You may think that a healthy diet for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome would be a simple enough goal for anyone who suffers from CFS, but the condition itself can mean that it is almost impossible to achieve without help. Even the simplest of tasks – such as shopping and even cooking – can have detrimental effects that can last for days.
Initially gathering information and asking help from a team of experts is a start. Then, with their assistance and advice, enjoy learning about general nutrition and experiment to find what works best with your condition.
As a starting point, it is now universally accepted that the following is a good dietary basis:
1) Grains – Particularly whole grains such as brown rice, barley, quinoa, oatmeal and whole wheat. These will provide a good source of vitamins and minerals and help to keep your digestive system functioning properly.
2) Fruits – Provide energy and help to boost your immune system
3) Vegetables – especially the brightly coloured vegetables such as peppers and carrots.
4) Proteins – sources are poultry and eggs, fish, lean meat or dried beans. Including this in your diet is essential for growth and maintenance and an adequate intake also alleviates inflammatory responses like pain.
5) Dairy – Whilst this is thought of as essential for a healthy diet, some people with CFS find that cutting out dairy from their diet can have remarkable results to their quality of life.
And the following food groups should be avoided:
1) High calorie products
2) Highly saturated fats and fried foods
3) Refined sugar
4) Artificial sweeteners
5) Cigarettes and tobacco
6) Caffeine – in soft drinks as well as coffee
7) Alcohol
8) Sugary foods and sweets
9) Gluten loaded products – although there has been no proven effect.
Many people find that they start to gain or lose weight with ME/CFS. This can be caused by something as simple as reduced activity whilst still eating the same amount, or because of sickness, not eating enough or having a sufficiently balanced diet.
Additionally, because of the lack of energy, it becomes so difficult to actually stand and prepare a meal that the temptation is to rely on “ready meals” with all the ingredients that can make symptoms worse.
IBS and food intolerances/allergies are closely linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is where a close relationship with a nutritionist is required. Though an elimination diet would normally be the way to resolve these dietary issues, it’s not the way you should approach your problem and a nutritionist will be best placed to advise you having taken your symptoms into account.
If you don’t want all the bother of working out your own diet, then it’s generally thought that The Stone Age Diet as outlined by Dr Myhill is the most appropriate and is based on protein (meat, fish, eggs), fat and vegetable fibre.
Finding a healthy diet for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not easy and takes time and effort. The resultant improvement in your energy levels and other symptoms will far outweigh the effort you have to put in initially.
Stone Age Diet
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Stone_Age_Diet_-_this_is_a_diet_which_we_all_should_follow