Breakspear Medical

12/02/2026

Following on from Tuesday's discussion about the neurological evidence for ME/CFS and long COVID, it's worth remembering that post-viral syndromes are far from new. Long COVID may have entered public consciousness during the pandemic, but clinicians have been observing and treating post-viral chronic fatigue syndromes for decades. The symptoms we now associate with long COVID, such as debilitating fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, autonomic disturbances, and immune dysregulation, have long been recognised in ME/CFS patients following various viral infections.

In our 2021 blog post, we explored these striking parallels and why the mechanisms underlying long COVID likely mirror those we've observed in ME/CFS for years: https://www.breakspearmedical.com/long-covid-me-cfs/

At Breakspear Medical, our approach recognises that whether triggered by SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr virus, coxsackievirus, Lyme disease, or other pathogens, these conditions share common pathways and require thorough investigation to identify and address the underlying causes. If you are struggling with post-viral symptoms, the insights we've gained from decades of treating ME/CFS can guide effective treatment strategies today.

Recent research shows Covid can cause long-term fatigue with similar symptoms to ME/CFS. Jean Monro, Environmental Naturopath, explains the reasons for the simi

10/02/2026

A recent Australian brain MRI study of ME/CFS and long COVID provides further evidence for what we already know, which is that people with ME/CFS and post-COVID syndromes experience genuine cognitive impairments with measurable neurological changes.

This is an important article to share with doctors who are sceptical or diagnose their patients as having functional neurological disease (FND). Patients may wish to refer their doctors to this publication: https://news.griffith.edu.au/2026/01/28/altered-brain-connection-found-in-people-with-me-cfs-and-long-covid/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPpX8VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFoRWhzTkM4VjR6QzJMWWhCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp9vyJaWcTVjih_EfdTP5CEIJvDMwDCK5iTIPbRL0E7Kq0P1x_NgYbXqzVRk_aem_JzrVprzlTflSh7H66se8eg

Many viruses actually get into neurological tissue. One of the first to be associated with ME/CFS was coxsackievirus. Of course, viruses can cause local impairments.

Lyme disease and its co-infections can cause neuroborreliosis, which is a disorder of the central nervous system. At a recent meeting of Lyme disease experts, it was estimated that there are approximately 100,000 people in the UK who contract Lyme disease each year. Many of these individuals experience symptoms consistent with CFS/ME, yet the underlying causes often go unidentified.

At Breakspear Medical, we specialise in identifying and treating the root causes of ME/CFS, whether it be Lyme disease, co-infections, or other triggers of ME/CFS, offering patients thorough investigations and targeted treatment plans.

People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID experience a disruption to their brain connectivity during a

06/02/2026

💚 Feel Good Friday 💚

This week we've been talking about gut health and B12 absorption. For today's Feel Good Friday, we wanted to re-share Julia's inspiring patient story.

Julia struggled for nearly 40 years with Crohn's disease and colitis. She was told "But you don't look sick" countless times, even when she felt truly awful. At her lowest point, just getting from the sofa to her bed was exhausting.

Traditional medicines weren't working. She was intolerant to many antibiotics and couldn't take anti-inflammatory medications. Her symptoms included constant stomach pain, severe digestive issues, a swollen abdomen, skin irritation, exhaustion, brain fog, and weakness.

Then she came to Breakspear Medical, received a treatment programme and her colitis symptoms have gone. She can now eat without pain and all the "nasty consequences" she experienced before.

"If you are struggling, the important point is there is always hope and a compassionate, professional team at Breakspear Medical who will do their very best to help you."

This is an older blog post from 2023, however, Julia's success story perfectly illustrates how addressing underlying gut issues can transform lives.

Read Julia's full story: https://www.breakspearmedical.com/but-you-dont-look-sick/

Julia Girling tells us about her experience of the often overlooked issue of having a hidden illnesses. She came to…

05/02/2026

Why your gut health matters for complete nutrition

Earlier this week, we shared groundbreaking research showing how B12 deficiency damages your muscle cells' energy production, even when blood tests look fine.

While B12 is absorbed in the small intestine (via intrinsic factor produced in the stomach), your large intestine plays a crucial role in producing essential nutrients from food residues. This is where your gut microbiome, particularly E. Coli, works hard to extract and create nutrients that your body needs.

If your gut health is compromised, you're missing a vital piece of the nutrition puzzle.

This is particularly true for people with:
• inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
• chronic digestive issues
• IBS or chronic constipation
• those who've taken long-term antibiotics

Enter Mutaflor®

Mutaflor contains E. coli strain Nissle 1917, which is a beneficial probiotic strain that has been clinically proven to:

• restore healthy large intestine microbiome balance (E. coli should represent ~90% of organisms there)
• support nutrient production from food residues
• maintain remission in ulcerative colitis (proven equivalent to mesalazine in clinical trials)
• improve chronic constipation and IBS symptoms
• compete with pathogenic bacteria that can damage your gut

Addressing your gut health with a healthy E. coli population could be a crucial missing piece when addressing your nutritional needs.

Mutaflor is available at Breakspear Medical. Speak with our Clinical Team about whether it might be right for you.

