Tag: Proper Nutrition

Overcoming The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue is a condition of exhaustion and lack of energy caused by several factors such as viral infection, overexertion and lack of sleep. As fatigue is a normal condition, most people have experienced fatigue at least once in their lifetimes. The feeling of exhaustion is usually relieved after the person gets some rest. But if a person suffers from fatigue for extended periods of time, usually more than 6 months, he/she may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition of extreme and persistent fatigue that lasts for six months and more. It usually comes with several other symptoms such as muscle pain, aches in the joints, sore throat, and lack of energy. Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS usually suffer from a more serious disorder like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue immunodeficiency syndrome. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is hard to determine, but it is widely believed that there are three factors that trigger this debilitating disorder.

The Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Viral or bacterial infection Exposure to viruses and bacteria can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms of fatigue usually disappear when the infection is successfully treated.

Overexertion Rigorous physical activities that go beyond what the body can take results to extreme exhaustion. Athletes who are prone to over training are susceptible to this.

Depression Some doctors believe there is a link between chronic fatigue syndrome and stress or anxiety. People who suffer from depression are also usually afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dehydration Depriving the body of its daily water requirements has long-term side effects such as chronic fatigue.

Eating disorders Inadequate supply of vitamins and minerals in the body causes chronic fatigue since the body lacks the proper nutrition it needs to perform properly.

Now that you know what triggers chronic fatigue syndrome, the following remedies should help you overcome the symptoms of CFS.

Have a balanced, healthy diet Increase your intake of healthy food such as fruits and vegetables. These provide your body with vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system strong. Also increase your consumption of garlic and onion, which are known to boost the immune system. Eating more quality protein that is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 (such as fish, chicken, soy products) also helps maintain the body healthy.

Avoid food high in fat and sugar content, as they will make you prone to feeling lethargic and sluggish. Never skip breakfast and instead of having three full meals per day, go for more frequent meals but with smaller portions to keep your body’s metabolism going.

Get up and active People afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome don’t have to rest and sleep all the time. Regular exercise is advised to help combat the lethargy and lack of energy. Fifteen to thirty minutes of mild exercise combined with 30 minutes of rigorous physical activity such as swimming, aerobics and tennis can work wonders in improving your heart’s performance and for proper circulation.

De-stress Doctors have found out that there is a strong connection between stress/anxiety and the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. To avoid having chronic fatigue, it is advised to manage stress and bring stress levels down. Learning to deal with stress will not only help you combat chronic fatigue, it will also help you improve your relationships, boost your health and enhance your general outlook on life.

Overcome Chronic Fatigue With Simple Measures

Chronic fatigue is an illness that you must not take for granted. If it persists for a long time, it can lead to serious other health troubles specifically related to the immune system. In most cases, chronic fatigue is suffered by almost all people those who have hectic schedule, bad lifestyle habit, and even those who have complete sleeping hours.

So, if you find yourself having bouts of the symptoms, perhaps it is time for you to check your lifestyle and health habits. Here are some simple yet proven ways to overcome or avoid the illness.

Keeping Healthy

Though there are other causes, fatigue and tiredness often is the result when you have chronic flu which lasts for months. The lack of proper nutrition in your body decreases the immune system; therefore, making your body weak and more susceptible to sicknesses. Vitamin C is a great booster to your immune system so include this in your diet along with healthy food intake and enough rest.

Managing Stress Level

High stress level is never good for anyone’s health condition as it makes you get tired so easily. High stress level is often achieved when you are having heated arguments with another, having problems at the office, having a conflict with another that cause your anger or emotional level to rise up. When you can’t manage your stress level, it is easy for you to be targeted by the chronic fatigue syndrome. But the good news is it is easy to get rid of your stress. Just try to do exercises, maybe a walk on weekends around the park or any kind of exercise regimen that will refresh and relax your body.

Avoiding Too Much Night Activities

It isn’t always easy to avoid the night life. It just feels good to visit the local nightclub, search for restaurants offering unique foods, and hang out with friends. However, being up until early in the morning is never good for the body as it is meant to rest a certain amount of time. It causes fatigue the following morning especially if you are going for work or school.

Avoiding Caffeine as Energy Booster

Coffee has always been the good companion especially of people who need to wake up in the middle of the day and at night. But using it as energy booster can lead to health problems as it only gives temporary measures and can aggravate chronic fatigue condition.

Drinking Dark Chocolate

It is found at the pilot study that eating or drinking dark chocolate which has high contents of cocoa is good for overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because it contains a chemical, serotonin, which has been found to be responsible for giving benefits to the brain.

Also, dark chocolates contain polyphenols, another chemical which was found to have great benefits in reducing blood pressure. It can also provide relief to patients who suffer with chronic fatigue. So, instead of coffee, you may opt to take dark chocolate into your diet to help overcome your fatigue problems.

Chronic fatigue is an illness that one must never neglect as it can lead to more serious problems. Avoiding it to go serious by taking the above simple ways will bring significant impact to your life. Living a simpler life is always one effective way of leading a healthy lifestyle, free of illnesses, which not to mention, can be very expensive to attend to.

