Feeling Like An Old Curmudgeon?

| Wednesday, June 22, 2011
By Anju Mathur, M.D.


Feel exhausted? More aches and pains that you can take? Life just getting you down? And you're told it's because you're getting old? Perhaps you're getting on in years, and there's nothing that can be done about the years, but there is something that can be done to get rid of the aches and pains, increase vitality and give you a brighter outlook on life.

Chronic fatigue syndrome often carries these symptoms, but with conventional medicine there's not much you can do about it. It's almost like saying, "Well, you're just getting old," or "it's all in your head."

You could see a sleep therapist and a dietitian and a physical therapist and a psychologist, and obtain very little or no results. These are the usual recommendations.

There are actual physical causes underlying chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic aches and pains and depression. What you eat will make a huge difference in how you feel. A diet high in saturated fats and refined vegetable oils will exacerbate pain, while the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed oil will help alleviate it. Likewise, eating lots of refined carbohydrates will worsen your condition, whereas slow-burning carbohydrates (foods rich in fiber) give your body the sustained source of energy it needs.

A doctor also needs to test the body for food allergies. Often these allergies do not start until one becomes older. If you have the tests done, you can avoid wheat or dairy products or whatever is found to be the allergy. This can change your life.

There is also a chemical produced in the body, a lack of which can result in the aches and depression of chronic fatigue syndrome and old age. It is called neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin controls mood and a lack of it contributes to feelings of gloom. The perception of pain is increased when the body lacks this chemical..

Psychiatric anti-depressant drugs do not reach the underlying cause, and therefore just mask symptoms - and additionally bring on a wide range of unwanted side effects. Natural remedies, backed by solid research (which anti-depressants are not), are much safer. St. John's Wort, SAMe, and 5-HIP are all natural supplements that boost serotonin.

Many people have benefited with programs of diet and nutrients and supplements tailored for their own bodies and found new energy for life. No need to be a grouchy old man - or woman!




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment