Chronic fatigue syndrome: Do's and don'ts

A lot of research and medical study has gone into trying to identify the cause behind the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a debilitating condition, but to little avail.
Some theories connect the condition to the Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6. Then, some others believe that it is caused due to abnormal immune response. Characterized by constant fatigue, CFS cannot be improved by bed rest and treatment is mainly symptomatic.To avoid the worsening of the condition and manage the existing symptoms, it is important to adhere to certain set guidelines and norms.
Do: Maintain a healthy diet
Always encourage people with CFS to maintain a healthy diet routine. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to fiber-rich foods. There is also an urgent need to incorporate plenty of essential fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids) in the diet of such patients. Good sources of these nutrients include flax seed, walnuts, salmon and sardines. Besides this, an adequate supply of proteins is also vital to maintain a balance in blood sugar fluctuations that can cause fatigue.
Don’t: Excessive smoking
Frequent smoking can aggravate the condition and contribute to more stress. This is because the nicotine present in cigarettes interferes with the body’s blood sugar and this, in turn, lowers the energy levels. Apart from this, certain other chemicals present in cigarette smoke like formaldehyde, acetone and ammonia worsen the symptoms. Hence, the best way out is to quit smoking completely.
Do: Graded exercise program
Develop a graded exercise program with basic stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises. The fitness program should be planned in such a way so as to address the particular needs of the patient. While the minor cases can incorporate resistance training and flexibility exercises, severely deconditioned patients should restrict themselves to only basic activities of daily living (ADLs). Exercises should initially begin slowly and at moderate paces. Once the initial phase is mastered, you can gradually move to more advanced exercise forms with increased repetitions.
Don’t: Overuse of caffeinated drinks
Avoid any kind of caffeinated drinks if you are suffering from symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. It might be true that caffeine products act as a stimulator to keep you awake. But, at the same time, they place undue stress on your adrenals to cause exhaustion. Thus, it is advisable to limit the excessive use of coffee and other such products to only a cup a day.
Do: Stress-reduction techniques
Many experts and physicians believe that using relaxation techniques help fight fatigue and relieve stress associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Some of the most popular stress-reduction techniques used are deep breathing exercises, meditation, biofeedback, muscle relaxation techniques and yoga. In fact, a combination approach of yoga postures and deep breathing modules is a great way of ensuring a healthy and stress-free life.
Don’t: Napping during the day
A major symptom in people suffering from CFS is frequent sleeping problems like feeling sleepy throughout the day or difficulty in getting sleep at night. Hence, it is advisable to avoid sleeping during the day as much as possible. Also, try to wake up in the morning at the same time each day. Irregular sleeping habits may worsen the condition and add to the symptom. You can also try relaxation techniques at night before getting to sleep.
Do: Interact with people and seek help
Surround yourself with your near and dear ones and avoid staying aloof. Do not feel low or ashamed because of the condition and try to divert your mind at all times by finding someone to talk to. Always remember that there is no harm in seeking help from someone while suffering from depression.
(Source: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome report, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health report)
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