Thursday, September 17, 2009

Grouchy Old Man (Or Woman)

By Anju Mathur, M.D.

Tired, achy, feeling old? Life getting the best of you? Not too much can be done about the number of years that have gone by, but you can get rid of the aches and pains, the gloomy outlook and get some zest back in your life.

Symptoms like these are often diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome and the conventional handling for such a condition is to tell the patient "it's all in your head" and you're just getting old.

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.

A low level of neurotransmitter serotonin in the body can also cause symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and old age. If a person has a low level of this chemical in the body, it can cause the sensation of pain to be heightened. It also plays a crucial role in regulating mood and contributing to depression.

St. John's Wort, SAMe and 5-HIP are names of natural supplements that increase serotonin and can provide alleviation of pain and depression. They are much safer than psychiatric drugs and unlike psychiatric anti-depressants these natural remedies are backed by solid research. Also they do not have the damaging side effects of prescription anti-depressants.

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! - 14130

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