Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Low Blood Volume by Cort Johnson

Low blood volume is one of the more intriguing findings in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). For starters it’s one finding that has been consistently replicated; low blood volume is common in this disorder. Since low blood volume can cause, among other things, reduced blood flows to the brain (cognitive difficulties), problems standing (orthostatic intolerance), increased heart rate and reduced heart functioning it generated some interest in the research community. Several studies were successful in increasing blood volume levels using pharmaceutical drugs but alas they found little symptomatic improvement.

Although the study findings were not impressive the low blood volume question lingers. Just because increasing blood volume didn’t resolve ME/CFS doesn’t mean that it’s not a factor; it simply means that there are other factors as well. It could be that patients won’t substantially improve unless all these factors (including low blood volume) are dealt with. There’s also the problem of the vague definition for ME/CFS that allows different types of patients into these research studies. Often even in ‘ failed’ studies some patients will improve dramatically but that improvement will not show up in the final results. Plus there is some anecdotal evidence that some patients who take treatments that increase low blood are substantially improved by them.

In August 2009 Dr. Teitelbaum released his  treatment recommendations for low blood volume. Dr. Teitelbaum is a well known ME/CFS physician associated with the Fibro Fatigue Centers. His protocols are generally very supplement rich often with the focus on hormones.

Dr. Teitelbaum’s Treatment Recommendations For Low Blood Volume.

1. Hydrate yourself by drinking lot of water.  Check your hydration levels by checking your mouth and lips to see if they’re dry.
2. Use salt liberally – keep all that water your drinking around eating a lot of salt. Eat salty foods. (V-8 juices have a good blend of salt and other electrolytes. )
3. Improve adrenal support by taking (yes) one of the doctors Adrenal Supplements.
4. If your doctor can supply them try saline IV’s. (Dr. Bell has reported that several of his patients respond very well to plain saline IV’s). Dr. Teitelbaum recommends Meyer’s cocktails if you can get them.
5. Even if your blood tests (ferritin) are only modestly low (or below 50) take iron (1-2 tablets 29 mg. w/vit.C)
6. Take testosterone and thyroid even if your test levels are normal.
7. Improve heart functioning by taking mitochondrial enhancing supplements such as: D-Ribose: 5 gm (I scoop) two times a day for three weeks, twice a  day thereafter/ acetyl L carnitine (500 mgs, two times a day), coenzyme Q. 10 (200 milligrams a day, Dr. Teitelbaum’s Energy Revitalization Formula.

Give the program 6 to 12 weeks to take effect. For Dr. Teitelbaum’s complete article click here.