In a recent study published last month in Microbiome Cornell researchers have identified biomarkers of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in gut bacteria as well as inflammatory microbial agents in the blood.
This is very interesting but should come as no surprise as many of these individuals commonly has gastrointestinal disturbances. The gut microbiome has been associated with many chronic health conditions from autoimmune disease to neurological disorders.
Doctors have often been puzzled by chronic fatigue syndrome. This is a condition with no known triggers and its diagnosis typically requires extensive testing. Patients often complain of fatigue muscle and/or joint pain sore throat headaches sleep disturbances post-exertional malaise and gastrointestinal symptoms.
In this study the research team was able to correctly diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in 83% of patients using stool samples along with blood work. The study consisted of 48 individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS and 39 healthy controls. Overall the diversity of gut bacteria was significantly reduced. In addition there were fewer bacterial species known to have anti-inflammatory properties in ME/CFS patients a similar observation seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Furthermore researchers identified specific markers of inflammation in the blood which were likely due to intestinal permeability. Bacteria in the blood will trigger an immune response which can exacerbate symptoms and thus increase the severity of the condition.
The question we must ask is this: Is the altered gut microbiome a cause or a result of the disease? This data demonstrates that the gut microbiome in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome is not normal which further confirms that CFS is not of psychological origin.
When it comes to any gastrointestinal dysfunction it is important to rule out viruses fungi and other pathogenic bacteria in the gut that may be causing or contributing to a patients symptoms. Healthcare providers should consider a stool analysis for these individuals using molecular/PCR based techniques.
By Michael Jurgelewicz DC DACBN DCBCN
Designs for Health has been dedicated to being the most trusted source for superior quality, science-based nutritional products for nearly three decades. We’re committed to maximizing successful health outcomes by providing healthcare practitioners with comprehensive support through our extensive product line, ongoing clinical education, and practice development programs. The blogs we publish here cover a range of topics, including new and original approaches to diet and healthcare, analyses of the latest cutting-edge research, deep-dives into specific nutrients, botanicals, nutraceuticals and more, all fully referenced for those who want to dig deeper into the primary literature.
