Probiotics may help chronic fatigue

Supplements containing good bacteria can help some people with chronic fatigue syndrome feel better. Evidence is increasingly pointing toward the need for individualised treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. The cause of this condition, characterised by debilitating fatigue that doesn't get better with rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity, remains unclear, although there is evidence that an abnormality in the neurohormonal system or the immune system could be involved. Given that there is a close connection between the gut and the immune system, as well as the central nervous system, researchers from Sweden decided to test whether probiotics, which can restore the normal balance of bacteria in the digestive system, might help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. They observed 10 female and 5 male chronic fatigue syndrome patients who were not treated for 2 weeks. Next, the study participants took two decilitres of natural yogurt, twice daily, for 4 weeks, and then followed them for an additional 4 weeks. It was found that six of the patients reported improvements in their symptoms, while one had worsening of symptoms. Four of the women reported improvements in their physical health and two said their mental health had improved by the end of the study. One man reported improvement in physical health and another man reported improved mental health. The wide range of response was not surprising, because of the complexity of chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers recommend patients with chronic fatigue syndrome to try taking the probiotics tested in the study and stop if they start feeling worse, but stick with it for 3 weeks if they feel better or if they don't notice an immediate effect.

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