Our nutritional habits do more than keep us sated. They can set the stage for our mental, emotional, and even psychological well-being. For patients experiencing chronic fatigue, a connection to nutritional habits isn’t usually the obvious answer. With that said, with more and more groundbreaking research about the fundamental role our gut health plays in our overall well-being, it’s important to understand that food can, in fact, affect chronic fatigue. Let’s take a closer look at what chronic fatigue is, how it may be connected to gut health, and what that means for you.
Chronic Fatigue Defined
Chronic fatigue is notoriously difficult to diagnose. It is defined as ongoing or recurrent exhaustion, brain fog, and flu-like symptoms lasting for more than 6 months. Chronic Fatigue plays a major role in the emotional and general well-being of those experiencing it.
Chronic Fatigue and Dietary Habits
Though chronic fatigue isn’t directly linked to any specific kind of diet, it is common for chronic fatigue patients to have trouble obtaining all of the nutrients they need in order to achieve optimal health. Because the pain and discomfort is frequently associated with fatigue, it’s not unusual for patients to consume insufficient amounts of macro and micronutrients. Inconsistent eating regimens and highly processed diets are widely encountered in the United States, with less than 1 in 10 American adults consuming enough plants daily.
What does this mean for chronic fatigue? Generally speaking, foods that are high in sugar, oil, or otherwise are highly processed can cause inflammation in the gut. This is a huge deal, because more and more studies show direct correlation between our gut microbiome (which are the healthy bacteria that help us break down nutrients in food) and our general wellbeing.
“Food is Medicine”
The adage “food is medicine” is so widely used that it’s practically become a cliche, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Time and time again, peer-reviewed studies across the world have shown positive correlations between well-balanced, nutrient-rich diets and long-lasting health benefits.
For patients experiencing chronic fatigue, it’s usually recommendable to focus on, plant-rich meals combined with intermittent fasting. Doctors and dietitians alike have found that patients who consume enough fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, probiotics, and antioxidants and introduce intermittent fasting regularly are able to better manage their symptoms and even see notable improvements.
This isn’t to say that patients with chronic fatigue are forbidden from indulging in processed foods on occasion. It is, however, recommended that the majority of the calories consumed come from whole foods.
It’s Not Necessarily That Simple
Of course, there’s hardly ever a one-size-fits all solution to any ailment or illness. Though food is a critical component of health for relief from chronic fatigue, it is unlikely to be the only aspect of your health that will require improvement..
Other factors, like your genetic makeup, family history, quality of sleep, exercise levels, stress level, and pre-existing conditions may be contributing to your chronic fatigue. This is why the best thing you can do is work with a doctor who can help you address the root cause of your symptoms in order to bring about a better quality of life long-term.
If you’re looking to alleviate the symptoms of your chronic fatigue, don’t underestimate the impact that a well-balanced diet can have on your overall health. Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you develop the best diet and lifestyle for you long-term.