ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Your Body Needs Help
Posted: Monday, October 05, 2009
by Anne Edwards
Understanding the actual definition of ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is absolutely crucial if the body is going to be treated with the respect it deserves while under attack from this debilitating disorder. ME or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis literally means pain in the muscles and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. As we now know, the onset of this disorder is usually preceded by viral infection which leaves a trail of debilitating symptoms such as the persistent physical exhaustion, body aches and pains and other serious physical and cognitive disturbances experienced by its victims. Although this is an incurable condition, you can help your body into remission with a variety of treatments and supplements.
At the forefront of strategies to consider in the symptomatic treatment of ME/CFS, the Immune System should be of the highest priority as it has been compromised to a large degree. Those suffering from ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often fall prey to other diseases and disorders as a result of their already compromised immune systems. Researchers have found the immune system is weakened at the onset of the disorder due to the presence of virus, and as the disorder progresses the immune system is then usually chronically activated in patients with ME/CFS. What this means is the immune system goes into "overdrive", it is on constant alert, often mistaking even normal functions such as stress or fatigue as being pathogenic invaders, when clearly they are not. Through this process of being under unnecessary stress, the body is put out of homeostasis and left fatigued. Your body needs help, what can you do to help it?
Firstly, adequate sleep and resting the body is vital for re-building your immune system, listen to your body and rest when you feel the need. You are not being lazy, this is a serious condition which needs your attention. It is when we sleep that the immune system is strengthened and rejuvenated.
During ME/CFS our body needs a wide array of vitamins, especially:
Vitamin A - necessary for the production of antibodies to help fight off viral infections.
B Group Vitamins - t he body uses these in its energy production processes.
Vitamin B6 - involved in the manufacture of neurotransmitters needed for the regulation of normal mental processes.
Vitamin B12 - r elieves mood swings and may improve memory function.
Vitamin C involved in the production of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Vitamin D - optimizes healthy nervous and immune systems.
Vitamin E - an antioxidant and immune booster.
Other useful supplements for correcting immune function are:
Aloe Vera contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and other ingredients that act as an immune booster and also a natural antiseptic.
Echinacea increases the activity of white blood cells, as well as increasing the production of vital chemicals to support immune system response.
Maitake Mushroom stimulates immune response by activating T-cells, the body's defence against viruses.
Olive Leaf Extract - powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, helps relieve fever.
Garlic - supports cardiovascular health and immune system function and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Magnesium supports every organ in the body, particularly the heart, muscles and kidneys.
Iron used in the production of haemoglobin and red blood cells that transport oxygen to the tissues.
Zinc supports normal and healthy immune function.
Selenium - helps maintain healthy immune function and may assist with cardiovascular health.
Dosages : Please follow the recommended dosages given by the manufacturer of the vitamins and minerals you take.
Adopt a Healthier Diet
A good immune system boosting diet will contain fresh fruits and plenty of vegetables including green leafy vegetables, protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats or tofu, whole grains, raw seeds and cold pressed oils, particularly Coconut oil as it has antiviral properties among its many benefits. Eliminate fast-foods as much as possible, by regularly consuming them you are not getting the nutrients that your body needs.
Eating the right fats such as those found in coconut oil help to r educe joint swelling and inflammation, improve cognitive function and memory and also support the immune and nervous systems. Other nut and seed oils may also be beneficial, but they must be cold pressed.
It is very common for people to develop food allergies or intolerances after the onset of ME/Chronic Fatigue. If you suspect you have a problem, a registered dietician or nutritionist is often helpful. It is very important to eliminate any offending foods from your diet as the discomfort, bloating or indigestion accompanying the intolerance is most likely hindering the remission process.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Understandably, this is often easier said than done, especially when normal functioning is very limited, however stress can be highly detrimental to the immune system as well as the body as a whole. Stress of any kind weakens the immune system and makes you susceptible to an array of other diseases and disorders. Some strategies for stress reduction may include keeping a daily journal, seeking counselling or perhaps engaging in low-physical hobbies you enjoy. Meditation is also a very powerful stress reduction method which should be considered as part of your daily routine, a variety of guided meditations can be obtained on CD or Mp3. These are of great benefit especially if your mobility is restricted and you are unable to attend guided classes or groups. The Free HealthXchange philosophy embraces and encourages the sharing of health information and knowledge in order to empower each other to take control of our own lives. Come and visit us to share your own natural health remedies with the world, you just never know who you may be helping with your story! You can find us at www.freehealthxchange.com http://www.freehealthxchange.com Visit Free HealthXchange
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Thanks for writing this! I have friends with this diagnosis and have watched as they got on glyconutritionals - it made them totally different persons - they have their lives back! Marijo (pronounced Mary Jo)
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