Can the symptoms of M.E. be managed effectively through diet?

Can cutting out certain foods/focussing on particular food groups help to ease symptoms of M.E. such as fatigue or muscle pain?
Asked by AngharadM

14 answers

Top answer
lindadb
Definitely. Cut out sugar completely. See a Kinesiologist and be tested for food sensitivities, but also concentrate on what you MUST eat as well as what you cut out. Supplements of vitamin D, Omega 3, B complex and sometimes calcium/magnesium helpful - as is (I have found) a good quality colloidal silver temporarily. A good Systematic Kinesiologist will also incorporate emotional factors and lymphatic massage. Godo luck.
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karriepink
M.E/CFS is often also something developed after Glandular Fever and after many years of experience of a member of my family with it and myself I would say that Diet can help a lot; cutting out sugars additives ready meals etc helps but it is a trial and elimination process as no two sufferers are the same! some homeopathy can be helpful but not always effective for all! See the M.E, Trust organisation a Voluntary group for help and advice! Hospital Consultants all have their own views so it can be a nightmare as sufferers are often told its in their heads and occupational therapy can help! This does not always help as it now proven to be a viral illness possibly linked to the polio virus! My saviour has been the M.E Action Group for young people (the Tymes Trust) and M.E Support Group for Adults!
HealTheBody
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Nutrition and lifestyle changes can provide the body with the opportunity to renew and heal and fight any disease.
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Vic1504
Absolutely. Cut out sugar and stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Eat small, regular meals of good quality protein, complex carbs such as brown/wild rice and plenty of green veg. Nutrients needed for energy production include vitamins C and B complex, iron and magnesium (however, if you're on any medication, always check with your GP before incorporating supplements in your diet as they may clash).
There is no subsitute for a clean, healthy diet so always look at improving this first and foremost and then adding your supplements to give you a boost.
scott39
yes they can 1000% you need to get test to see what food are not good for you and body dose not like http://www.activebryantsystems.com/functional-diagnostic-nutrition.html
ChrisPickard
Yes, cutting out certain foods can help - usually the normal culprits - processed foods, cakes, wheat, dairy, most red meats. Generally adopting a hunter/gatherer diet, or 'Alkaline' diet will get you on track for this.
However each case of ME or CFS can be unique - I've just treated 2 this afternoon, and answers can be very different. Most need good nutrition, graded exercise, spinal realignment, emotional work - all sorts.
If you can raise glutathione (the body's master anti-oxidant) and CoEnzyme A (the body's master enzyme) you should be be on your way to better health.
Having a range of labtests and/or seeing someone that uses kinesiology (like lindadb who I know) would be a good idea.
MorrissaMorris
This answer is not related to food, but I feel it can have a big healing impact on M.E. This is how I cured my CFS and feel it can be a physical healing option for most people.
Gaining increasing recognition and support across the spectrum of healthcare, EFT and related Energy Psychology approaches are challenging the way we understand disease and how we approach healing. We have found EFT an extremely effective and safe technique for many with ME, CFS and Fibromyalgia.
Often referred to as 'Emotional Acupuncture without needles', EFT offers a simple yet profound way of working on emotional and physical well being, through simple 'tapping routines' on the energy meridian system.
Blockages in our meridians arise at various times of our life, amongst them traumatic or difficult experiences, sub-conscious conditioning and poor lifestyle options. The resulting impact of these blockages can be a set of negative emotional responses, negative belief systems and ultimately physical, emotional dis-ease and pain.
EFT is an easily learned technique for self-application. However, the efficacy of the techniques is greatly enhanced when working with an experienced practitioner.
Below are links to a BBC video about how one woman cured her ME with EFT and to a site that tells you more about why EFT can be effective for ME.
Good Luck & Best Wishes!
HerbalifeDistributor
It is really important to make sure you are getting a good nutritional intake.
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katrinawoodrow
Identifying and ruling out food intolerances, particularly to gluten, lactose, sugar and yeast are very important but underlying factors such as candida, viruses and heavy metal toxicity must also be addressed or full recovery will be hard to achieve. Vitamin & mineral deficiencies should also be identified and the right supplements taken. Kinesiology is probably the best diagnostic therapy for this. I hope this helps. :-)
DianeNivern
Cutting out processed and refined foods which contain artificial flavourings, colours, additives and excessive levels of salt and sugar will help.
Eating foods as close to their natural state as possible gives the chronic fatigue / M.E. body the best possible chance to absorb the nutrients in the food to convert them into the energy (ATP) that every cellular process in our bodies need.
I recommend ME and chronic fatigue expert Nikki Gratix to you too - for a personalised nutritional therapy approach.
Another highly recommended technique is the Perrin Technique which combines a holistic approach with osteopathic principles. Although Dr Perrin and his accomplished colleague Gail Sumner are based in Manchester he has trained practitioners around the UK and internationally
Diane Nivern
Diane Nivern Clinic Ltd
Whitefield, Manchester
0161 796 1169
http://www.dianenivern.com
JaneyB
In Ayurveda we believe that chronic illnesses such as ME are a build up of toxins in our body which dampens down our digestive fire. I am happy to send you some information on how to stop this. Email me if interested at rejuve90@yahoo.co.uk
DrNadia
Hi. Yes they can! Often symptoms of ME are related to hidden food allergies ( the commonest being to gluten in wheat, oats etc or dairy allergy) or specific nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D or B12. I would invest in seeing a good nutritional therapist and an excellent option would be the institute of optimum nutrition. The are likely to test for allergies, nutrient deficiencies, and possibly toxicity with heavy metals etc. Your body needs the right fuel to work efficiently and often a conventional so called balanced diet is not the correct option and doesn't take into account individual variability. When you feel a bit better I suggest starting a gradual exercise programme. I wish you the best of luck with this and am sure you will feel better, Dr Nadia Abdel Aal
CaroleB
Yes, the right diet can absolutely relieve the symptoms of ME, if you are determined then ME can be overcome completely using diet but it isn't a quick fix. The lady I trained with cured her own ME 17 years ago by working with a Nutritional Therapist and was so inspired she trained in the therapy herself and has made it her vocation to teach as many people as possible just how much difference good food, and judicious use of good quality supplements can make. In turn I have seen a number of clients get relief from their symptoms of CFS.
ukhomeopath
Yes, I have had patients who by cutting out red and white meat feel a difference. Homeopathy also has some wonderful remedies for CFS.
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