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April 13, 2007

Is Diet A Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that carry extra weight may be able to speed their recovery by reducing some of this excess.

By Terry Barrett

Obesity levels in the developed world have reached unprecedented levels in recorded history.

It is also accepted that the lifestyles we lead are often causes of stress.

Is it a coincidence that these new peaks of obesity and stress correlate directly with an increase in the occurrence of "modern" or "new" diseases ?

Heart disease, cancer, and others illnesses including Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have increased along with our unhealthy way of life.

There was a time when the medical profession was so blinkered as to suggest that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome didn't really exist and was simply caused by the sufferer's state of mind. Thankfully, we have moved past this stage

Carrying too much weight will aggravate the balance of our musculoskeletal system and in combination with a certain genetic tendency appear to start the onset of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in certain individuals, while others who suffer the same initial condition recover relatively unscathed.

Once effected with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, carrying extra weight might cause your condition to last longer and result in you being more effected than in patients of normal weight

The Autonomic Nervous System will be damaged by the initial condition that brough on CFS, thereby effecting your homeostasis (your internal environment), digestion, and organs such as the kidneys and liver. These areas will already be under additional stress in individuals who are overweight or obese.

Sufferers probably don't want to hear when they are struck with the early stages of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that they need to lose weight - it's probably the last thing on their mind, but it is advised that they eat a well balanced diet.

The foods you eat should be natural and unprocessed whenever possible and rich in all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Eat 5 or more portions of fresh fruit and lightly boiled vegetables (try steaming them) each, with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Eat whole grains and other high fiber foods. This helps avoid constipation which itself can cause fatigue

Eat red meat sparingly. Chicken and fish are a better alternative.

Avoid refined sugar. Fresh fruit contains all the natural sugars you need.

Restrict high fat dairy products - use the low fat alternatives.

Avoid alcohol. The load on the liver, kidneys and stomach won't help.

Take a daily supplements of multi-vitamins and multi-minerals

Eliminate caffeine - use decaffeinated drinks instead

Drink plenty of water - this will help flush out toxins

At a later stage as toxin levels fall, the immune system recovers, and digestive stress is reduced, a weight loss program can be considered and undertaken - but gradually.

Due to the very nature of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome it is important to avoid activities that involve laborious exercise. This is due to the fact that with CFS, severe fatigue can be made worse with high levels of activity, so the point is to start very slowly and for short periods then build up the exercise levels as the condition improves.

Patients suffering Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should never attempt to waste what energy they do have on hard exercise. The only energy to expend is on essential daily activities, and relaxing walks or hobbies which will reduce your susceptibility to depression.

In summary, eat healthily - avoid foods high in sugar and fats, just as in any weight loss diet and you should gradually reduce the level of excessive weight, which in turn should help recovery from CFS.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Barrett

April 8, 2007

Coping with Fatigue

Are you feeling tired a lot for no apparent cause or at least that you can think of? Ever wonder what is making you feel so tired all the time? Fatigue can have many different causes that may include:

• Lack of sleep: You might be surprised to know that getting even an hour less than you normally get can leave you drowsy the next day. Is it because you did not go to bed early enough or you went to bed, but could not go to sleep. As a person gets older, it becomes more difficult to get uninterrupted sleep and you may sleep less soundly and/or awaken earlier.

• Stress: Going through life each day stressed and anxious can keep you from relaxing and getting the rest you need.

• Inactivity: If you are tired all the time, you probably feel “too tired” to exercise, so you don’t. When you do exercise and exert yourself, you probably get tired fairly quick because you are out of shape. You still need to exercise to beat both these situations. Moderate exercise for at least ½ hour or longer most days of the week helps reduce stress, improve the mood and will leave you feeling energized (once you get past the too tired feelings and the tired feelings from exertion). Be careful not to schedule your exercise sessions too close to bedtime, or you might have trouble getting to sleep.

• Eating habits: Not eating properly or drinking enough fluids will cause your body to not get the fuel and fluid it needs. Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine close to bedtime.

• Certain medications: Many different medications can cause fatigue, antidepressants, allergy medicines, antihistamines and many beta blockers can cause fatigue. Cold medications and pain relievers that contain caffeine and other stimulants can help to keep you up at night.

Tips to battle against fatigue include:

• Reduce your everyday stress: Say “no” more often. Set priorities. Organize activities to avoid confusion. Do something each day that you enjoy.

• Manage workplace tension

• Be active

• Eat well

• Avoid Alcohol

• Avoid eating, reading or watching TV in bed.

• Keep your sleeping room cool, dark and quiet.

• Set your alarm for the same time each day (this routine can help you establish a regular sleep schedule).

• Take only short naps early in the day

• Schedule exercises at least six hours before bedtime

• Eat small snacks before bed

• Avoid large late-night meals

• If you can’t sleep, do not continue tossing and turning, get up, go into another part of your house, read or relax until you feel drowsy, then return to your sleeping room.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 3-2007.

Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip. The article collection is available as FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Visit http://www.healthylife27.com to purchase an array of superior quality, safe and effective products inspired by nature, informed by science and created to improve the health of people, pets and the planet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon