The Vitamins & Minerals I Use To Help Manage My Symptoms
Although there is no official 'cure' for M.E, the illness can be managed and symptoms alleviated by trying different methods. For me i feel the basis of this, including diet and pacing, is getting a good amount of supplements inside us to give our bodies the best chance of recovery.
I have researched supplements comprehensively and i now take several daily, i really do feel they help me get through the day. For someone with a debilitating illness such as M.E, the smallest improvement can help so much. I have tried, tested and regularly take all of these supplements, so i hope you find the list and info useful!
- Multivitamins - Recommended even for healthy people, i feel this is the very least you should take if suffering with M.E. Most of us do not get all of the nutrition we need through our diet, so i always ensure i have a basic multivitamin to take.
- Co-enzyme Q10 - A substance found naturally in the body, which helps convert food into energy, this is an especially important one in the case of this condition, as studies have shown that people suffering from it are deficient. This can help improve energy levels.
- BetterYou B12 Oral Vitamin Spray - I use this every morning and do feel it helps, B12 is a important vitamin when fatigue is involved and this has lots of it, as well as green tea which is a great anti-oxidant. For more in depth info i have articles on both of these supplements.
- D-Ribose Powder - This is present in every body, which helps in energy production, or ATP, if you are more scientifically minded. M.E is essentially a symptom of mitochondrial failure. Mitochondria supply energy in the form of ATP, but when Mitochondria fail, then cells do not have the supply of energy to function at full speed. When these fail, it slows the whole body down. D-Ribose increases energy production in the heart and muscles. Again studies have shown that M.E patients have abnormally low heart functioning. Taking this daily helps your body to convert energy better and i have definitely noticed a difference.
- L-Carnitine - This is an amino acid which helps your body turn fat into energy. It has been proven to benefit M.E patients and it is one that i take regularly.
- Magnesium Flakes/Epsom Salts - This is something people have been using for years (Ask your nan!), magnesium is bursting with health benefits, and people with M.E have been shown to be very deficient, in fact even most healthy people are! Magnesium helps the body regulate hundreds of enzymes and they can help boost nutrient levels. I buy them by the kilo and always put them in my bath, As well as soothing aching muscles and helping headaches, they are great stress relief so i definitely have these on hand when i crash. I find a hot bath with plenty of Magnesium in it really does take the edge of a crash!
As always consult your GP before taking any new supplements, but i do hope this information helps. As a fellow sufferer i can vouch for all of the above and honestly say i think they help, certainly in my case anyway!
