Introduction
Systemic disorders of our body's cell metabolism can lead to a variety of diseases, such as metabolic diseases, genetic defects or metabolic syndromes. Cell metabolism is a complex interplay of biochemical processes in which nutrients are converted into energy and cellular waste products are disposed of. If one part of the system does not function properly, metabolic malfunctions can occur. One example of a system failure in cell metabolism is the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in which the insulin resistance of the cells impairs the body's ability to absorb glucose from the blood into the cells and produce energy. The causes of cell metabolism disorders can be genetic defects, nutrient and vital substance deficiencies, an unhealthy diet or „environmental stress“.
Unfortunately, ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) is a diagnosis that has become increasingly common in recent times (especially after Covid). It presents us doctors and, above all, the patients with real challenges and, in severe cases, has a massive impact on the lives of those affected and their families.
But let's start with the usual things that force patients into a practice. Diagnostics (see the following explanations on system checks) reveal deficiencies or dysfunctions in around 60-70 % of patients. With regenerative approaches to treatment, 50 % patients can usually be rehabilitated and at least experience an improvement. In some cases, psychotherapy is also helpful; the administration of psychotropic drugs is generally not the first treatment indicated.
System checks
Protein synthesis and nerves
Proteins are made up of amino acids - starting materials for messenger substances in the brain. Eight essential (vital) amino acids must be supplied with food, from which the body builds all its messenger substances and other important substances in the body.
The central functional components are vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and vitamin B12. In the event of a deficiency, protein synthesis is interrupted and homocysteine is released into the blood as a „waste product“. By determining the homocysteine in the blood, we therefore obtain a functional statement about protein synthesis. A homocysteine level that is too high is an indicator of non-functioning protein synthesis and promotes many mental illnesses. The homocysteine value should be below 9 µmol/l, optimal values are between 5 - 7 µmol/l, internists want values below 12 µmol/l, as homocysteine above this value has a toxic effect on the blood vessels and leads to increased cholesterol production and possibly to increased blood pressure.
This can be remedied by taking a good, high-dose vitamin B complex, which should definitely also contain folic acid (vitamin B9). Folic acid (like vitamin D) is usually reduced in inflammatory diseases, including diabetes mellitus and intestinal diseases. The minerals zinc and magnesium also play an important role.
Intestine
A well-functioning intestine with regular, daily (1-2 times) bowel emptying is the essential basis for a healthy body. Not only for good food utilization and excretion, but in particular the functionality of the intestinal mucosa ensures a good immune system and the important barrier function to counteract food intolerances (e.g. fructose, lactose, gluten intolerance and histamine intolerance) and thus „leaky gut syndrome“. Mental well-being also depends on it, with studies showing links ranging from depression to other mental and psychosomatic disorders.
The intestinal bacteria are only a small component here, as they can only thrive on a good „breeding ground“. This is why the experienced therapist always focuses on rebuilding the intestinal mucosa and rebuilding the cell membranes with phospholipids in the first step of treatment. The intestinal bacteria are the third step and should be capable of colonization (colony-forming) so that they are not always dependent on phospholipids as food supplements (food supplements).
- An indication of the condition of the intestinal barrier can be obtained indirectly via the thyroid values FT3 + FT4 and a good medical history of the patient. FT3 is formed in the thyroid gland and converted to FT4 in the liver. The ratio of the two should be 1:4 if possible; if it is lower, there is a suspicion that the liver is overloaded and gives priority to detoxification and thus neglects other synthesis services. In addition to substances such as alcohol and medication, an „excess“ of substances (excess calories) that enter the circulation through a damaged intestinal barrier are of course also possible causes of liver overload.
Immune system
Recurrent infections and prolonged illnesses are always an indication of immunodeficiency or another disorder of the immune system. In particular, the non-specific immune defense, i.e. the 1st defense chain (neutrophil plasma cells, macrophages and natural killer cells) appears to be affected or under permanent strain. Inflammation is also found here as the hub of disease development. Important for the immune defense are known to be: Vit. D, magnesium, zinc, intact protein synthesis and intestinal function.
Energy (cell membranes and mitochondria)
The mitochondria are our power plants in the cells and produce the universal cellular energy. They turn adenosine diphosphate > adenosine triphosphate into ATP, our «fuel».
Energy can only be produced if the cell membranes function adequately and are not blocked by inflammatory changes. Sufficient phosphorus, B vitamins, magnesium, Q10 and D-ribose are also necessary to ensure that the mitochondria function properly.
