Chronic Fatigue syndrome is characterized by fatigue that lasts for more than 6 months. The tiredness cannot be attributed to any particular medical condition. It leaves one feeling drained and devoid of any energy. This can lead to a loss on the quality of life since a person may not be able to work and carry out normal activities. If left untreated it can lead to loss of stamina, memory and concentration. This delibating illness can also cause strained relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Although there is no known cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, patients can reach out for medical help to meet their needs. Its management requires a wholistic approach that will help address symptoms with coping techniques and the ability to perform day to day activities (1)
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include
• Increased mental tiredness and physical exhaustion
• Improper sleep that is not deep or refreshing
• Muscle and/or joint pain
• Persistent headaches, poor concentration or poor memory
• Lowered immunity leads to sore throat and ‘flu-like’ symptoms that persist even after treatment
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms which include nausea, gas, bloating, stomach pain
• and diarrhoea and constipation
• Inability to tolerate alcohol, caffeine, certain foods or medications.
Helping a patient get relief from symptoms should be the primary focus. A team consisting of a doctor, counsellor (mental health professional), dietitian and an exercise coach can work together to help a client cope with this condition.
Role of Nutrition
Specialists dealing with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) stress on the role nutrition plays in the management of the syndrome. It is important that one consumes whole foods that provide energy and allow the body to heal. You need to also be avoiding foods that can cause a sudden spike and crash reaction. Nutrition for treatment needs to benefit cells, muscles and the brain. A CFS patient can gain weight due to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise. Due to weakness and muscle pain, their body may not be able to perform even simple day to day tasks. To make up for this, they may be prone to eating excess amounts of foods. Some people even turn to high calorie or junk foods for comfort and a way to cope. This then forms a vicious cycle. On the other hand, weight loss can occur due to a poor appetite. Tiredness can make buying and cooking healthy food cumbersome.
Irritable Bowel symptoms are also associated with CFS. These include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating and constipation. A dietitian can plan a diet that prevents these symptoms.
Dietary guidelines
• Avoid restricting any foods or food groups unless you suffer from a food allergy or intolerance. This can cause nutritional deficiencies which can worsen the condition leading to more tiredness and stress.
• Eat a balanced diet from all the food groups- fiber rich cereals provide slow sustained release of energy. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients important for health and uptake of nutrients. Protein helps with tissue repair and building. Protein can be obtained from lean meat, fish, eggs, pulses and nuts. This helps in building muscle which is important for good health and strength of the body.
• Although certain foods are healthy, if your body is not able to digest them, they are best avoided.
• Foods like turmeric helps combat inflammation which can lessen pain. Ginger, pepper and lemon grass help build immunity and deal with flu symptoms. Folic acid is found in the spinal fluid and helps with optimal brain functioning. A minor deficiency of Vitamin C can cause fatigue and depression. Supplementation boosts immune responses. Vitamin C rich foods include- strawberries, guava, citrus fruits, coloured capsicum and sprouts.
• Having small frequent meals and 2 healthy snacks keeps the caloric intake well-spaced out. Limit gaps between meals and snacks to 3 hours. Do not stretch beyond this. This keeps energy levels up.
• Avoid junk foods, sweets, candies and sugary drinks. They cause energy spikes and crashes. It is very important that the body receives a slow and sustained supply of energy.
• Your doctor may prescribe a supplement for the time being. This will contain vitamins, minerals and co enzymes that alleviate tiredness. Zinc increases muscle strength and endurance, magnesium reduces muscle pain, vitamin C boosts immunity, B vitamins reduce fatigue, depression and pain.
• Some patients have benefitted by increasing the amount of salt in their diets. A lowered salt intake upsets the electrolyte balance leading to fatigue on moderate exertion, headache and inability to concentrate. Sodium also helps regulate blood pressure. However, if one also suffers from high blood pressure or any heart related disease, sodium should not be increased without prior approval by the doctor.
A person with CFS may need help with coping with feelings of anger, guilt, anxiety, isolation and abandonment. While these feelings are common, not seeking help for these unresolved emotions can make symptoms worse. This can then interfere with prescription drug therapies making recovery harder. (1)
If you or anyone you know is dealing with CFS, do not hesitate to contact us. Our Dietitians and Counsellors can work together to help you. To reach us, you can write to a Dietitian through the portal -https://1to1help.net/wellnesscoach. If you would like to speak with one of our counsellors, you can either write here - https://1to1help.net/ecounselling or request for a telephonic appointment here - https://1to1help.net/appointment/telephonic/1
You can also call us at 1800 270 1790 to fix a telephonic appointment with a Dietitian or Counsellor.
Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/cfs/management/index.html
With inputs from:
1. http://www.everydayhealth.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/healthy-diet.aspx
2. https://draxe.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
3. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7829/5-diet-changes-that-helped-me-overcome-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html
4. https://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/cfs-meanddiet.pdf
5. http://www.prohealth.com/me-cfs/me-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-diet-recommendations.cfm