08/03/2025
What is (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Syndrome)?
ME/CFS is a complex, multi-system illness characterized by:
Severe, persistent fatigue (not relieved by rest)
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) – a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion
Brain fog (difficulty concentrating, memory issues)
Muscle and joint pain
Unrefreshing sleep & circadian rhythm disruption
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction ( , dizziness, blood pressure instability)
Immune system abnormalities (chronic infections, frequent colds, swollen lymph nodes)
Gut dysbiosis (IBS-like symptoms, food intolerances, SIBO, leaky gut)
Root Causes of ME/CFS
ME/CFS is not just "fatigue"—it’s a whole-body breakdown, often triggered by a combination of factors:
1. Viral Infections (Especially Virus – EBV) & Other
Many cases of ME/CFS start after a viral illness, particularly Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which causes glandular fever (mononucleosis).
Other potential viral triggers: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), Enteroviruses, and Lyme disease (Borrelia, co-infections like Bartonella, Babesia).
Chronic viral activation = immune system exhaustion and mitochondrial dysfunction (low energy production).
2. Dysfunction (Leaky Gut, SIBO, Candida, Dysbiosis)
80% of the immune system is in the gut – an unhealthy gut means poor immune function.
Leaky Gut Syndrome – allows toxins, undigested proteins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Overgrowth) – linked to bloating, fatigue, and nutrient malabsorption.
Candida Overgrowth – produces toxins like acetaldehyde, leading to brain fog, fatigue, and inflammation.
3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction (Energy Production Breakdown)
Mitochondria (the energy factories in cells) become damaged by chronic infections, toxins, and oxidative stress.
Low ATP (cellular energy) = severe fatigue and PEM.
4. Nervous System Dysregulation (Fight-or-Flight Stuck "On")
Dysautonomia & POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) – dizziness, heart rate changes, and poor circulation.
Chronic stress & trauma can lead to dysregulated HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), keeping the body in a chronic stress response.
5. Toxin Overload (Heavy Metals, Mold, Chemicals)
Mold & Mycotoxins – Many ME/CFS sufferers are sensitive to mold exposure.
Heavy Metals (Mercury, Aluminum, Lead, Fluoride) – Can accumulate and affect mitochondrial function and immune health.
Chemical Sensitivities – Many with ME/CFS have extreme reactions to perfumes, cleaning products, and pollutants.
How to Reverse ME/CFS & Get into Remission
Many people have recovered from ME/CFS by addressing the root causes. Here’s how:
1. Kill Chronic Infections (EBV, SIBO, Candida, Lyme, etc.)
✔ Antiviral Support for EBV & Other Viruses:
L-Lysine – Blocks EBV replication
Monolaurin (from coconut oil) – Kills viruses and bacteria
Cat’s Claw – Strong antiviral and immune modulator
Olive Leaf Extract – Natural antiviral and antimicrobial
Reishi & Chaga Mushrooms – Immune-modulating and antiviral
✔ Gut Healing & Candida/SIBO Protocol:
Remove processed foods, sugar, dairy, and gluten (which feed pathogens)
Antimicrobials: Oregano oil, Berberine, Garlic, Black walnut
Repopulate gut bacteria: Probiotics, fermented foods, prebiotics
Repair gut lining: L-Glutamine, Aloe Vera, Slippery Elm, Bone Broth
2. Support Mitochondria (Fix Energy Production)
✔ Key Supplements for Mitochondria:
CoQ10 & Ubiquinol – Essential for ATP (energy) production
Magnesium (Malate or Glycinate) – Supports mitochondrial function
B Vitamins (B12, B6, B1, B2, B5) – Crucial for energy metabolism
Alpha Lipoic Acid – Protects mitochondria from oxidative stress
Acetyl-L-Carnitine – Helps transport fatty acids into mitochondria for energy
D-Ribose – Directly fuels ATP production (many people with ME/CFS report huge improvements)
✔ Diet to Support Mitochondria:
High antioxidant foods (berries, dark greens, turmeric, ginger)
Healthy fats (avocados, coconut oil, olive oil) for brain & nerve support
Avoid processed foods, refined sugar, alcohol, and inflammatory seed oils
3. Balance the Nervous System (Get Out of Fight-or-Flight Mode)
Vagus nerve activation – Gargling, cold showers, deep breathing
Grounding (Earthing) – Walking barefoot on grass, sun exposure
Gentle movement (not over-exertion) – Qi Gong, yoga, stretching
Herbs for stress: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Lemon Balm, Holy Basil
4. Reduce Toxic Load (Detox Pathways Must Be Open!)
✔ Liver & Heavy Metal Detox:
Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root – Supports liver detox
Chlorella & Cilantro – Binds to heavy metals and removes them
Activated Charcoal & Bentonite Clay – Binds toxins and prevents reabsorption
✔ Mold & Mycotoxin Detox:
Binders: Zeolite, Bentonite clay, Activated charcoal
Glutathione: The body's master antioxidant for detoxification
✔ Clean Environment:
Remove toxic cleaning products, perfumes, and air fresheners
Use a HEPA air purifier for mold, dust, and chemicals
Success Stories & Proof of Recovery
Many people have reversed ME/CFS by following these protocols. Here are a few cases:
Dr. Sarah Myhill – Uses a mitochondrial approach to treat and reverse ME/CFS.
