It’s From Your GUT, Not Your Head!
Have you ever been so completely exhausted that it almost hurts and sleep could not even help you? If you feel that way often, you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome… and you have probably been dismissed by your medical practitioner as only needing more rest. But, aha! Finally, there’s an answer.
Until very recently, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has always been believed to be a symptom of extreme exhaustion, or even, from some psychological issue. But finally, not only has it been recently classified as a real disease, but scientists are finding markers in the gut microbiome and blood that can diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS).
What does this mean? It suggests that there is a link between what happens in our gut with chronic fatigue. Researchers are unclear whether issues in the gut are the cause or a symptom of the chronic fatigue syndrome, but at least, it is proven that they relate.
Specifically, researchers at Cornell University tested (published in the journal Microbiome ) biological markers for diversity in the gut bacteria to diagnose the presence of chronic fatigue in 87 patients. They also tested blood-based inflammatory markers (ie… lipopolysaccharides and C-reactive protein) to diagnose the presence of chronic fatigue. They found that ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) patients had fewer anti-inflammatory bacteria species in their guts. They also discovered markers of inflammation in the blood, which could relate to leaky gut problems where the bacteria leaks into the blood.
This research is just beginning, but there is one finding that can really help you right now. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients tend to have less anti-inflammatory bacteria in their guts… which means that you may have that problem, too. Therefore, instead of trying to sleep it off… eat it off with delicious anti-inflammatory foods, such as salmon, blueberries, nuts, and oranges. Check out a list of delicious anti-inflammatory foods here.