Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme fatigue that does not let up with rest. The cause is unknown, though theories include hormonal imbalance, improper diet, physiological stress, viral infections, and thyroid problems.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are memory loss, chronic fatigue, and disrupted sleep. Headaches, unexplained muscle pain, and viral infections are also associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Many foods can serve as an alternative treatment to help reduce levels of exhaustion. Get to know the best ones for this now.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are needed to improve blood circulation and improve cognitive function. Chronic fatigue syndrome is often associated with depression and lack of concentration. Omega-3 fatty acids help with concentration and mood. Individuals can swap out vegetable oil for flaxseed oil during home cooking. Flaxseed meal can also be added to smoothies or oatmeal. Individuals can also make a salad dressing with flaxseed oil or sprinkle some flaxseeds on a salad with lots of vegetables.
Blueberries
Blueberries are high in vitamin C, a free-radical or toxin-fighting antioxidant that detoxes the body. They also contain special antioxidants called anthocyanins that are unique to berries. Anthocyanins have protective and healing properties to get over the hump of exhaustion many patients feel with chronic fatigue syndrome. Blueberries are great replacements for most forms of sugar in foods. Individuals can reap the benefits by adding a few to morning oatmeal or munching on fresh blueberries and almonds for an afternoon snack that will not cause a blood sugar crash.
Chronic fatigue syndrome may be exaggerated by a lack of quality nutrients in the diet. Kale is a well-known superfood, meaning it has more nutrients than most foods. It provides the antioxidants quercetin and kaempferol, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and even omega-3 fatty acids. The antioxidants in kale aid in lowering blood pressure and preventing cancer and viral infections. Kale can also be used as an anti-depressant. Add some raw kale to a fruit smoothie made with almond milk, a banana, and some strawberries. For an added energy boost, try kale and quinoa salad.
Whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice are starchy carbohydrates needed to give the body long-lasting energy. It is best to avoid refined and overly processed grains, so individuals should avoid store-bought granola bars and other grain dishes. Making grains at home can help control what goes in them. Prepare brown rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables for an added boost of antioxidants that will not be overly taxing on the digestive system, which can cause fatigue. Oatmeal is a great breakfast option. Pair it with no-sugar-added peanut butter and fruit.
Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein is needed for repairing sore muscles as well as for concentration, and as stated above, omega 3 fatty acids improve circulation. Proper circulation is important in chronic fatigue syndrome as blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Exhaustion may be a result of improper blood flow. Try pairing a wild caught piece of salmon with steamed asparagus and a side of brown rice for an energy-packed meal.
Chronic fatigue syndrome may be caused by an underlying disorder such as an undiagnosed disease. Legumes such as chickpeas are high in polyphenols, or plant nutrients with disease-fighting properties. Polyphenols may protect against heart disease and high blood pressure. Chickpeas are also high in fiber, protein, manganese, and folate. B vitamins are needed to metabolize carbohydrates into energy used by the body. Dipping raw carrots and cucumbers into hummus is a great way to eat chickpeas. They can also be made into a bean salad when paired with black beans and tossed in an olive oil and lemon dressing. Toss chickpeas in olive oil and bake them in the oven for a crunchy treat to replace fries or other unhealthy snacks.
Methylation is an important process that occurs in the body not many individuals are aware of. To keep explanations simple, this process involves the body taking nutrients and transforming them into usable fuel for the body. Certain things are needed for this process to occur smoothly, and a lack of any of them can lead to symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. One of these nutrients, which over forty percent of Americans are deficient in, is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient found primarily in animal food products, making vegans much more likely to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. While there are multiple foods that can help individuals get this nutrient, a real powerhouse is eggs. Cheap, nourishing, and tasty, eggs will really help individuals get back on their feet. As a bonus, they can be prepared in a wide variety of ways, which will help keep individuals from getting sick of them.
While many individuals think of only things like spinach and romaine lettuce, when leafy greens are brought up, broccoli, a popular vegetable added to stir-fries and other delicious dishes, is a leafy green as well. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, from fiber to vitamins A, K, and E. Getting plenty of vitamins and nutrients can help chronic fatigue syndrome, but one particularly important mineral is folate. This leafy green is high in folate and can help individuals get enough to meet their body’s needs. Folate helps create more red blood cells, which in turn carry oxygen throughout the body, thus increasing an individual’s energy levels on a daily basis. Eaten raw, steamed, or as part of a delicious stir fry, broccoli is a great food to include in one’s diet.
Remaining hydrated is important for all individuals, but especially so for those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Not getting enough water can even mimic symptoms of the disease, creating a doubling effect that leaves individuals unable to do anything but sleep. Dehydration can lead to lower blood volume, low blood pressure, and fatigue.
On the flip side, getting the right amount of water can help the body run smoothly. It will help transport nutrients quickly, keeping an individual’s energy levels stable. Patients won’t feel like they’ve been hit by a truck all the time. They should drink a few cups upon waking and keep a water bottle beside them throughout the day. This will make it easier to sip on throughout the day and maintain hydration.
Not many studies have been done on chronic fatigue syndrome, leaving the disease as kind of a mystery. For many individuals, it can be hard to know exactly what’s causing their symptoms. But, a study has shown there may be a connection between gut bacteria and chronic fatigue. Basically, it’s very important to build up the good bacteria that reside in the gut and eliminate the bad, because these bacteria influence the health of an individual’s entire body. An easy way to achieve this is by eating fermented foods like kombucha, a tart but sweet drink that has become popular in recent years. By consuming this, individuals can help raise the bacteria in their gut, and can even use it as a replacement for tea or coffee since studies show too much caffeine can actually make chronic fatigue symptoms worse. This tart treat may be the beginning of a cure for all the tiredness, pain, and confusion associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
