Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalitis) and Fibromyalgia are Associated with Leaky Gut

Link Between Gut Health and Chronic Conditions:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or ME-CFS and Fibromyalgia (FM): These conditions are associated with a higher degree of "Leaky Gut Syndrome," a condition of increased intestinal permeability.

Understanding Leaky Gut:

Intestinal Permeability: Describes how easily substances can pass through the intestinal wall into the rest of the body.
Bacterial Translocation: In leaky gut, bacterial byproducts like Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can pass from the gut into the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammation.

Biomarkers of Leaky Gut:

Markers in CFS and Fibromyalgia: Patients exhibit higher levels of certain markers such as zonulin, serum LPS, and soluble CD14, which are indicative of bacterial translocation and leaky gut.

Impact of Leaky Gut on the Body:

Inflammation and Brain Health: LPS can cause systemic inflammation and affect the brain by turning protective microglia into a state that can harm brain tissue, potentially worsening CFS and Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Dr. Nemechek's Protocol:

Treatment Approach: Dr. Nemechek recommends treating CFS and Fibromyalgia initially with the antibiotic Rifaximin to reduce intestinal permeability.
Duration and Dosage: Treatment may last 4-8 months depending on severity, followed by intermittent 10-day cycles based on symptom recurrence.
Effectiveness: Patients reportedly show significant improvement with this protocol, supporting the hypothesis that leaky gut contributes to CFS and Fibromyalgia.

By addressing the root cause related to gut health, Dr. Nemechek suggests that symptoms of CFS and Fibromyalgia can be effectively managed.