In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) — what it is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how to start addressing it from a root-cause, functional medicine perspective.

If you're navigating unexplained fatigue, post-viral illness, or ongoing dysautonomia symptoms, this conversation is essential.
You'll learn how chronic fatigue syndrome is much more than just feeling tired — it’s a complex, multi-system illness that impacts energy production, the nervous system, immune function, and more.

In this episode, I’ll cover:

What is ME/CFS?

• Understanding the basics: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• How ME/CFS is more than just “being tired” — it’s a dysfunction of the body's ability to produce and sustain energy

• The diagnostic criteria typically used, including post-exertional malaise (PEM)

Why ME/CFS Is Commonly Misunderstood

• The stigma and misconceptions surrounding chronic fatigue syndrome

• Why conventional medicine often overlooks the complexity of this illness

• How validation, education, and self-advocacy become crucial parts of the healing journey

Root Causes and Contributing Factors to ME/CFS

• Nervous system dysregulation and chronic sympathetic dominance

• Mitochondrial dysfunction affecting energy production

• Chronic infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic) and their lingering effects

• Gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and the gut-immune-brain connection

• Toxic exposures, including mold, mycotoxins, and environmental chemicals

• Hormonal imbalances (low cortisol, thyroid dysfunction, sex hormone depletion)

• Trauma history and the connection between emotional stress and physical illness

Functional Medicine Approach to Healing ME/CFS

• Why identifying root causes is essential instead of just managing symptoms

• How nervous system regulation practices can shift the foundation of recovery

• Targeted functional lab testing options (gut health, mineral status, cortisol rhythms, infections)

• The role of gentle detoxification, nutrient repletion, and mitochondrial support

• The importance of personalized protocols instead of one-size-fits-all plan

  Why Quick-Fix Approaches Don’t Work

• How pushing through symptoms often backfires

• The importance of respecting your body’s signals and working within your "energy envelope"

• Building resilience gradually through sustainable, step-by-step habits

If you're struggling with unexplained fatigue, dysautonomia, POTS, or have been told "your labs look fine" but you know something deeper is going on — you're not alone.
Healing is possible when you approach recovery by honoring your body's unique needs and uncovering the real root causes.

For a deeper dive into these topics, keep listening for future episodes.

This is not medical advice, always consult with your own healthcare provider.

In this episode, we discussed:

• The Autonomic Nervous System: The key differences between the stress response (sympathetic nervous system) vs. the relaxation response (parasympathetic nervous system)
• The HPA Axis: Understanding our stress response system and how it can become imbalanced.
• Diurnal Cortisol: Why tracking cortisol levels throughout the day provides valuable insights into stress.
• Stress & Dysautonomia: Having dysautonomia makes it more difficult to shift between sympathetic and parasympathetic states.
• Hidden Stressors: Briefly touched on often-overlooked sources of stress: hormones, immune system, digestion, detoxification, energy production, and the nervous system.

Key Takeaways:

• A dysfunctional HPA axis significantly impacts our stress response.
• Diurnal cortisol testing offers a deeper understanding of stress than single-point measurements.
• Stress and dysautonomia have a complex, reinforcing relationship.
• Recognizing hidden stressors is vital for managing overall well-being and dysautonomia symptoms.

Next Time On The Podcast: In the future we will dive deeper into conditions like ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and Dysautonomia (dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system)

Connect With Us: @functionalflowwellness and functionalflowwellness.com

Thank you for listening!

Episode 1 Show Notes:

Welcome to the very first episode of the Functional Flow Wellness Podcast! I'm your host, Kristin Waldron, a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and owner of Functional Flow Wellness.

In this introductory episode, I'm excited to connect with you and share more about:

• My personal journey recovering from multiple chronic illnesses (ME/CFS aka myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS aka postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, general dysautonomia aka dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, and more) and what inspired me to pursue functional wellness.
• What Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) is and how it differs from conventional approaches to health.
• My philosophy and approach to helping driven women overcome frustrating and often debilitating chronic symptoms like fatigue, burnout, hormone dysregulation, gut issues, dysautonomia, and more.
• The importance of investigating and addressing the root causes of your health challenges, rather than just masking symptoms.
• How nutrition and lifestyle changes play a crucial role in achieving lasting wellness, and are integral even when combining with conventional medicine.
• What you can expect from future episodes of the Functional Flow Wellness Podcast.

This episode is all about laying the foundation for our journey together. I'll be sharing a basic overview of my story, my training as an FDN practitioner, and how I work with women to help them truly solve their chronic health symptoms and flow into a state of greater well-being.

More About Kristin Waldron:

As a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and the owner of Functional Flow Wellness, I am passionate about motivating women to take control of their health. My own experience with chronic illness has given me a deep understanding of the challenges you may be facing and a strong commitment to finding real, sustainable solutions. I utilize evidence-informed strategies and a holistic approach to uncover the underlying imbalances/stressors contributing to your symptoms.

Connect with Kristin:

• Website: https://www.functionalflowwellness.com/
• Instagram: @functionalflowwellness
• Facebook: @functionalflowwellness
• TikTok: @functionalflowwellness

Thank you for joining me for the first step in your journey towards functional flow and lasting wellness. Tune in next time for more in-depth discussions and actionable strategies to help you take charge of your health and flow into wellness!

Please remember that the Functional Flow Wellness Podcast is designed for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a physician, and the content provided here is never to be taken as medical advice. Nothing discussed on this podcast is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any health condition or disease. It is essential to consult with your own qualified medical doctor or healthcare provider for any health issues, diagnosis, or treatment. You are solely responsible for your own healthcare decisions. A friendly reminder: this is not medical advice.