Mycoplasma literally may cause symptoms such as fatigue, pain and over-toxicity as they poison and disrupt the cells they have invaded. These toxins disrupt the energy production pathways so infected cells cannot produce energy.

Mycoplasma also damages the immune system when they invade Natural Killer cells. This destruction renders the body susceptible to viruses. In addition, it tricks Th-1 cells into remaining dormant and activates the Th-2 cells which are not equipped to attack the viruses.

According to Dr. Cheney, your body’s only defense against pathogens (viruses and mycoplasma) is Th-2 side RNase L activity.

He explains that RNase L cannot kill pathogens —only stop them from reproducing. According to Cheney, "It’s a line in the sand saying ‘No more replication’, and it waits for Th-1 to come and kill them. But Th-1 never comes. RNase L sits there and grinds away, possibly going up and down as the pathogens activate and reactivate. But they never get wiped out. RNase L holds the line, waiting for the cavalry that never arrives."

"This RNase L activity inhibits the enzymes in the body, disrupting protein synthesis, and generally making you miserable," sys Cheney.

In chronic fatigue, the RNase L activity shifts to a more destructive lower weight form and does not shut off. It stays activated much longer, resulting in pronounced cellular metabolic dysfunction, which also effects the liver.

Liver function declines because the enzymes used by the liver to detoxify toxins are being rendered helpless.

Steroids And The Immune Response

When a doctor gives a person suffering from CFS or some other autoimmune disease steroids, they are attempting to turn off the over-activated Th-2 cells. Unfortunately, steroids don’t just effect the Th-2 side, but also wipe out the Th-1 side — which needs to be boosted, not depressed.

Clearly, putting the immune system back in balance, turning off the Th-2 activity and strengthening the Th-1 side is of primary importance in fighting chronic fatigue.

Enzymes And Chronic Fatigue

There are two general types of enzymes. The digestive enzymes for digesting food, and metabolic enzymes which are involved in virtually every interaction in the body. When RNase L starts eliminating enzymes and protein synthesis, the consequent lack of enzymes affects digestion.

When eating cooked and processed foods enzymes are destroyed. So when you eat foods which no longer have live enzymes, the food doesn’t break down — thus causing digestion difficulties. The body then has to produce extra enzymes in order to break down the food in the stomach.

Also, enzymes are proteins. When you aren’t able to digest the proteins in your food well, as is often the case with chronic fatigue, your body won’t be able to make as many enzymes as needed — creating a harder time digesting proteins.

One way to help the digestive system is to take additional Betaine HCL and digestive enzymes with meals — not anti-acids. The betaine is for more acidity in the stomach and better food breakdown. Combine this with an amino acid blend, and you help the body make more enzymes.