Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD, is co-founder of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic in Washington, D.C., a thriving clinic that has been serving the local community in health restoration and body optimization for over a decade. Being in constant pursuit for truth and healing Dr. Isabel graduated in 2011 from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
In the realm of medical mysteries, the connection between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Autoimmune Disease, and Chronic Lyme Disease continues to perplex. While these conditions are often labeled as idiopathic diseases—ailments without clear causes—there's an emerging understanding that goes beyond symptom management. Let's explore the intricate web of connections and proposed non-idiopathic causes that could redefine our approach to these health challenges.
Idiopathic diseases, characterized by vague origins, present a significant challenge in the medical landscape. The conventional approach involves symptom-based treatments, contributing to substantial pharmaceutical revenues. However, a deeper exploration into the potential non-idiopathic causes could pave the way for more effective interventions.
Exploring the roots of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia leads us to consider factors beyond genetic predispositions. While genes associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system have been implicated, a decade of clinical experience suggests that traumatic events alone may not be the primary causes.
The HPA axis, a complex interplay between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, regulates stress responses and influences various bodily functions. Infections, such as the complex nature of Chronic Lyme Disease, impact the HPA axis through neurotoxins competing for receptor sites.
Abnormalities in chemicals regulated by the HPA axis are proposed as potential causes of CFS and are also linked to Fibromyalgia. This system controls crucial functions like sleep, stress response, and mood regulation. Conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and fibromyalgia share a common thread in their association with HPA axis dysregulation.
Studies point to gene alterations caused by infections affecting immune function, intercellular communication, and energy transfer. Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome exhibit varied gene changes related to blood diseases, immune system function, and infection. The intricate relationship between infections and gene alterations raises questions about their impact on mental and emotional health.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients often exhibit imbalances in neurotransmitters, with elevated serotonin levels and deficiencies in dopamine. Neurotoxins competing for receptor sites can lead to these imbalances, influencing mood disorders and functional illnesses. Clearing infections and neurotoxins becomes crucial for effective hormone replacement therapy.
The debate over whether infections play a role in CFS takes a nuanced turn when considering a spectrum of infectious agents. Patients often harbor a combination of viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections, collectively known as Lyme disease complex. The intricate interplay of these infections, toxins, and heavy metals complicates the diagnostic landscape, making accurate identification challenging.
While the viral cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome lacks concrete evidence, observations link elevated antibody levels to various organisms, including those causing Lyme disease, Candida, and herpes viruses. The risk profile for CFS aligns with autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the intricate relationship between infections and autoimmunity.
Referred to as "chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome" by some, CFS reveals diverse immune system irregularities. Allergies and sensitivities may trigger immune cascades leading to CFS, emphasizing the intricate dance between immune responses and environmental triggers.
Indigo Health Clinic spearheads comprehensive, personalized care, transcending the traditional symptom-focused paradigm. As we delve into the multifaceted nature of these interconnected conditions, understanding the complex interplay of infections, genetics, and environmental factors becomes paramount. Contact Indigo Health Clinic today to embark on a journey toward improving the quality of your life.
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(202) 499-7535
Indigo Integrative Health Clinic
1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite #660
Washington, D.C. 20007
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm