Also known as post viral fatigue syndrome, or chronic fatigue syndrome, this condition is characterized by extreme exhaustion, muscle aches and weakness, headaches, digestive problems, visual disturbances, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating and speaking. Doctors are unclear what causes the illness, though it sometimes occurs after a major viral infection.

Treatment

Dietary

Eat regular meals of wholegrain cereals, plenty of fruit and vegetables, and quality of protein at least twice a daily.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Reduce intake of sugar and junk food.

Keep a supply of high energy snacks available for times when you cannot prepare meals (soup, fruit, nuts, cereals and juices are good).

Some ME sufferers are unable to digest milk. Substituting milk with other non dairy products calcium-rich foods often helps to clear helps clear up digestive problems associated with this illness.

Food allergy may be a factor in ME.

Some physicians and naturopaths believe that symptom of diarrhoea, bloating and stomach pain in ME result from chronic yeast infection.

B complex supplements may be helpful: 2 * 50mg daily.

Herbal

Evening primrose oil is sometimes helpful, though the supplement must be taken over at least three months to see the effects. 2-3 g daily is the recommend dose.

Homoeopathy

Professional homoeopathic treatment has shown god results with ME.

Exercise

Some exercise can help, but the key thing to do is not to overdo it, as it may bring on a relapse. Walking or a short swim in a warm pool may be possible, but be aware when your body tells you enough.

Relaxation

physical and mental rest is one of the most important factors in treating ME.

accept that your commitments, activities and expectations will change as a result of your illness.

plan every single day to ensure activities are organized so to allow sufficient bed rest in between.

plan for a period of bed rest in the afternoon; listen to the radio, or a tape if you don’t want to sleep.

rest in a quite place; donnot answer the phone or door bell.

if you feel tired at different times during the day, rest; threre is no point in continuing if you feel bad.