11 resources
There is no universal diet for ME/CFS, but many sufferers benefit from an anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-friendly and nutrient-rich diet. In addition, a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting can be tried to support energy production. It is important to listen to your own body and, if necessary, seek nutritional advice.
What is the right diet for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)? This question regularly preoccupies thousands of people suffering from debilitating fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, brain fog and other symptoms. But although there is an enormous need for scientifically based information on this topic, the answers provided by doctors often disappoint those seeking help.
To date, there are no specifically approved drugs for the treatment of Long COVID. Nevertheless, various drugs are already being used that can effectively alleviate the symptoms.
Long COVID patients should have easier access to drugs. This is one of the outcomes of the Long COVID round table, to which Federal Health Minister Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach invited experts and affected individuals on 12 September 2023. Among other things, it was decided to draw up a list of drugs that can be prescribed and reimbursed for Long COVID patients even if they are not approved for this indication.
Measures to improve care for long COVID patients: A report by the Long COVID Off-Label Use expert group, commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) (from page 8)
Pacing refers to an important strategy for managing ME/CFS and describes a thoughtful, gentle approach to one's own energy resources and a corresponding energy and activity management plan.
The medical treatment of MECFS focuses on alleviating symptoms, as there is currently no causal cure available. (scroll down)
On this page, the German Society for ME/CFS introduces the concept of pacing, a method for managing activities in a targeted manner. It offers helpful tips for those affected to avoid overexertion and stabilise their quality of life.
In ME/CFS, the anaerobic threshold (the point at which the body produces energy without oxygen) is often reached more quickly than in healthy people. When this threshold is exceeded, symptoms can worsen – this is known as a crash, triggered by post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Some of the drug therapies are off-label. Patients should be informed accordingly and receive adequate support during complex, multimodal therapy.
An international team of scientists from Norway, Iran, Italy and Belgium wrote a review article on the state of research on ME/CFS and dietary supplements. The article was recently published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy and summarises the results of relevant scientific studies.
Specialised medical care can be an important source of support for people with ME/CFS. An overview of clinics and specialist outpatient departments can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).
Please note that we cannot make any explicit recommendations for specific institutions. The quality of care can vary, and it is important to inform yourself about the respective services offered. Nevertheless, we would like to point out that there are places to turn to – even if the care network for ME/CFS in Germany remains inadequate.
