With the enormous amounts of toxic metal in the environment and wide-spread nutrient deficiencies, assessing chronic fatigue patients for element imbalances and excesses has become increasingly important.

Abundant research shows that overexposure to toxins like lead, mercury, and cadmium often elicits symptoms of fatigue.1-5 What's more, many people are exposed to these elements on a daily basis, through cigarette smoke (cadmium), hydrogenated cooking oils and margarine (nickel), antiperspirants and antacids (aluminum), some toothpastes and cans (tin), tap water (lead, aluminum), tooth fillings and fish (mercury).

Since the body cannot process large amounts of these toxins, they can accumulate inside of various organs and tissues, accompanied by symptoms of increasing exhaustion and fatigue. Nutritional deficiencies can compound the problem--low levels of magnesium, for example, have been correlated with lethargy and fatigue in many CFS patients.6 Another recent study concluded that the balance between zinc and magnesium is strongly implicated in fatigue mechanisms.7

Elemental Analysis (Hair) determines levels of toxic and nutritional elements in the body using a hair, blood, or urine sample. Each specimen type provides a unique window on element status. A hair sample, for example, will reflect chronic toxic exposure and long-term nutritional deficiencies, while blood and urine assessment will gauge the effects of more recent imbalances.

References:

1 Bar-Sela S, Levy M, Westin JB, Laster R, Richter ED. Medical findings in nickel-cadmium battery workers. Isr J Med Sci 1992;28(8-9):578-83.

2 Maizlish NA, Parra G, Feo O. Neurobehavioral evaluation of Venezuelan workers exposed to
inorganic lead. Occup Environ Med
1995;52(6):408-414.

3 Kilburn KH, McKinley KL. Persistent neurotoxicity from a battery fire: is cadmium the culprit? South Med J
1996;89(7):693-8.

4 Florentine MJ, Sanfilippo DJ 2d. Elemental mercury poisoning. Clin Pharm 1991;10(3):213-21.

5 Langworth S, Stromberg R. A case of high mercury poisoning from dental amalgam. Eur J Oral Sci 1996;104(3):320-1.

6 Cox IM, Campbell MJ, Dowson D. Red blood cell magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome. Lancet 1991;337(8744):757-60.

7 Cordova A. Variations of serum magnesium and zinc after surgery, and postoperative fatigue. Magnes Res 1995;8(4):367-72.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.