5 Tips to Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

It’s sad to say, but Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) currently has no cure. To boot, doctors don’t agree on any set protocol for treating this condition either. Talk to a dozen doctors and you might receive a dozen different recommendations for treating and managing this complex disease which is not fully understood. Affecting as many as 24 million people worldwide according to Medical News Today, the main symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is right in its name–FATIGUE.

The fatigue is chronic, meaning it returns regularly. A CFS sufferer may also experience post exertional malaise, which simply means feeling physically tired and mentally worn out or uncaring after exercise or some stressful physical activity. Insomnia, night sweats and other sleep disorders, cognitive impairment and blurred vision are other symptoms.

Fortunately, there’s a bright side, as there are several different treatments for this painful and persistent condition. The following 5 tips and practices can help you overcome chronic fatigue syndrome and live a normal, healthy life.

1. Treat the Individual Symptoms … Not the Whole Condition

Pain is usually present with CFS, which often means a doctor may prescribe some type of pain medication. The often-present lack of energy can be combatted by getting lots of rest and cutting back your intake of simple carbohydrates that are ever-present in processed food. Whatever symptoms show up with CFS, share those symptoms with your doctor and treat them individually, rather than just a blanket cure for all.

2. Change Your Diet

Chronic fatigue syndrome wasn’t really a problem before we adopted our current food growing and manufacturing processes.

That means if you stop punishing your body and your mind with processed food, fast food, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, too much caffeine, too much alcohol, tobacco, refined sugar and white flour, you could find your chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms disappearing.

Here are some tips:

• Eat more fresh whole foods, fruits and vegetables.
• Steer clear of inflammatory foods like fried foods and processed meat.
• Eat wild-caught fish and extra virgin olive oil, which are anti-inflammatory foods.
• Eat more dark, leafy greens.
• Eat the rainbow, consuming foods of different colors. Eat as close to nature as possible and you could reduce symptoms.

3. Keep a Food and Symptoms Journal

Whatever you eat, write it down. Then write down how you feel after you have eaten, immediately after and a little later. This is a simple way to see what foods are causing your symptoms to spike, and what foods are effectively lowering the frequency and volatility of your symptoms.

4. Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Natural Supplements

Licorice extract can help restore natural energy levels for a CFS sufferer. Daily supplements of 500 mg a couple of times a day help lower inflammation and regulate a healthy blood pressure level for some people with CFS. A 600 to 900 mg valerian extract supplement taken an hour before bed can treat you to a good night’s rest. Healthy sleep habits fight the fatigue that accompanies CFS. Siberian ginseng is another natural supplement that treats the fatigue and depression that comes with this debilitating condition.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Dehydration is a killer if left untreated. Spend just a single day without drinking enough fluids and you can count on your mind and body not performing properly. People with chronic fatigue syndrome can see their pain and fatigue worsen when they do not hydrate regularly by drinking lots of water.

Do yourself a favor and drink up!

Even though there may not be a cure for CFS, these 5 natural tips and practices can help abate, or even eliminate, some of the negative symptoms you may experience. Often a more holistic approach is what the body needs to restore balance and well-being once more.

If you’d like some delicious recipe ideas that can support a whole-foods diet, click here to download my FREE 15 Top Paleo Recipes. They’re healthy and nutritious, and won’t disappoint your taste buds, either!

Wishing you well,

Dr. Jessica