How Proper Nutrition Can Help Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a physical disorder characterized by inexplicable extreme fatigue. This condition may be caused by an underlying medical disorder and symptoms will worsen with mental or physical activity but don’t get any better despite having ample rest.

In order to diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a series of tests have to be taken in order to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Most treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are focused solely on symptom relief rather than eliminating the root cause of the problem.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Unexplained muscle pains
  • Joint pain
  • Extreme mental and physical exhaustion
  • Unsatisfying sleep

Unfortunately, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a very complicated and mysterious condition; the cause is still unknown. However, some health experts believe that this condition could be caused by physiological stress or viral infections. Another possible cause for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome could be improper nutrition.

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome With Proper Nutrition

Just like anything else in life, what you eat will inevitably affect your health and well-being. As such, proper nutrition is important to control many types of illnesses, including the physical and mental strain of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Proper nutrition not only helps deliver nutrition to maintain health, it also stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

When treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome through nutrition, you want to focus on foods that will give you natural energy without gaining weight.

Avoid Unhealthy Foods with Empty Calories

Certain types of foods rob the body of energy. Such foods include over-processed kinds or fizzy drinks. To treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you want to eat food that will not just satiate your cravings but will also nourish your brain, muscles, and cells.

Avoid Processed Foods

People afflicted with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should avoid refined carbohydrates and food with overly processed ingredients like white breads, white rice, cookies, and cakes. Sugar weakens the immune system, stimulates yeast overgrowth in the intestines, and causes inflammation. All these could result in hypertension and high blood sugar levels, which are all precursor to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Drinks with aspartame—an alternative sweetener to sugar—could also trigger hypersensitivity in many patients and this could worsen the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Go for Low-Carb, Organic Foods

The best kind of diet for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a low-carb diet comprised of organic foods and meals with unprocessed ingredients. You want to focus on grass-fed meats; organic vegetables; fresh, organic fruits; and full-fat cheeses. In addition, we recommend boosting your diet with any dark-colored fruits in season such as berries.

Increase Protein Consumption

Protein helps normalize blood sugar levels. A balanced diet consisting of lean protein helps maintain normal blood sugar, makes you feel fuller, and also gives you natural energy you need to fight symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Eat Smaller Meals

Eating smaller meals not only helps you lose weight, it also prevents snacking and overeating. That said, while one method may work for one person, it might not work for the other. Instead of working on a defined recommendation, it’s best to continuously work with different ways to address the problem. We recommend talking to your doctor and nutritionist to develop a customized meal plan designed to help you overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.