The syndrome indicates mitochondria aren’t working as they should, and the resulting symptoms range from mild to severe and include: very poor mental stamina, poor short-term memory, poor problem solving, being unable to follow a line of argument and difficulty reading or watching TV.
The following forms the basis of the treatment plan I give to every CFS patient I see to live well with CFS.
1. Pace yourself
Don’t use up the energy supplied by the mitochondria faster than they can supply it.
2. If you’re tired, slow down
Feed your mitochondria. Good nutrition will help to heal the mitochondria and stabilise blood sugar levels.
3. Get your sleep
Make sure you get lots of it at night to help your body rest and recharge.
4. Lower your toxin load
Heavy metals, pesticides, alcohol and tobacco and volatile organic compounds (found in many cleaning products) all poison mitochondria. Reducing the toxic load on your body will allow it to process and expel toxins more easily.
5. Optimise gut function
Bacteria, yeasts and other parasites in the upper gut mean food isn’t digested as it should and ferments. This can cause ‘foggy brain’. I recommend a Paleo diet – meat, fish, veg, berries, eggs, oils and fats for the least amount of stress on the body.
6. Invest in a good range of micronutrient supplements
That is, one that will provide both essential vitamins and minerals.
Follow this programme to prevent further damage to already compromised cells and help the body return to optimum health.
