1. Follow the Right Diet
It's essential to avoid refined sugars when you have chronic fatigue syndrome. Refined sugars lower the adrenals and contribute to the tiredness you're already experiencing. Eating protein-rich foods will help give you more energy -- and that energy will be sustained, rather than the quick high and quicker crash that sugars provide. Keeping an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet will help strengthen your immune system. This is particularly important in chronic fatigue syndrome, which is caused, in part, by a weakening of that system.
2. Manage the Pain
Most people with chronic fatigue syndrome experience ongoing, unexplained pain in their muscles and joints, much like the all-over body aches that come with the flu. These pains can be managed by taking such over-the-counter medications as ibuprofen and acetaminophen on an as-needed basis. Some doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for people with pain that is a little harder to manage. In addition, relaxation and stretching exercises, massage and soaking in warm water are also effective techniques for relieving chronic pain.
3. Address Dizziness
Many chronic-fatigue-syndrome patients have frequent bouts of dizziness and lightheadedness. Correct this by drinking lots of water and getting an adequate amount of salt in your diet. This will increase the volume of blood in your system, which will make it less likely you'll get dizzy in the future. Be sure to drink at least eight to 10 8-oz. glasses of water a day. If drinking increased amounts of fluids for a month doesn't resolve your dizziness, see a doctor for possible treatment with prescription medications.
4. Treat Depression if You Have It
Treatment with antidepressants is frequently necessary with chronic fatigue syndrome, since it's common to become depressed when you feel too tired to do anything. Antidepressants can make you feel better emotionally, and they also have the added benefit of helping improve your sleep. (Insomnia is one of the primary symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.) Relieving depression and improving your sleep will help increase your memory, as well.
5. Improve Your Memory
Making lists, keeping a daily calendar and recording the things you need to remember into a portable recorder can help you keep track of what you need to do, while fighting the confusion and memory loss that often come with chronic fatigue syndrome. Practicing meditation and relaxation techniques on a regular basis will also help strengthen your memory in the long term. In order to keep your memory strong and your mind exercised, do crossword puzzles, logic puzzles and word searches on a regular basis.
