| Answer: | Chronic fatigue seems to be a sign of our times: some 30 per cent of visitsto the doctor are from people complaining of it. But ME,now known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is much rarer, probably affecting fewer than 1 per cent of patients. It' s characterized not just by severe, prolonged fatigue, but also by symptoms such as recurrent sore throat, painful lymph nodes, muscle weakness and pain, headaches and joint pain. Its cause remains a mystery, although a weakened immune system and problems with detoxifying the body have been suggested. When coupled with the menopause, the syndrome can be a huge drain on the body and mind.
First, you need to tackle the CFS to get your energy levels back again. This will involve a detox aimed at cleansing the liver. For the first week, cut out meat, dairy products, wheat and other gluten grains, tea, coffee and alcohol. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and cauliflower for their liver-supporting glucosinolates; carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and other orange-coloured foods, and spinach and watercress, for their beta-carotene; and fresh apricots, berries, melons, mango and papaya. Eat wholefoods such as brown rice and beans, high-quality protein such as oily fish and free-range chicken, and add in a large handful of raw, unsalted nuts and seeds a day, whole or ground in a fruit salad. Drink plenty of water, 1.5 litres a day.
Also supplement a good high-strength multivitamin and an antioxidant supplement. Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, glutathione, amino acids suchas glutamine, and flavonoids, phospholipids, and antioxidants suchas vitamins E and C are all important. Milk thistle, 100mg twice a day, helps with the detoxification process.
To answer your question about exercise, have you thought about yoga? Yogacan harmonise breath, movement and postureto remove physical blocks and tension in the body, and while gentle, can leave you feeling energized. |
