By Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.
Medical advisor, yeastconnection.com


Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia are similar conditions, with
long lists of symptoms for which there are few real remedies. While they are
called different disorders, CFS and fibromyalgia are close cousins, sharing many
of the same symptoms. They are often spoken of in the same breath.


In fact, they may be connected. Certainly their similarities, beginning with a
shared feeling of profound fatigue make it easy to find a connection between the
two.


Only recognized by the CDC since 1988, CFS, now called Chronic Fatigue and
Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), is characterized by the following factors:

a.. Extreme fatigue
b.. Muscle and joint aches and pains
c.. Muscle weakness
d.. Chronic headaches
e.. Swollen glands
f.. Periodic fevers and chills
a.. Sore throat
b.. Numbness and tingling of the extremities
c.. Inability to cope with any stress
d.. Cognitive dysfunction
e.. Insomnia



Not until 1990 did the American College of Rheumatology establish diagnostic
criteria for fibromyalgia that included incapacitating fatigue, muscle and joint
pain, neuralgia, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, cognitive confusion and
digestive problems.


It appears that CFIDS and fibromyalgia may also be connected to yeast overgrowth
for the simple reason that a significant number of sufferers from these two
syndromes find relief when they follow an anti-candida diet and other protocols
to address Candida albicans yeast overgrowth, including prescription antifungal
medications when necessary. The decided lack of interest by the scientific
establishment in studying candidiasis alone or as it affects people with chronic
fatigue and fibromyalgia leaves a distinct gap in our ability to treat these
conditions.


However, Carol Jessup, M.D., who treated 1,000 CFIDS patients with anti-fungal
medication, found that up to 75 percent of patients with CFS also had
candidiasis. She is convinced if candida is treated, the majority of CFIDS
patients will recover.


Disputed studies


A study by Dismukes in 1990 on only 42 patients given a double-blind trial of
therapy with the prescription antifungal medication, Nystatin, claimed to
"prove" that chronic candidiasis did not exist because neither Nystatin or
placebo benefited the patients. Dismukes declared that since chronic candidiasis
was not reproducible in an animal model, it was not verifiable.


However, the country's foremost authority on yeast infections, the late Dr.
William Crook said that Dismukes got it all wrong. He said the study was, in
fact, successful. It was successful in proving that Nystatin alone is not the
treatment for chronic candidiasis. Dr. Crook's approach to candidiasis involved
a combination of diet, probiotics and antifungal supplements and antifungal
medication when necessary.


In spite of Dr. Crook's decades of dedicated work on the yeast connection,
conventional medicine has not given chronic candidiasis sufferers any support.
Perhaps, it's because conventional medicine only seems to investigate drug
treatments and only uses one drug at a time in research. By continuing this
one-sided approach, they may never catch up with Dr. Crook and the benefits he
gave many thousands of people affected with candida. Patients are left
struggling to find answers themselves.


It remains that the complaint of being "tired, so tired" and "sick all over" is
a common link between sufferers of CFIDS, fibromyalgia and yeast overgrowth. So
is the litany of multiple visits to numerous physicians without relief, and the
laundry list of symptoms in common.


Even though they are so similar, CFIDS and fibromyalgia have some defining
differences.


CFIDS


The CFIDS Association estimates that 800,000 Americans suffer from this
condition, but no more than 16 percent have been diagnosed. In addition to
muscle pain, multi-joint pain without swelling or redness, and lack of
refreshing sleep, CFIDS sufferers complain of:


1.. Deep fatigue lasting more than 24 hours after exercise
2.. Impairment of short-term memory or concentration
3.. Sore throat
4.. Tender lymph nodes
5.. Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity

The association adds, "CFIDS brings with it a constellation of debilitating
symptoms... It is characterized by incapacitating fatigue experienced as a
profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina." Although many doctors tell
patients suffering from these symptoms that "it's all in your head," it is not a
psychological disorder.


Unfortunately, there are no specific diagnostic tests for CFIDS, and no cure has
been found. There are a number of treatments that can be helpful, along with
yeast-related treatments. Many people with CFIDS are highly sensitive to drug
therapy and find much more relief taking natural nutrients and non-invasive
therapies.


Some of these include:


a.. Supplements for digestive problems and nausea that often accompany CFIDS,
including probiotics, digestive enzymes and ginger

b.. Supplements for depression and anxiety, including St. John's wort,
tryptophan, and 5-HTP

c.. Supplements for muscle and joint pain, including magnesium malate,
glucosamine sulphate

d.. Counseling, to help develop coping skills necessary to live with a
debilitating chronic disease (not overdoing it is the most difficult skill to
acquire)

e.. Gentle exercise (yoga is great!)

f.. Sleep and rest management (St. John's wort, tryptophan, and 5-HTP are also
very useful for sleep)


For more about these solutions, visit our Web store.

Stay tuned for Part II in our next newsletter.


Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., is medical advisor to Woman's Health Connection at
www.yeastconnection.com and is featured on the website's "Ask A Pro" page. Her
latest books are The Miracle of Magnesium and Natural Prescriptions for Common
Ailments.




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