What is Glyconutrients?

The Greek word "glyco" means sweet so Glyconutrients means a sweet nutrient or a dietary nutrient composed of special sugars. These are special sugars found in certain plants. These are not digested or turned into glucose, but instead go directly to the cell surfaces to form a kind of cellular communication system. As cells touch each other, they communicate directly to this sugar code. There are about eight essential saccharides our bodies need in order for this cellular communication to properly take place. It has been shown that our body gets only 2 of these 8 saccharides in our diet. These nutrients combine with proteins and fats to generate Glycoforms that coat the surface of virtually every cell in our body. Glycoforms function as cellular recognition molecules, which communicate the messages a body needs to function in health.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the reason is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means the pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. These muscles, ligaments and tendons are the soft fibrous tissues in the body. Most of the patients having fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. The muscles of theirs might feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and many times they burn. More women than men are affected with fibromyalgia and it shows up in people of all ages. If any person gets afflicted to fibromyalgia one should think of the last time they had a bad flu and the time when every muscle in their body shouted in pain. In this case the patient feels devoid of energy as though someone had unplugged their power supply. The severity of symptoms fluctuates from patient to patient and the fibromyalgia might resemble as a post-viral state.

Definition

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition of prolonged and severe tiredness or weariness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions. To be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, the tiredness must be severe enough to decrease ability to do regular work or activities by 50%.

Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

Additional Requirements

It is seen in various studies that, nutritional deficiency may be a contributing factor in chronic fatigue syndrome. Many diet and drug supplements are prescribed to fight against the chronic fatigue syndrome as well as to avoid it. These supplements are easily available in the market and most of these supplements do not have any side effects. The supplements include vitamin, minerals and magnesium. Although, chronic fatigue syndrome is not a dietary disorder, but as in other incapacitating diseases, people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome are advised to consume a nutritious diet. Nutritious diet with supplements prescribed can help in relieving the symptoms like tiredness.

The acyclovir is a drug, made by synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses. It stops the spread of the herpes virus in the body and helps the body to fight against other diseases.The brand name of this drug is ZOVIRAX. It is available in the market in the form of capsules, tablets and liquid. This drug is widely used against the chronic fatigue syndrome. The main use of Acyclovir is to decrease pain and speed the curing of sores or blisters in people. Acyclovir can be classified as an anti viral medication. It should be taken three to five times a day. The dose of this medicine depends upon the symptoms of the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Medication or pharmacological therapy is directed toward the relief of specific symptoms experienced by the individual patient. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome are usually sensitive to drugs, especially those that affect the central nervous system. Therefore the usual treatment strategy is to begin with very low doses and to increase the dosage gradually as necessary.

Tricyclic Agents

Low-dose tricyclic agents are sometimes prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome patients to improve sleep and to relieve mild, generalized pain. Some examples of trycyclic agents are doxepin, amitriptyline, desipramine and nortriptyline. Some adverse reactions are dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain and an elevated heart rate.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is intensive fatigue which lasts for more than six months and results in 50% reduction in normal activity of an individual. This syndrome is also termed as myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Main Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Although we are not aware of the origin of this syndrome, it is said that this disorder is usually caused due to trauma or excessive stress. This syndrome can also be due to certain genetic factors. Sometimes brain abnormalities also lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. A hyper-reactive immune system may also cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Viral or other agents may also be a reason for this syndrome.

There are various associations providing help for the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. There is NJCFSA, which is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization whose purpose is to support patients, disseminate reliable information and promote research. The association sponsors a wide range of activities, comprising that of support groups, newsletter, phone list, statewide conferences, hotline, and interfacing with the CFS community. The NJCFSA is affiliated to the CFIDS Association of America and the American Association. We also have different associations around us in order to get rid of this chronic fatigue. The Wisconsin chronic fatigue syndrome association acts as a clearinghouse for chronic fatigue syndrome information within the state of Wisconsin and to assist patients and their families. The association also helps to encourage communication among agencies, institutions and concerned individuals. It also promotes research on the cause, cure and ultimate prevention of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Herbs are useful for treating viral infections and immune suppression in chronic fatigue syndrome patients. Antiviral herbs combined with herbs that stimulate the immune system are helpful in the earlier phase. Useful herbs in this phase are Echinacea, goldenseal and licorice. During the chronic phase of chronic fatigue syndrome, useful herbs are goldenseal, astragalus, and licorice and Siberian ginseng. During the recovery phase of chronic fatigue syndrome, Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng are especially useful.

Types of herbs:

Some people often complain of tiredness and dizziness. Most of these patients, present with constant and disabling fatigue show no abnormalities on physical examination or screening laboratory tests. This tiredness does not go on for months and the affected person does not feel better even after a period of rest. These substantial periods of fatigue are defined as the chronic fatigue syndrome. It is a disorder, which is common in every age group especially in the middle aged persons. CFS is the short form of the chronic fatigue syndrome. CFS is a disabling disease, in which the person feels so tired that he cannot even do his routine work such as dressing up and bathing.