Research findings can identify chronic fatigue syndrome / ME

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a hitherto poorly understood and frustrating diagnosis - with no known cure or cause. Now new research has found a possible way to identify the diagnosis through the discovery of a characteristic chemical signature that appears to be present in those affected by the condition. This discovery could lead to faster diagnosis and potentially effective treatment methods in the future.

It was scientists know University of California San Diego School of Medicine which is behind the discovery. Through a series of techniques and analyzes in which the evaluated metabolites in blood plasma - they found that those with chronic fatigue syndrome (also overlapping called ME) have a common chemical signature and biological underlying cause. For information, metabolites are directly related to metabolism - and are linked to intermediate stages of this. Researchers found that this signature was similar to other hypometabolic (low metabolism) conditions such as diapause (fasting state), fasting and hibernation - which often goes by the common name Dauer condition - a condition associated with a pause in development due to harsh living conditions (eg cold). Dauer is the German word for steadfastness. Do you have input? Use the comment field below or ours Facebook Page - the entire research study can be found at the link at the bottom of the article.

Metabolites analyzed

The study had 84 participants; 45 with the diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and 39 healthy persons in the control group. The researchers analyzed 612 metabolite variants (substances that form in the metabolic process) from 63 different biochemical pathways in the blood plasma. The results showed that those diagnosed with CFS had abnormalities in 20 of these biochemical pathways. 80% of the measured metabolites also showed reduced function similar to that seen in metabolism or hypometabolic syndrome.

Chemical structure similar to "Dauer state"

The lead researcher, Naviaux, stated that although there are many different paths to the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome - with many variable factors - one could see a common feature in the chemical metabolic structure. And this in itself is an important breakthrough. He further compared this with the "Dauer condition" - a survival response seen among insects and other organisms. This condition allows the organism to lower its metabolism to such levels that it survives challenges and conditions that would otherwise result in cell death. However, in humans, those diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, this will lead to varying, prolonged pain and dysfunction.

May lead to new treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome / ME

This chemical structure provides a new way to analyze and diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome - and can thus lead to a significantly faster diagnosis. The study showed that only 25% of the mentioned metabolite disorders were needed to determine the diagnosis - but that as much as 75% of the remaining disorders are unique per affected person. The latter is therefore linked to the fact that chronic fatigue syndrome is so variable and different from person to person. With this knowledge, the researchers hope that they can arrive at a concrete treatment for the condition - something it desperately needs.

- Please follow Vondt.net on YOUTUBE

- Please follow Vondt.net on FACEBOOK

Photos: Wikimedia Commons 2.0, Creative Commons, Freemedicalphotos, Freestockphotos and submitted reader contributions.

References:

Metabolic features of chronic fatigue syndrome, Robert K. Naviaux et al., PNAS, doi: 10.1073 / pnas.1607571113, published online August 29, 2016.

Study: - Poor neck posture results in less circulation to the head

A new study has shown that lack of cervical lordosis (the natural curve of the neck) leads to less blood circulation to the head. Poor neck posture can occur genetically (structurally), but also functionally aggravated by lack of movement, exercise and improper exercise.

- What is cervical lordosis?
Cervical lordosis is the natural curve of the cervical vertebrae. This position leads to improved shock absorption under load, as the forces will have to go through the arch. In the picture below you can see a normal curve with lordosis and then an abnormal curve where the person has lost the natural arch in the cervical vertebra positions.

- Blood circulation measured with ultrasound

The patient included 60 people, of whom 30 people had demonstrated loss of neck orthosis and 30 people who had normal neck posture. The study wanted to find out if the cervical arteries (arteria vertebralis) were affected by abnormal neck position - something they found that it did. The results were measured via ultrasound, which looked at, among other things, the arteries' diameter and blood flow volume.

- Lack of cervical lordosis resulted in poorer blood circulation

In the group that did not have the natural position on the neck, significantly lower diameter of the arteries, decreased blood flow volume and less maximum systolic pressure were measured. This in turn gave support to the theory that poor posture gives less blood circulation to the head.

- May be associated with dizziness and headache

It is known from the past that circulatory problems can be directly linked to dizziness and headaches - but the new findings also indicate that functional posture muscles and focus on posture should play a greater role in the treatment of such problems - and then perhaps more through specific training and stretching. One can also wonder about new pillow with cervical lordosis can be beneficial for people struggling with poor neck posture.

One thing we can say for sure; Movement is still the best medicine.

We recommend the following exercises for increased stability in the shoulders, chest and neck:

- 5 effective strength exercises against sore shoulders

Also read: - Good stretching exercises for the thoracic spine and between the shoulder blades

What can I do even for muscle and joint pain?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

Recommended products for pain relief for muscle and joint pain

Biofreeze (Cold / cryotherapy)

Source: Bulut et al, Decreased Vertebral Artery Hemodynamics in Patients with Loss of Cervical Lordosis. With Sci Monit. 2016; 22: 495–500. Full text here (PubMed).