Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Nutrition
Eating the Right Diet to Help Control Your CFS Symptoms
Nutrition is one possible way to relieve symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Certain vitamins and minerals that are associated with immune system health can help CFS.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms can be difficult to manage. Some people with CFS are able to find symptom relief from prescription drugs or over the counter medications, but many are not. There are a number of holistic or alternative treatments available, again with varying results among CFS sufferers.
Nutrition is one possible solution. Generally speaking, the nutrients that help the most in the diet of a person with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are those that provide immune support.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B-12 is responsible for manufacturing red blood cells, the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells, and DNA. It affects the body's energy, the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, the immune system, and the cardiovascular system. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome suffer from reduced energy levels, and many experience poor memory, poor concentration, and assorted gastrointestinal problems that may indicate Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Folic acid and pantothenic acid are also related to fatigue, and increasing intake of these B vitamins could be beneficial for some people with CFS.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential to health, but cannot be manufactured by the body. Research has shown that Omega-3 Fatty Acids can reduce arrhythmias, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease blood pressure, and decrease the rate of growth of plaque in the arterial walls. Omega-3 deficiency is associated with fatigue, poor memory, poor circulation, heart problems, and depression, so it is easy to see why these nutrients are important for CFS sufferers.
Sodium
Although conventional advice says to steer clear of sodium, patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may actually have levels of sodium that are too low. Sodium is necessary for fluid balance in the body. But because sodium is also linked with negative health conditions, such as high blood pressure, it is important to people with CFS to consult their doctors about having their sodium levels tested to see if they genuinely do need to increase their sodium intake.
Minerals
There are certain minerals that can be beneficial for people with CFS. Chromium can help patients who have problems with their blood sugar. Other CFS patients might have magnesium deficiency, which can interfere with the Krebs cycle that transforms nutrients into energy. Potassium and magnesium aspartates show positive results about decreasing fatigue in clinical studies.
Fiber
Fiber is an important part of the diet to prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. Constipation is related to fatigue, and relieving constipation by drinking enough water and eating a proper amount of fiber - 30 grams per day - may be able to relieve fatigue.
What foods are best to optimize daily nutrition for CFS patients?
- Flaxseeds, shrimp, and fatty fishes for Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Salmon for Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B-12.
- Clams, liver, trout, and lean top sirloin beef for Vitamin B-12.
- Broccoli, asparagus, peas, and romaine lettuce for folic acid.
- Walnuts for folic acid and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Fortified breakfast cereals (like Total) are excellent sources of many vitamins and nutrients, including folic acid, magnesium, and Vitamin B-12.
- Halibut and soybeans for Omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium.
- Spinach for folic acid, potassium, and magnesium.
- Almonds, cashews, oatmeal, peanuts, and baked potatoes with the skin for magnesium.
- Bananas and oranges are for potassium and folic acid.
- Meat, poultry, fish, tomatoes, and cantaloupe for potassium.
There are many supplements and nutrition drinks marketed to people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Many of these products lack scientific data to support their claims of relieving CFS symptoms. The best thing to do is to try and obtain as many of these nutrients from fresh foods like those mentioned above.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your physician. Read more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome nutrition by visiting chiroweb.com or Chronic Fatigue Support.
