Do you sometimes feel tired? Probably, as many of us do. But if that feeling of tired is more like a constant inexplicable feeling of exhaustion, you may be suffering from chronic fatigue.

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis, as it is known in the medical community, has been recognized as a neurological disorder by the World Health Organization. Striking suddenly, it is characterized by persistent and inexplicable fatigue as well as a rapid decline in overall health. A person suffering from chronic fatigue feels as though their quality of life has is reduced due to general malaise, muscular fatigue and joint aches.

What causes chronic fatigue?

The causes of this ailment are currently poorly understood. The viral or bacterial infection theory, however, is being looked to more frequently, which would, in turn, imply an impairment of the immune system. As we know, our gut bacteria are vital to the development and integrity of our immune system. This thinking has prompted researchers to look for a link between the gut microbiome (or more accurately gut dysbiosis) and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. In support of this, current research studies have shown that the microbiome of individuals afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome does, in fact, differ from their peers who do not suffer from this disorder.

Take care of your microbiome

Many factors can account for our intestinal flora becoming disrupted: the type of birth (vaginal or C-section), diet quality, hygiene level, the presence of pollutants, genetics and the environment. It can also be affected by viral or bacterial infections, stress, an unbalanced high-fat or high-sugar diet, taking PPIs (proton-pump inhibitors), medication or antibiotics.

Under the influence of one or more of these factors, potentially inflammatory bacterial strains may begin to take up more space than anti-inflammatory strains, thereby contributing to the rise in myalgic encephalomyelitis symptoms (chronic fatigue).

Indeed, researchers have observed a decline in the diversity of bacteria as well as an increase in the levels of circulating inflammatory molecules (LPS), suggesting that activation of inflammatory reactions would be significant as chronic fatigue syndrome progresses.

How to rebalance your microbiome

If you do suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, it is critical to look to all modifiable lifestyle factors to support your health and promote diversity in your microbiome.

Fiber, probiotics and polyphenols need to be on the menu—meaning plenty of vegetables, quality whole grains, vegetable proteins (soy and legume), berries, nuts and seeds, and fermented foods—making it possible for colonies of good bacteria to repopulate within our digestive systems.

Good bacteria also means a high-quality research-proven probiotic like Bio-K+. This probiotic is not like any other probiotic available on the market as it is considered to be both a fermented food and a probiotic supplement. Bio-K+ products are known for their high content of live, active bacteria cultures that can survive transit through the digestive tract, where they work in collaboration with our resident bacteria.

Drinkable Bio-K+ probiotics are available in both vegan and fermented milk versions and contain 50 billion probiotic bacteria per bottle. You can also consume Bio-K+ probiotics in the form of capsules that have an enteric coating, guaranteeing the bacteria survive the trip through the stomach so they arrive to the intestines, where they work their magic. Given the quality of these bioactive strains and the clinical results obtained from finished product testing, Bio-K+ is the brand of probiotics effective in reestablishing gut flora.

By maintaining optimal microbiome integrity, you reduce the chances of contracting a viral or bacterial infection—hypothetically at the root of chronic fatigue syndrome. This is also useful in supporting your immune system and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, allergies and inflammatory diseases.

While we still don't fully understand the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, we do know that the foundation of health—both physical and psychological—is built on a healthy gut. Taking care of your gut, and the trillions of bacteria that live there require support from a daily probiotic, a healthy diet and positive lifestyle factors like proper sleep, stress reduction, and physical activity.

Do you have any other questions about chronic fatigue syndrome or the health of your gut microbiome? Let us know in the comments below! Join our community for more healthy tips. Click here to find a store near you. Contact us or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

References

https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-016-0171-4

https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=119626231492520;res=IELNZC

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01664.x/full

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2014.7000

This article is for information purposes only. If you suffer (or think you suffer) from chronic fatigue syndrome, please work with your healthcare practitioner.