The role of Mitochondria in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
February 6th, 2009Healthy Aging featured an article in their e-newsletter by Kent Holterof, MD called “A Confounding Condition.” The article looks at the troubles with diagnosis and treatment, stating, “When it comes to treating patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM), doctors are often at a loss.”
Holterof writes “Physicians need to employ a multi-system approach, instead of resorting to single-drug modalities for each symptom. This comprehensive approach is largely becoming the standard of care and is effective in 80 percent of patients with these conditions.”
His recommendations for a multi-system approach include 1) Stabilizing the patient; 2) Mitochondrial enhancement; 3) Balance the hormones; 4) Treat the infectious components; 5) Address unique etiologies; and 6) Maintenance.
Lets take closer look at component 2 – Mitochondrial enhancement.
Mitochondria within the cells produce energy (ATP).
Holterof states, “When the mitochondria are not working properly, the cells and tissues of the body are starved for energy. This abnormality may be the common endpoint for all the dysfunctions in CFS and FM.
Not only do the reduced amounts of metabolized glucose produce weight gain, reduced aerobic energy production requires the body to rely on anaerobic metabolism. This causes fatigue, muscle pain, poor concentration, gastrointestinal dysfunction, headaches and postexertional malaise.
….Mitochondria dysfunction has the greatest impact on the most active tissues, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, muscle, nerve and immune cells. These are the major dysfunctions of these conditions and can significantly explain the symptoms of CFS/FM.”
This relates to Eng3 because our technology specifically improves cell function, including mitochondria function to optimize cell energy production. Meaning, breathing Activated Air helps the mitochondria work properly.
You may also be interested to read the blogs Fibromyalgia, Oxidative Stress, and Activated Air and
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Oxidative Stress for more information.
Reference:
Holterof, K. (2009). A Confounding Condition. ADVANCE for Healthy Aging. Retrieved 2/5/09, from http://healthy-aging.advanceweb.com