Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Low Blood Volume
by Cort Johnson
Low blood volume is one of the more intriguing findings in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). For starters
it's one finding that has been consistently replicated; low blood volume
is common in this disorder. Since low blood volume can cause,
among other things, reduced blood flows to the brain (cognitive difficulties),
problems standing (orthostatic intolerance), increased heart rate and reduced
heart functioning it generated some interest in the research community. Several
studies were successful in increasing blood volume levels using pharmaceutical
drugs but alas they found little symptomatic improvement.
Although the study findings were not impressive the low blood volume question
lingers. Just because increasing blood volume didn't resolve ME/CFS doesn't mean
that it's not a factor; it simply means that there are other factors as well. It
could be that patients won't substantially improve unless all these factors
(including low blood volume) are dealt with. There's also the problem of the
vague definition for ME/CFS that allows different types of patients into these
research studies. Often even in ' failed' studies some patients will improve
dramatically but that improvement will not show up in the final results. Plus
there is some anecdotal evidence that some patients who take treatments that
increase low blood are substantially improved by them.
In August 2009 Dr. Teitelbaum released his
treatment recommendations for low blood volume. Dr. Teitelbaum is a well
known ME/CFS physician associated with the Fibro Fatigue Centers. His protocols
are generally very supplement rich often with the focus on hormones.
Dr. Teitelbaum's Treatment Recommendations For Low Blood
Volume.
- Hydrate yourself by drinking lot of water. Check your hydration
levels by checking your mouth and lips to see if they're dry.
- Use salt liberally - keep all that water your drinking around eating a lot of
salt. Eat salty foods. (V-8 juices have a good blend of salt and other
electrolytes. )
- Improve adrenal support by taking (yes) one of the doctors
Adrenal Supplements.
- If your doctor can supply them try saline IV's. (Dr. Bell has reported that
several of his patients respond very well to plain saline IV's). Dr. Teitelbaum
recommends Meyer's cocktails if you can get them.
- Even if your blood tests (ferritin) are only modestly low (or below 50) take
iron (1-2 tablets 29 mg. w/vit.C)
- Take testosterone and thyroid even if your test levels are normal.
- Improve heart functioning by taking mitochondrial enhancing supplements such
as: D-Ribose: 5 gm (I scoop) two times a day for three weeks, twice a day
thereafter/ acetyl L carnitine (500 mgs, two times a day), coenzyme Q. 10 (200
milligrams a day, Dr. Teitelbaum's
Energy Revitalization Formula.
Give the program 6 to 12 weeks to take effect. For Dr. Teitelbaum's
complete article click here.