So your Doctor says you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-CFS

Brenda and Tess
Jul 22, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Aug 19, 2019

Now before you go running to Dr Google for a second opinion, and get totally bummed, here is the lowdown. It is extreme fatigue or exhaustion that prevents

you from performing your usual activities, is not resolved by rest, continues for minimum of 6 months and can’t be explained by an underlying medical condition such as;

Mononucleosis
Lyme Disease
Hypothyroidism
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis
Fibromyalgia
Major Depressive Disorder
Severe Obesity
Sleep Disorder

CFS can be associated with muscle and joint pain, headaches, frequent sore throats, swollen lymphnodes, chronic insomnia, memory loss and poor concentration-brain fog. It is super debilitating and there is no easy cure, but I believe treatment at a grass-roots level can greatly improve healing so don’t throw yourself under the bus yet!!

New research suggests contributing factors may be...

*Viruses such as Epstein-Barr

Rubella

Ross River

Human Herpesvirus 6

*Nutrient Deficiencies

*Weakened Immune System

*Gut Health/Dysfunction

*Hormonal Imbalances

*Acute mental or physical Stress

*Allergies/Food Intolerances

*Environmental factors-pollution, cigarettes, household mould, lead, pesticides etc.

All of the above result in some form of INFLAMMATION in the body so the healing process needs to start at a mitochondrial level by reducing that inflammation.And by the way, you don’t have to have CFS or an autoimmune problem to embrace this protocol, everybody can benefit and optimise their health.

Keen to do it? Here we go then.....

1. Keep off the GRASS-Grains, Sugar, Starch and Seed Oils. They all cause an inflammatory response in the body, especially the gut.

2. EAT THIS-REAL FOOD... nothing processed!

3. Become a NUTRIVORE eating only the most nutrient dense food on the planet to ensure you are getting optimal essential vitamins and minerals A, B, C, D, K2 Magnesium, CoQ10, Omega 3’s.

Liver, Eggs, Grass-Fed Beef, Salmon, Avocado, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Seaweed-Nori, Spinach, Parsley

Mushrooms, Cruciferous Veg, Blueberries, Macadamias, Almonds, Cacao, 85%

Dark Chocolate

Plain Full-fat Yogurt, Sauerkraut, Kombucha

These animal proteins, healthy fats, above ground vegetables and herbs and fermented foods provide all the nutrients we need with minimal toxicity from;

DON’T EAT THIS -

* Gluten-can cause intestinal permeability in heaps of people-not just coeliacs.

* Lectins-these are a big players in Leaky Gut.

* Phytates - can bind to minerals and prevent their absorption.

* Oxalates-bind to calcium in the blood forming tiny sharp crystals in the muscle causing pain.

Some people are more sensitive than others, the highest concentrations of antinutrients are found in... GRAINS, BEANS, LEGUMES, NUTS (Macadamias/Almonds are OK) and NIGHTSHADES (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, cayenne pepper, paprika)

If these have been a staple of your diet for a long time, consider ditching them while you heal. Just 3 months can make a huge difference in relieving symptoms and boosting immunity. When you are firing on all cylinders again, you can think about reintroducing them slowly and noting how you feel.

Having said that, I personally will remain a Keto-Nutrivore until new science tells me

otherwise. Over the last 15 yrs I have eaten from the Traditional food pyramid, to Low Fat, Vegetarian, Vegan and Paleo but this is where I feel and look optimal and can live my best life!! (If adhering to this real food plan is going to be a struggle, you will have to resort to supplements which are expensive and not as effective but do-able)

4. Wash all Vegetables and Fruit to minimise pesticide contamination.

5. Improve your sleep hygiene/routine

*Get up and go to bed at the same time most days.

*15 min walk first thing in the morning and look directly into the sun to help set circadian rhythm.

*Daytime nap 30mins only.

*No caffeine after 1pm

*No food within 3 hrs of bedtime

*Use blue light blocking glasses for screen time after dark.

*A regular nightly routine helps the body recognise it’s bedtime.

*Warm shower before bed can help with deep sleep

*Ensure the bedroom is cool and dark...use a comfy eye mask?ear plugs?white noise machine?

6. Start a Meditation practice and include some yoga for stress reduction.There are some cool apps available now.