Fighting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome With Nutrition

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating condition where the patient suffers from extreme exhaustion that lasts for a prolonged period of time usually more than 6 months and comes with several other symptoms. Aside from suffering from unexplained fatigue even with minimal physical activity, chronic fatigue syndrome patient also exhibits the following symptoms: muscle pains, tenderness and swelling in the joints, recurring sore throat, impaired concentration and short term memory, severe headaches and un-refreshing sleep.

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is yet to be discovered. This makes CFS very difficult to manage, as there are no known cures for it yet. Some patients are able to relieve the symptoms of CFS by using prescription drugs as well as some over the counter medications. However, these medications have varying degrees of success. Sometimes, they have little positive effect at all. Still, there are several holistic and alternative treatments that provide CFS patients with options to combat this debilitating disorder.

Since symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are also classic symptoms of many viral infections, doctors and specialists recommend treatments that strengthen the immune system. Receiving proper nutrition is an excellent way to boost the immune system, improve the body’s functions and increase the patient’s energy levels to overcome the malaise that comes with a CFS attack.

Here are the vitamins and minerals that help boost the immune system:

B Vitamins Vitamin B-12 is one of the most important vitamins. It helps in the production of red blood cells as well as DNA and the myelin sheath that surround nerve cells. Receiving the proper amounts of Vitamin B-12 helps in maintaining the body’s energy level as well as keeping the central nervous, gastrointestinal, immune and cardiovascular systems healthy. People with vitamin B-12 deficiency suffer from reduced energy levels, impaired memory and concentration, as well as several gastrointestinal problems. These are also symptoms that appear during an attack of chronic fatigue syndrome. The B Vitamins folic acid and pantothenic acid are known to help treat fatigue. Increasing the intake of these vitamins can have beneficial effects for chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids These fatty acids are very essential to health. Unfortunately, the human body does not produce it naturally. Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help reduce blood pressure, decrease triglyceride levels, reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias, and stem the growth of plaque in the walls of the arteries. Again, the symptoms of Omega-3 deficiency are closely related to symptoms of CFS: fatigue, poor memory, depression, heart problems and poor circulation.

Sodium This mineral is necessary to keep the body’s fluid balances. People suffering from CFS may actually have very low levels of sodium in their bodies. Having the right amount of sodium can have beneficial effects for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, patients must consult their doctors first to have their sodium levels tested.

Other Minerals There are several minerals that are beneficial for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Chromium helps patients manage their blood sugar. Magnesium and potassium aspartates are known to help decrease fatigue in various clinical studies. Magnesium deficiency interferes with the Krebs cycle, which is responsible for transforming nutrients to energy. So ensuring the proper supply of magnesium in the body is a good way to combat the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Proper Nourishment For Pregnant Women With Diabetes

Pregnancy is probably the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to any woman. This is why proper nutrition and nourishmentdespite having a chronic illness such as diabetesshould be paid attention in order to ensure the health and well being not only of the mother but of the baby as well.

One of the most important aspects of pregnancy that should be paid attention to is proper nutrition. This cannot only be achieved by eating a variety of foods from different food groups but also by taking in prescribed supplementation. Since not all pregnant women are very tuned into eating a broad range of foods that are good sources of crucial nutrients during pregnancy, taking in supplements such as calcium, multivitamins and iron is necessary to support the growing baby inside the womb.

Ideal nourishment

Generally, pregnant women are advised to eat well-balanced meals that comprise of foods coming from all food groups so she can provide the proper nourishment for the baby and herself. Good nutrition by eating healthy foods and a well-balanced diet does not only ensure that the baby gets the nutrients he or she needs but this also help in minimizing some of the pains and discomfort caused by the symptoms of pregnancy.

To achieve optimum nutrition, pregnant women are advised to consume foods that are rich in folate, calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals that can be found in whole grain breads, pastas, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats and dairy products. The following are just some of the nutrients pregnant women need during the gestation period.

– calories. Pregnant women are advised to take in about 300 extra calories coming from a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains are needed everyday to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

– protein. Protein nourishment is very important during pregnancy because it provides the building blocks for the babys growth especially in proper brain development. Pregnant women with diabetes are advised to aim for 30 grams of protein or more daily that should come from various animal and dairy products such as cheese, eggs, fish, chicken, beef, lamb, yogurt, cereals, grains, pasta, legumes, beans, peanuts, broccoli, peas, and leafy green vegetables.

– Vitamin C. Enough supply of Vitamin C is quiet significant for a pregnant woman because it strengthens her immunity and helps in building strong collagen, bone and teeth for the growing baby. Since Vitamin C cannot be restored in the body, a fresh supply is needed daily to ensure that the mother gets enough of this nutrient. Excellent Vitamin C sources include green leafy and yellow vegetable as well as yellow fruits.

– calcium. For bone and tooth formation, calcium intake is another significant nutrient pregnant woman should increase. Experts say that about 1,200 mg of calcium daily is recommended for lactation and pregnancy. Calcium sources include dairy products and green leafy vegetables.

– iron. Iron is a very important mineral needed to avoid the possibility of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. The recommended iron intake for pregnant women is 30 to 50 mg that should come from lean meats, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, and whole grain cereals. But since it is difficult to get enough iron in diet intake alone, the doctor usually prescribes iron supplement.

Pregnant women with diabetes should be more particular about their eating patterns now more than before because maintaining proper levels of glucose can highly contribute to the overall of both mother and child.