Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder characterized by bouts of extreme tiredness and the inability to feel rested even after periods of sleep. Fibromyalgia sufferers also experience pain in the joints, in addition to the extreme fatigue. It is believed that the symptoms of these two illnesses stem from allergies and sensitivities to chemicals and preservatives that are found in foods. Eliminating possible food allergens may be helpful in reducing the severity of symptoms.
Elimination Diet
Dr. William G. Crook, a general practitioner from Jackson, Tennessee, created the elimination diet in the 1980s as a way to detect food allergies. Variations of the diet have been developed over the years to solve a myriad of issues, including reducing the severity of colic in babies. Most forms of the elimination diet begin by removing all foods that may be the cause of the problem. Wheat, gluten, dairy foods, eggs, citrus fruits and processed foods that contain additives and preservatives are typically removed from the diet. After one week to one month, these foods are slowly added back into the diet, one food at a time. Other foods can be reintroduced at intervals of five to seven days until the offending food or additive is discovered.
Fasting
Fasting is a type of elimination diet but should only be attempted under the strict supervision of a physician. During a fasting period, nothing but spring water is consumed for a period of five days. After the initial five-day period, other foods may be introduced to determine if there is a food allergy or sensitivity. Because of the extreme conditions of a fast, this type of diet should only be considered in the most difficult cases.
Alkaline Diet
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia symptoms may be reduced by eating a more alkaline diet. If the body becomes too acidic, a variety of reactions can occur. A buildup of uric acid in the body can cause arthritic-type pain, like that caused by gout. Acid indigestion can cause stomach issues as well as hinder the absorption of nutrients. High levels of stress also cause the body to become more acidic.
Eating alkaline foods and drinking plenty of water can re-establish the delicate pH balance in the body. Soy foods, apples, squash, melons, carrots, lettuce and similar fruits and vegetables will reduce acid levels in the body.
Detox Diet
Detoxifying the body is another way of eliminating possible causes of food sensitivities. It is similar to the elimination diet but is more elaborate because it targets certain ingredients in the foods that are consumed. You should start this diet after a 30-day trial period in which you remove gluten and casein. Then you consume whole grains, unrefined vegetable proteins, vegetables, fruits and filtered water for the next 7 to 10 days. After the detoxification period is over, food groups can be added back at 48-hour intervals. Add back dairy, yeast, citrus, corn and cocoa in that order, according to Detox.net.
Watch particularly for salicylates, dietary amines, yeasts and glutamates. You can find many of these by reading labels. Carefully document any sensitivities and food allergies and eliminate those foods from your diet.