However, these substances must also get into the cells. This also includes sugar (glucose). This enters the cell through special glucose channels after the insulin (which is released by the pancreas when food is ingested) has docked onto the insulin receptors on the cell surface. These insulin receptor signals cause the glucose channels from the inside of the cell to be incorporated into the cell wall. However, various factors (malnutrition, metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes) or polypharmacy (at least 5 different medications daily) can lead to so-called „insulin resistance“. This leads to the cells virtually starving, the mitochondria can no longer produce ATP and we become exhausted.
The mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction/blockage can be manifold. What is certain is that an inflammatory component is also important.
System killers - the usual suspects
Stress, an irregular lifestyle (lack of sleep / no rhythm), little exercise, obesity and a poor diet (e.g. lots of sugar) are all part of this. Our daily sensory overload, such as cell phones, TV, PCs, games consoles, nerve-racking continuous music (especially techno), also leads to exhaustion of the physical and mental regulatory systems.
Alcohol abuse, many medications (polymedication) and recklessness towards one's own body (overdoing it, e.g. with coffee, energy drinks and extreme sports) are also part of this.
Our metabolic system / our genetic information (DNA) is slow to adapt. At present, our system is still at the level of the Neanderthal man. It has not yet achieved the resilience (resistance) it needs to withstand today's demands and stresses.
We need systemic care through breaks, a stable rhythm of life, healthy, organically produced food with a sense of proportion and, if necessary, nutritional supplements in order to be able to age healthily.
But progress and new challenges do not allow our system to rest and can even make us ill.
The new diagnosis: ME/CFS
ME/CFS stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. It is a complex and severe chronic disease characterized by persistent extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest. It often occurs after infections of all kinds, but also without any recognizable trigger (exhausted system) and has been described particularly and increasingly after corona vaccination.
The symptoms include
- Worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion.
- Severe tiredness and fatigue that is not relieved by sleep, and sleep disorders
- Cognitive impairment, concentration and memory problems («brain fog»).
- Muscle and joint pain, headaches, circulatory problems (dizziness, fainting) and a strong sensitivity to light, noise and odors.
There is a presumption/working hypothesis of a malfunction of the immune system, the nervous system and/or the energy metabolism. In other words, a system failure.
Results of the system check
Inflammations (silent inflammations) are common. Inflammation consumes large amounts of folic acid, iron and vitamin D.
The consequences are immunodeficiency, tiredness, exhaustion and listlessness. This can result in the occurrence of new diseases or the recurrence of old ones. Inflammatory processes on the cell membranes lead to transport disorders of the membranes.
Deficiencies of e.g. magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, folic acid (vitamin B9) occur frequently.
The resulting over-acidification of the metabolism favors the development and maintenance of disease.
Systemic regeneration - treatment approaches
Find a specialist doctor with experience in this field of treatment. Anti-inflammatory work is the motto, e.g. with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D with vitamin K, zinc, EPA, quercitin, spermidine and much more.
In addition, „cell care/metabolic care“ with antioxidants, the complete vitamin B complex, magnesium and phospholipids makes sense. The mitochondria also benefit from vitamin B complex, D-ribose (as an ATP building block), Q10+NADH.
Ozone-oxygen therapy has also proven to be helpful. But the things we can do ourselves are also a good help, and not just for mild cases, such as an alkaline diet and water enriched with alkaline hydrogen, as well as plenty of exercise and gymnastics.
Conclusion
In our daily medical practice, we are increasingly seeing patients with complex states of exhaustion who often end up with us specialists at the end of a long medical journey. The symptoms are varied, often difficult to categorize and frequently do not respond to traditional therapeutic approaches. Systemic disorders, such as deficits in cell metabolism or Lack of essential nutrients, are common causes. One example is CFS, a serious illness that occurs particularly after various viral infections and can have a massive impact on the lives of those affected.
In many cases, deficiencies can be identified through targeted checks and significant improvements can often be achieved with regenerative approaches such as the supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a healthy lifestyle. Alternative and complementary therapies such as ozone oxygen therapy or the use of targeted nutritional supplements (nutraceuticals) and cell boosters have also proved helpful. However, it is important to always consider these complex clinical pictures holistically and treat them individually.
About Dr. med. Andreas Bernhardt:
Dr. Bernhardt is a specialist in general internal medicine with international training in endocrinology and better aging. He is a member of the Swiss Anti-Aging Society (SSAAMP) and the renowned Endocrine Society (Washington, D.C.). His focus is on bioidentical hormone therapy as part of a holistic longevity concept. As an expert on the German-speaking platform wechselweise.net he is committed to raising awareness in the DACH region about hormonal changes in men and women during the menopause - with the aim of promoting health and quality of life in the long term.