Sleep, nutrition, and physical exercise. A pattern of proper sleep, nutrition, and a daily aerobic exercise routine can help manage chronic fatigue. Behavioral therapy techniques, medications including sleep aids, or a referral to a sleep specialist may be recommended to facilitate good sleep. To promote exercising, your health care provider at the Integrative Medicine Center will also create and discuss an individualized graded exercise program with you, using activity management to balance rest and activity to avoid fatigue. We will also make nutritional recommendations to optimize your energy.
Nutritional therapies. Eating healthy foods and foods high in B vitamins are essential. These include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and green tea. Some of the best energy supplements include not only B vitamins, but vitamin D3 and vitamin E as well. Including Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc as part of the vitamin regime is suggested by nutritionists. Additional supplements such as CoQ10, L-glutamine, fish oil, and ginkgo biloba may be beneficial.
Avoiding excessive alcohol, sugar, and caffeine is beneficial to help prevent worsening CFS symptoms. Limiting food additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners (Aspartame), high fructose corn syrup, and refined carbohydrates can also help keep symptoms at bay. Sodium supplements should be avoided.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. To change self-defeating behaviors and enhance self belief, you may be advised to meet with one of the Integrative Medicine Center’s experienced psychologists. The psychologist might integrate stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, guided imagery, or meditation to help you manage your outlook and processing of your range of symptoms to manage chronic pain.
Complementary medicine therapies. Patients demonstrating adherence to their individualized sleep, exercise, nutrition, and behavioral therapy treatment plans may benefit from additional therapies. Such complementary therapies include massage, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, or chiropractic care and should be considered. These supplementary methods paired with effective treatment plans may help to improve your overall quality of life and usual activities.
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