Why am I so tired? Getting to the root of your chronic fatigue in the gut {Simple & Healthy}
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Debilitating Condition With Origins in the Gut Microbiome
Debilitating fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive impairments and difficulty simply getting out of bed each day. This is a daily and persisting reality for many who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, persistent fatigue lasting six months or more is not alleviated by rest and cannot be explained by another underlying medical condition.
For years, this medical condition has remained largely mysterious, with many attributing the symptoms to stress or other psychological conditions. But recent research is bringing to light new evidence that chronic fatigue syndrome originates in the gut rather than the brain.
Chronic Fatigue Appears to Result from Abnormalities in Gut Bacteria Which Contribute to Inflammation
Recently published in the journal Microbiome, this study identified biological markers of chronic fatigue syndrome in gut bacteria and inflammatory agents in the blood. The study demonstrated that the gut bacterial microbiome in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is abnormal, leading to gastrointestinal and inflammatory symptoms and providing evidence that the disease is not simply psychological in origin.
Microbial DNA from stool samples was sequenced to identify different types of bacteria. Biological abnormalities were detected in several markers in the blood and stool of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which allowed researchers to correctly diagnose 83% of patients with the condition.
Overall, patients with chronic fatigue had greatly reduced bacterial diversity with fewer bacterial species known to be anti-inflammatory compared to healthy controls. Similar results are found in people with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Further, patients with chronic fatigue had specific markers of inflammation in blood samples, likely due to a leaky gut from intestinal problems that allow bacteria to enter into the bloodstream where they can trigger immune responses that may contribute to inflammatory symptoms.
Promising Results for Future Solutions
While the study does not clearly differentiate whether the altered gut microbiome is a cause or a consequence of disease, it adds further evidence to support the key role of gut bacteria in so many aspects of our health.
These findings give hope of a new noninvasive diagnostic strategy to complement other diagnostic techniques and offers the promise of being able to address patients’ symptoms with approaches targeted towards rebalancing gut bacteria such as specific dietary strategies or using prebiotics and probiotics to alter the gut flora.
Balancing the Microbiome
The gut is the largest immune organ in the body and contributes to so many aspects of our health. Bacteria in the gut make up a powerful microbiome which influences everything from hormones to mood to metabolism to overall inflammation in the body.
We know that many aspects influence the balance of the bacteria in our guts. To keep your bacteria balanced and healthy, focus on:
- Removing processed foods and sugars
- Including naturally fermented foods such as raw sauerkraut and kombucha
- Supporting digestion with prebiotic foods and fiber such as from artichokes, garlic, turmeric, leeks and asparagus
- Practicing meaningful stress management
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The Laser Reset Cleanse will teach you the tools you need to change your body from the inside out, including building a healthier microbiome. This detoxification for the body, mind and spirit can jumpstart your way to greater energy, clearer thinking, more focus, better performance, healthier skin and a more optimal weight!
How do you keep your gut healthy?
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Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this post and related resources is for informational purposes only. Jennifer Weinberg is not providing medical advice, diagnosis or treatment information. The information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes taking any medication or nutritional supplement or using any treatment for a health issue. Do not use this information provided for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you suspect you have a medical problem please contact your healthcare provider promptly and do not disregard professional medical advice based on anything on this website. This website and related resources are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and do not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Jennifer Weinberg. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Amazon and other merchants offer a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. I never, ever endorse a product or service that I would not purchase myself. I only share resources that I have personal experience with and can therefore recommend without reservation. Affiliate commission helps to support the maintenance of my blog so I can continue to bring you free, value-filled resources. Thank you for your support!
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Amazon and other merchants offer a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. I never, ever endorse a product or service that I would not purchase myself. I only share resources that I have personal experience with and can therefore recommend without reservation. Affiliate commission helps to support the maintenance of my blog so I can continue to bring you free, value-filled resources. Thank you for your support!
This post was shared with: Healthy Living Link Party, Allergy-Free Thursdays, Family Fun Fridays, Friday’s Five Features, Real Food Fridays, Healthy, Happy, Green & Natur
Comments
Deborah Davis
Hi Jennifer,
We’re so glad you shared this healthy and helpful information regarding “Why am I so tired? Getting to the root of your chronic fatigue in the gut” on the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m Pinning and sharing!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you for hosting and sharing Deborah! I hope you have a lovely week 🙂
Marla
Hi Jennifer,
This is a very interesting post. I suffered from Chronic Fatigue about 15 years ago (not sure it ever goes away completely) and every doctor seemed to have different opinions about it. Truthfully I was under a extreme amount of stress at my job and other things but I had many other health problems too including food allergies and my gut was so out of balance. It seemed that all the adrenal medication or supplements they gave me did not help but evidently I got my my cortisol levels back to normal and i think it was from taking supplement that weren’t necessarily for adrenal function but for the gut. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays blog hop. Pinned & tweeted!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you Marla! There are so many factors which can manifest in chronic fatigue and it sounds like you understand that well. I always appreciate your insights and sharing 🙂