Diet For Chronic fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are diseases of acidosis or overly acidic systems. The aim therefore, is to bring the blood, organs and tissues of the body into an alkaline range primarily by dietary management.

3 Glasses of raw vegetable juice every day: whatever suits you and does not cause an adverse reaction like nausea, bloating or indigestion. Cucumber-carrot, and ash pumpkin-beetroot are good combinations. Start with smaller quantities, dilute with water as needed, but do not strain the juice. Juices must be prepared fresh each day and can be kept in the refrigerator until night. Bring to room temperature before drinking or add some warm water
3 bowls of raw vegetable salad at mealtimes every day.
Fruit whenever you feel like a snack

Avoid wheat, dairy products, coffee, tea, processed foods, vinegar, sugar and sweets, all of which are acid forming and will increase the pain and fatigue. Green herbal teas with limejuice and honey are good. You can have meat, fish and eggs in small quantity daily if you feel the need. They provide high quality proteins, B vitamins and help in detoxifying.
Use ragi, unpolished or parboiled rice, fresh steamed or roasted corn, sweet potatoes, tapioca as sources of carbohydrate.
Avoid dry pulses and legumes. If you are vegetarian and can digest them well, you can use green or sprouted beans and legumes, cooked according to your preference.
Soya paneer or tofu is available in many stores and an excellent protein source for vegetarians. However, soya products should not be used in excess.
You can have raw sprouts of moong, alfalfa, methi. Raw Sprouts are rich in vitamins and living enzymes and help to detoxify the body.
Potatoes are not acidic if cooked with skins, which may be peeled later if you don’t prefer to eat them that way.
Use fresh greens like spinach and lettuce in salads every day. Be sure to wash them thoroughly. Greens are rich in magnesium and folate apart from other minerals and vitamins, and highly alkalizing for the system.
Fruits and dry fruits like dates and raisins for that sweet tooth and for instant energy. Though very sweet, they are alkaline on digestion because of their high mineral content.
Raw flax seed, sesame seeds and nuts for essential fatty acids. These should be stored in the refrigerator. The seeds are to be dry-ground in a mixer, a few tablespoons at a time whenever needed. Mixed with cardamom and a little honey, they make a delicious dessert.
Use only unrefined oils for cooking. Coconut oil is best because it is heat stable, antifungal and boosts the metabolism. Never use refined or hydrogenated oils.
Meat, chicken and fish are best cooked without any added oils as soups and stews, or simply sautéed with ground masala and then simmered to make gravy.
By Ms Nevina Kamath