Dieting for CFS/ME/PVFS

Eating little and often will enable your body the chance to spread managing the energy struggles it is already going through.

Diet can play a very important role in the continuing ability of CFS/ME sufferers to manage their symptoms and find additional energy levels. Even people who do not suffer with CFS/ME would do wise to pay attention to the foods they eat but CFS/ME sufferers are particularly vulnerable to the types of foods we eat can having an impact on how we feel.

Not only do the foods we eat have an impact on how we feel, but the amounts, times and frequency in which we eat. Eating once every 6-8 hours will not give any body the supply of energy they need in order to maintain energies any better than eating sugary products with the absence of a well balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Everyone will be different; each having different dietary needs, but the key is finding a balance between the food groups and avoiding those products, which have an adverse affect.

Products, which are high in white sugar, which offer a quick surge of energy into the blood stream will leave you with an equally low come down. Such feelings can make the tiredness you feel from the ME feel even worse.

Eating little and often will enable your body the chance to spread managing the energy struggles it is already going through. It may appear extreme, but eating high energy foods earlier in the day, only to not eat for a further 4-6 hours will not mean you don’t need to eat, only that for a period of time you’ve received the nourishment you need.

Eating 3 healthy meals a day will give you the best chance of finding a routine that your body can settle into. Bodies like routine; the sooner you can find one that works, the closer you’ve come to managing the illness.

Start the day with something high in carbohydrate (e.g. toast with banana), followed up on the afternoon by (e.g. salad or pasta dish), with a moderate dinner in the evening of your choice. Avoid snacking during the day on sugary products like; sweets, chocolate, cakes and switch to more high energy yielding products like cashew nuts, fruit, Ryvita and pulses. The slow release energy in these foods will better serve you (although perhaps not as enjoyable!).

All in all, the important thing is to find what works for you. You may find that being able to eat the foods you enjoy more important than having fuller energy levels. But if maintaining your health is of utmost importance, finding a healthy, balanced diet will enable you to stand a chance of managing the symptoms of ME/CFS.