Anthony William (Medical Medium) – Advocates an EBV and liver detox protocol.
Terry Wahls, MD – Reversed MS (similar fatigue issues) using a nutrient-dense, gut-healing diet.
Final Thoughts: Can You Recover from ME/CFS?
Yes! It takes time, patience, and the right approach, but many people have put ME/CFS into remission or even fully reversed it. The key is to address infections, heal the gut, fix mitochondria, balance the nervous system, and detox properly.
Here’s a structured ME/CFS healing plan that you can follow. It focuses on:
✔ Healing viral infections & gut issues
✔ Restoring mitochondrial energy production
✔ Detoxing the body from toxins & heavy metals
✔ Balancing the nervous system & reducing inflammation
ME/CFS Healing Plan
🌿 Step 1: Remove Triggers (Foods & Toxins)
🛑 Avoid these inflammatory foods:
❌ Gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy
❌ Sugar, processed foods, seed oils
❌ Alcohol, coffee, black tea (stress adrenals)
❌ MSG, artificial sweeteners, preservatives
❌ Tap water (fluoride, chlorine disrupt thyroid & gut bacteria)
✅ Replace with healing foods:
✔ Organic fruits & vegetables (especially wild blueberries, leafy greens)
✔ Healthy fats: avocado, coconut oil, olive oil
✔ Wild-caught fish (salmon, sardines) for omega-3s
✔ Herbs & spices: garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon
✔ Hydrating drinks: lemon water, herbal teas (ginger, nettle, dandelion, licorice)
🦠 Step 2: Fight Infections (EBV, Candida, SIBO, Lyme, etc.)
🔹 For Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) & Chronic Viral Load:
✔ L-Lysine (1000–3000 mg daily) – Blocks EBV replication
✔ Monolaurin (Coconut extract) – Kills viruses & bacteria
✔ Cat’s Claw – Antiviral, supports the immune system
✔ Olive Leaf Extract – Potent antiviral & antimicrobial
✔ Zinc (30-50 mg daily) – Boosts immune response to viruses
🔹 For Candida Overgrowth (Brain Fog, Gut Issues, Sugar Cravings):
✔ Oregano oil, Berberine, Black Walnut, Pau D’Arco – Natural antifungals
✔ Probiotics (50+ billion CFUs) – Restore gut flora
✔ L-Glutamine, Slippery Elm, Aloe Vera – Heal leaky gut
🔹 For SIBO (Bloating, Gas, IBS Symptoms):
✔ Low-FODMAP diet for 4–6 weeks
✔ Herbal antimicrobials: Neem, Berberine, Garlic
✔ Ginger & Peppermint teas – Reduce gut inflammation
⚡ Step 3: Restore Mitochondrial Energy
💊 Supplements for ATP Production:
✔ CoQ10 or Ubiquinol (200 mg daily) – Powers mitochondria
✔ Magnesium Malate (300-400 mg daily) – Supports energy & muscles
✔ Acetyl-L-Carnitine (500-1000 mg daily) – Helps cells produce energy
✔ D-Ribose (5-10g daily) – Immediate fuel for mitochondria
✔ B Vitamins (B12, B6, B1, B2, B5) – Crucial for ATP production
✔ Alpha Lipoic Acid – Protects mitochondria from oxidative stress
🥑 Best Mitochondria-Boosting Foods:
✔ Avocados, wild salmon, coconut oil, walnuts
✔ Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard)
✔ Beetroot (boosts nitric oxide for circulation)
🛀 Step 4: Detox (Liver, Heavy Metals, Mold, Chemicals)
✔ Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root – Liver detox
✔ Chlorella & Cilantro – Bind to heavy metals (mercury, aluminum)
✔ Glutathione (liposomal) – The body’s master antioxidant
✔ Activated Charcoal & Bentonite Clay – Absorb toxins & mold
✔ Sweating: Infrared sauna, Epsom salt baths, rebounding
🌿 Detox-Boosting Drinks:
Celery Juice (on empty stomach) – Removes toxins, supports gut
Lemon Water + Real Honey – Alkalizes the body & aids digestion
Cucumber + Mint Juice – Hydrates, flushes toxins
🧘 Step 5: Calm the Nervous System & Reduce Inflammation
✔ Vagus Nerve Activation: Deep breathing, gargling, cold exposure
✔ Adaptogenic Herbs: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Lemon Balm
✔ Meditation & Grounding: Walk barefoot on grass, get sunlight daily
✔ Gentle Movement: Qi Gong, stretching, slow yoga
🌿 Anti-Inflammatory Teas:
✔ Turmeric + Ginger Tea
✔ Nettle + Peppermint Tea
✔ Licorice Root Tea (Adrenal Support)
🔄 Sample Healing Daily Routine
🌅 Morning
Warm lemon & honey water 🍋
Celery juice (on empty stomach)
Breakfast: Cherry Smoothie 🍒 (banana, coconut cream, date, apple, water)
Supplements: L-Lysine, Zinc, B12, CoQ10
🕛 Lunch
Wild salmon + salad (avocado, leafy greens, olive oil)
Herbal tea (peppermint or ginger)
Probiotics & digestive enzymes
🌆 Dinner
Stew or hot pot (grass-fed meat, root veggies, garlic, turmeric)
Magnesium & D-Ribose before bed
🌙 Night
Epsom salt bath
Gentle stretching, deep breathing
Lemon balm or chamomile tea