03/02/2026

Ever been told your B12 levels are "fine" but you still feel exhausted?

New Cornell research might finally explain why. Scientists discovered that B12 deficiency damages your muscle cells' "power plants" (mitochondria) before it shows up on blood tests.

This finding is huge for people with Pernicious Anaemia, vegans/vegetarians, and older adults who feel tired, muscle fatigue and other symptoms before their test results show a deficiency or before their scheduled B12 injections.

Read our new blog:

New Cornell research reveals why B12 deficiency causes muscle fatigue even with normal blood tests. Learn about mitochondrial damage & symptom-led treatment.

30/01/2026

Feel Good Friday! 🌟

We're honoured to share something rather special that happened at Breakspear Medical this week.

World champion Paralympic athlete Carlo Calcagni has given us one of his gold medals from the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi. It is the medal that he earned setting a world record of 14.65 seconds in the 100 metres.

Carlo's journey to that podium began long before the starting blocks. As a Colonel in the Italian Army and helicopter pilot, he became seriously ill following heavy metal exposure during a peacekeeping mission in the Balkans. The exposure led to severe multi-organ disease, degenerative polyneuropathy, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), which are conditions that changed his life completely.

Carlo has been a patient at Breakspear Medical since 2010. When he first came to us, he was critically unwell. What followed was a long journey requiring complex treatments, dedication, and considerable courage. The initial goal wasn't athletic achievement; it was simply getting well enough to stand up and live again.

This medal represents far more than sporting success. It's a symbol of years of perseverance, and Carlo wanted to acknowledge the role that our ongoing medical care has played in his recovery and achievements.

For us, this gift is a profound reminder of why we do what we do: to support people through their most difficult times and help them work towards goals that once seemed impossible.

Thank you, Carlo Calcagni We're immensely proud to be a part of your journey.

29/01/2026

When was the last time you had a proper health check?

Most men put off health screenings. However, early detection can literally save lives.

Our Well Man Check with Dr Michael Cannell gives you a complete picture of your health in just 1 hour. In addition to our standard health check, we're now offering the Stockholm 3 test (priced separately), which is an advanced blood test that's revolutionising prostate cancer screening.

Stockholm 3 has been validated in over 75,000 men and is recognised by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as more effective than PSA testing alone.

Key facts about Stockholm 3:
● more accurate detection of aggressive prostate cancers requiring treatment
● simple blood test. The Stockholm 3 requires only a blood sample (digital re**al examination remains a recommended part of the standard Well Man Check)
● reduces unnecessary biopsies and over-treatment of low-risk cancers
● can detect high-risk patients at PSA levels as low as 1.5 ng/ml
● suitable for men aged 45-74 with no previous prostate cancer diagnosis

Considering booking your Well Man Check today:
📞 01442 261 333
🔗 https://www.breakspearmedical.com/services/well-man-check/

Our Well Man Check offers a thorough one-hour health assessment including physical examination, extensive testing, and…

28/01/2026

We are deeply honoured to share a moment of extraordinary human and sporting significance that took place today at Breakspear Medical.

World champion Paralympic athlete Carlo Calcagni has chosen to donate to Breakspear Medical 1 of 2 gold medals he won at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

Thank you, Carlo, for a gift that goes far beyond gold. It is a testimony of life, service, courage and trust, one that will continue to inspire patients, clinicians & all those who believe that care can truly change their destiny.

27/01/2026

New research tracking over 110,000 people for 30+ years reveals one of the secrets to longevity

Harvard experts believe the optimal way to extend life is adding more variety to exercise routines. They concluded:

● Most physical activities lower your risk of early death.
● Variety of types of exercise matters more than you think.
● Those who ranked highest in both total activity and variety had 21% lower mortality

Walking, jogging, tennis, weight training, cycling all offer unique benefits.

Remember: physical activity works best alongside healthy eating and regular health check-ups. If you have any health concerns, chat with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Your body thrives on diversity. Make 2026 the year you explore new ways to move!

Read the full study: https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/5/1/e001513

22/01/2026

Could cognitive decline be reversible? Discover the approach that's changing everything

For years, we've been told that dementia is inevitable and irreversible. But what if we've been looking at it all wrong?

Dr Michael Cannell has been helping patients navigate cognitive decline using the Bredesen Protocol and Functional Medicine, which is an approach that's shown documented improvement in 100 patients, not by masking symptoms, but by identifying and addressing root causes.

In our latest blog, we explore:
● why the single-drug approach hasn't worked
● the multiple factors that trigger brain changes (from nutrient deficiencies to toxic exposures)
● how a personalised, comprehensive approach offers real hope
● the specific nutrients your brain needs and the toxins that it doesn't

Whether you're concerned about your own cognitive health, have family history of dementia or are supporting someone facing these challenges, this approach offers hope backed by science.

Read the full article and discover your personalised path to brain health: https://www.breakspearmedical.com/new-hope-for-brain-health/

Discover how the Bredesen Protocol and Functional Medicine offer new hope for cognitive decline. Learn about personalised approaches to brain health that address root causes, not just symptoms.