Feeling Grouchy In Your "Old Age?"

By Anju Mathur, M.D.

Feel like you're just getting old and life is getting you down? Too many aches and pains? Tired all the time? Well, maybe you are getting old, and there's nothing that can be done about your age, but certainly there is something that can be done to elevate your mood, give you more energy and alleviate those aches and pains.

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.

Sometimes allergies arise later in life, and these can be tested for. Wheat and dairy are common offenders. Once you eliminate the offending foods, it will make a big difference in how you feel.

Neurotransmitter serotonin is a chemical produced by the body which regulates mood and a lack of this chemical makes one feel gloomy and cause other symptoms attributed to chronic fatigue syndrome. It also is associated with pain, and a lack of serotonin increases perception of pain.

By using natural supplements that increase serotonin levels, relief comes for pain and depression. St. John's Wort, SAMe and 5-HIP, all natural nutrients that boost serotonin, are much safer than psychiatric anti-depressant drugs because they do not carry with them the side effects. In addition, the natural remedies are backed by solid research (which prescription anti-depressants lack).

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! - 29964

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here