| Understanding the actual definition of ME / Chronic | | | | cells, as well as increasing the production of vital |
| Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is absolutely crucial if the | | | | chemicals to support immune system response. |
| body is going to be treated with the respect it | | | | Maitake Mushroom - stimulates immune response |
| deserves while under attack from this debilitating | | | | by activating T-cells, the body's defence against |
| disorder. ME or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis literally | | | | viruses. |
| means pain in the muscles and inflammation in the | | | | Olive Leaf Extract - powerful antioxidant and |
| brain and spinal cord. As we now know, the onset | | | | free-radical scavenger, helps relieve fever. |
| of this disorder is usually preceded by viral | | | | Garlic - supports cardiovascular health and immune |
| infection which leaves a trail of debilitating | | | | system function and has antibacterial and |
| symptoms such as the persistent physical | | | | antifungal properties. |
| exhaustion, body aches and pains and other | | | | Magnesium - supports every organ in the body, |
| serious physical and cognitive disturbances | | | | particularly the heart, muscles and kidneys. |
| experienced by its victims. Although this is an | | | | Iron - used in the production of haemoglobin and |
| incurable condition, you can help your body into | | | | red blood cells that transport oxygen to the |
| remission with a variety of treatments and | | | | tissues. |
| supplements. | | | | Zinc - supports normal and healthy immune |
| Support Your Immune System | | | | function. |
| At the forefront of strategies to consider in the | | | | Selenium - helps maintain healthy immune function |
| symptomatic treatment of ME/CFS, the Immune | | | | and may assist with cardiovascular health. |
| System should be of the highest priority as it has | | | | Dosages: Please follow the recommended dosages |
| been compromised to a large degree. Those | | | | given by the manufacturer of the vitamins and |
| suffering from ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome | | | | minerals you take. |
| often fall prey to other diseases and disorders as | | | | Adopt a Healthier Diet |
| a result of their already compromised immune | | | | A good immune system boosting diet will contain |
| systems. Researchers have found the immune | | | | fresh fruits and plenty of vegetables including |
| system is weakened at the onset of the disorder | | | | green leafy vegetables, protein-rich foods such as |
| due to the presence of virus, and as the disorder | | | | eggs, lean meats or tofu, whole grains, raw seeds |
| progresses the immune system is then usually | | | | and cold pressed oils, particularly Coconut oil as it |
| chronically activated in patients with ME/CFS. | | | | has antiviral properties among its many benefits. |
| What this means is the immune system goes into | | | | Eliminate fast-foods as much as possible, by |
| "overdrive", it is on constant alert, often mistaking | | | | regularly consuming them you are not getting the |
| even normal functions such as stress or fatigue | | | | nutrients that your body needs. |
| as being pathogenic invaders, when clearly they | | | | Eating the right fats such as those found in |
| are not. Through this process of being under | | | | coconut oil help to reduce joint swelling and |
| unnecessary stress, the body is put out of | | | | inflammation, improve cognitive function and |
| homeostasis and left fatigued. Your body needs | | | | memory and also support the immune and |
| help, what can you do to help it? | | | | nervous systems. Other nut and seed oils may |
| Firstly, adequate sleep and resting the body is vital | | | | also be beneficial, but they must be cold pressed. |
| for re-building your immune system, listen to your | | | | It is very common for people to develop food |
| body and rest when you feel the need. You are | | | | allergies or intolerances after the onset of ME |
| not being lazy, this is a serious condition which | | | | Chronic Fatigue. If you suspect you have a |
| needs your attention. It is when we sleep that the | | | | problem, a registered dietician or nutritionist is |
| immune system is strengthened and rejuvenated. | | | | often helpful. It is very important to eliminate any |
| During ME/CFS our body needs a wide array of | | | | offending foods from your diet as the discomfort, |
| vitamins, especially: | | | | bloating or indigestion accompanying the |
| Vitamin A - necessary for the production of | | | | intolerance is most likely hindering the remission |
| antibodies to help fight off viral infections. | | | | process. |
| B Group Vitamins - the body uses these in its | | | | Reduce Your Stress Levels |
| energy production processes. | | | | Understandably, this is often easier said than done, |
| Vitamin B6 - involved in the manufacture of | | | | especially when normal functioning is very limited, |
| neurotransmitters needed for the regulation of | | | | however stress can be highly detrimental to the |
| normal mental processes. | | | | immune system as well as the body as a whole. |
| Vitamin B12 - relieves mood swings and may | | | | Stress of any kind weakens the immune system |
| improve memory function. | | | | and makes you susceptible to an array of other |
| Vitamin C - involved in the production of | | | | diseases and disorders. Some strategies for |
| infection-fighting white blood cells. | | | | stress reduction may include keeping a daily |
| Vitamin D - optimizes healthy nervous and | | | | journal, seeking counseling or perhaps engaging in |
| immune systems. | | | | low-physical hobbies you enjoy. Meditation is also a |
| Vitamin E - an antioxidant and immune booster. | | | | very powerful stress reduction method which |
| Other useful supplements for correcting immune | | | | should be considered as part of your daily routine, |
| function are: | | | | a variety of guided meditations can be obtained |
| Aloe Vera - contains vitamins, minerals, amino | | | | on CD or Mp3. These are of great benefit |
| acids, enzymes and other ingredients that act as | | | | especially if your mobility is restricted and you are |
| an immune booster and also a natural antiseptic. | | | | unable to attend guided classes or groups. |
| Echinacea - increases the activity of white blood | | | | |