will not reveal its presence as the source of the disease. It's smaller than any virus or bacteria.
An MRI scan of the brain of a teenage girl with chronic fatigue syndrome displayed a great many scars or punctate lesions in the left frontal lobe area where portions of the brain had literally dissolved and been replaced by scar tissue. This caused cognitive impairment, memory impairment, etc. And what was the cause of the scarring? The mycoplasma. So there is very concrete physical evidence of these tragic diseases, even though doctors continue to say they don't know where it comes from or what they can do about it.
Source: Mycoplasm article
Research on Mycoplasma
Mycoplasmas are considered to be the smallest bacteria species known, a few years ago not even considered to be "true" bacteria, as they only survive intracellularly. The amount of research on Mycoplasma in patients with CFS is growing - as is research on Mycoplasma in other chronic diseases, such as Gulf War Syndrome
Source: Research on Mycoplasma
* Please note, this is the first draft version I came up with..
* All comments appreciated
* Revision: The 8th of January 2002
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