CFS is a disease often associated with the Epstein Barr Virus, which is a member of the herpes virus family. It is very important to do a blood work up to rule out any other pathology, which may be causing the symptoms along with a very comprehensive physical examination. The incidence of CFS is higher in adults from 20 – 40 years of age. Most human beings carry the antibodies to the virus by the time they reach adulthood, even though they may have never had any symptoms of infection by EBV. Once the virus infects an individual, it remains within the body. A healthy immune system prevents the virus from becoming active; however, a weakened immune system can certainly allow the virus to become active. It has a very low contagion risk. Dr. Metcalfe feels that every aspect of a patient’s life must be considered when treating CFS. She sees a higher incidence in athletes and high stress lifestyles, but feels that natural medicine offers many different solutions to the disease. Treatment should be maintained for three months and sometimes for a year as relapses may occur.

The following criteria are defined by the Center for Disease Control:
Fatigue for at least six months ( Dr. Metcalfe feels that you need to address any fatigue symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks)
Low grade fever or chills (Dr. Metcalfe sees a high incidence of night sweats)
Sore throat
Swollen, painful lymph nodes in the neck
Muscle weakness
Muscle pain
Inability to recover within 24 hours after exercising
Headaches
Joint pain in the absence of swelling or redness
Short term memory problems, forgetfulness, and inability to concentrate
Depression
Sleep disturbance

Lifestyle Changes:

Set a schedule for sleeping: 8 hours is a must. If you need to take a nap during the day, then do it, don’t fight your body.
Exercise every morning for ½ an hour: walking is about all patients can handle until treatment has begun.
Try a yoga video or class, meditation, positive thinking, visualization of a healthy energetic body.
Decrease stress on all levels: home, work, personal, family, physically.
Ask for help from family and friends for a 3 month period of time to help with errands, cleaning, shopping etc. Simple tasks seem like climbing Mt. Everest for a CFS patient.

Dietary Changes:

No caffeine
No smoking
Decrease sugar intake as it weakens the immune system
Minimize intake of saturated fats
Dietary analysis by Dr. Metcalfe

Recancostat 100mg: 2 capsules three times a day for three weeks. Then decrease to 2 capsules twice daily for three weeks. Then decrease to 2 capsules every morning ongoing.
Adrenal Complex: 2 capsules in the morning, and 2 capsules mid-afternoon. Take this for 6 weeks.
Fibroplex: 2 capsules in the morning and 2 before bed. Take this for 6 weeks, then decrease to 1 capsule twice a day.

Make sure you are taking the basics as well:

Multiplex I Multivitamin : 3 capsules twice a day with food.
Multiplex I Multivitamin w/o Iron : Men Should take 3 capsules twice a day with food.
Ultra-Potent C 1000: 1 capsule twice a day.
Vitamin C is also very antiviral.