You can exercise, but you have to be extremely cautious. And it will not cure you." Even just a small amount of exercise or simple exertion can make some people much sicker, Klimas says. "If a doctor sends a patient to the gym to do endurance exercise, that's going to be a disaster," Klimas says.
Steer clear of sugary treats like cakes, sweet biscuits, lollies, doughnuts, chocolate, soft drinks, energy drinks and packaged fruit juices. Be mindful, too, that some foods posing as healthy snacks (like some protein bars) are actually very high in sugar.
Symptoms of ME/CFS can come and go, and often are triggered by physical activity or emotional stress. This can make it difficult for people to maintain a regular work schedule or to even take care of themselves at home. Many people may be too weak to get out of bed at different points during their illness.
Most of the time fatigue can be traced to one or more lifestyle issues, such as poor sleep habits or lack of exercise.
During PEM, any ME/CFS symptoms may get worse or first appear, including difficulty thinking, problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, feeling dizzy, or severe tiredness. It may take days, weeks, or longer to recover from a crash.
77% of people with CFS reported improvement with vitamin B12 treatment and they reported: an increase in vitamin B12 levels. an increase in daily walking. an increase in overall physical activity.
Although there's no cure for ME/CFS, there are ways to help manage your symptoms.
Checking the Symptoms
Reduced ability to do usual activities for six months or more because of fatigue. Worsening of symptoms (difficulty thinking, problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, feeling dizzy, or severe tiredness). after physical or mental exertion.
New Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 2023: A groundbreaking breakthrough occurred in 2023 with the introduction of a new treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Australian scientists have discovered a potential game-changer called low-dose Naltrexone (LDN).
One study suggests that the average lifespan of an ME/CFS patient is only 55.9 years, which is over 20 years less than the average U.S. lifespan. And the vast majority of patients—75 to 85 percent—are women.
ME has been formally classified as a neurological disorder by the World Health Organisation since 1969. ME as a neuro-immune-muscle disease had been established by Ramsay in the 1950s. In the 1970s UK psychiatrists McEvedy and Beard reclassified the disease as a psychiatric disorder of mass hysteria (2).
B12. “B12 is one of the most recognized B vitamins for energy support,” says Michels. “This is because vitamin B12 is involved in the production of red blood cells (think oxygen to the body) and deficiency may cause megaloblastic anemia, which presents with symptoms of fatigue and depression.”
Doctors might refer patients to see a specialist, like a neurologist, rheumatologist, or a sleep specialist, to check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These specialists might find other conditions that could be treated. Patients can have other conditions and still have ME/CFS.
Many conditions resemble chronic fatigue syndrome. These include: Fibromyalgia. Many autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren's syndrome)
It is not uncommon for CFS patients to sleep for periods of 12 hours or longer. But even if they sleep for this long, they still don't feel refreshed.
There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Treating these symptoms might provide relief for some patients with ME/CFS but not others.
Around 40% of CFS patients experience recovery over several years regardless of treatment.
Living with chronic fatigue syndrome
There is currently no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Dealing with the severe fatigue can be very challenging. It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to find treatments that help you. Some people find counseling or support groups helpful.
One night of poor sleep shouldn't have to impact your workout routine, but chronic sleep deprivation leading to multiple days of exhaustion is another matter, experts say. It may not be wise to hit the gym or play a sport when you're barely putting one foot in front of the other, said sleep specialist Dr.