Functional Medicine Nutritionist, Angie Ash delivering nutritional therapy to support people with chronic health issues, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Lyme Disease. Find out how to use nutrition, diet and lifestyle changes to achieve better health, effortless energy, vitality and be able to live your life with a balanced approach.
Recipes and musings on nutrition, health, food and ferments.
Whether you start your day with a refreshing green tea, unwind with a fragrant oolong, or indulge in a rich black tea, this humble drink offers much more than just a moment of calm. In this blog, I’ll tell you all about the beautiful health benefits of tea, and how to ensure your cuppa is doing the very best for your health.
Read MoreAs the temperatures rise and the days get longer, it's the perfect time to revitalise your health and wellbeing. In this blog, I’ll be exploring simple yet effective strategies to keep you feeling your best during the sunny season.
Read MoreIf you want to bulletproof your immunity you’ll need to stock up on those natural antioxidants. When you supercharge this “antioxidant potential” you give your immune system a real boost. In this blog post i’ll be discussing the big players for the immune system from the antioxidant family and why they are so key.
Read MoreOne of the most critical aspects of managing and potentially recovering from chronic fatigue issues is understanding and implementing "true rest" in your daily routine. True rest is not just about sleeping but encompasses a holistic approach to resting your body, mind, nervous system, and immune system. Read more in my blog to find out why true rest is essential and how it can benefit your recovery journey.
Read MoreNutrition and lifestyle medicine are recognised as the most effective way to lower your risk of developing diabetes, and also of managing the condition alongside any pharmaceutical treatment and improving outcomes. It’s easy to dismiss the risk, but the shift from blood sugar levels that are occasionally out of balance to prediabetes – and even into diabetes - can happen almost without your noticing it. You may experience niggling symptoms now, like low energy or your weight creeping up on you. Find out tips to get you started and how to get support for your blood sugar levels.
Read MoreI’m sure you’re already aware that getting more sleep is a great idea, but maybe you aren’t completely sure why sleep is so important for your health. If the concept of sleep feels too far removed from the symptoms you’re experiencing this blog will explain all about sleep – the unsung hero of well-being – and what the lack of it is doing inside your body.
Read MoreIn addition to what we eat, what we don't eat – through a process called autophagy – may hold the key to revitalising your energy levels. It’s the genius clean-up function mother nature has given us and can help you navigate through ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or chronic fatigue by revitalising your mitochondria and cleaning up your cellular debris. Read more to find out how to utilise autophagy to optimise your energy levels.
Read MoreDiscover how to build resilience if you have ME, CFS or fatigue issues. Mind-Body Techniques such as mindfulness, gentle movement, and nutrition hacks to support your chronic fatigue and reclaim your vitality.
Read MoreCan food really be seen as medicine? Find out how much of an influence your diet has on your health and energy levels. Chronic health conditions need a different intervention and food has the answers.
Read MoreIn the fast-paced, demanding modern world we live in, stress has become an almost constant companion for many people. Stress plays a substantial role in exacerbating the symptoms of ME, CFS, and fatigue issues. Understanding the complex relationship between stress and these conditions is the first step towards better management and improved quality of life. Incorporating stress reduction techniques you can better navigate the challenges posed by chronic fatigue symptoms and work towards improved energy levels and well-being.
Read MoreWhy is sleep so important and how does poor sleep affect our health? Get the low down on sleep and my do’s and don’ts for a great nights sleep.
Read MoreTiredness and exhaustion are common symptoms that can occur due to various reasons, including physical exertion, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, stress, medical conditions, and certain medications. While feeling tired after exertion is a common experience, chronic or excessive fatigue can be a sign of an underlying deeper health challenge. This blog post highlights the key differences that may help you distinguish between ME/CFS and tiredness.
Read MoreDoes it have to be all or nothing or can you be healthy incorporating a bit of both? Get a Functional Medicine Nutritionist’s and expert in ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Lyme Disease view on the best ways to implement healthy habits and improve your energy levels.
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The role of connection, bonding and love is a key part of the human existence. Yet for those with ME & CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) the symptoms they experience such as fatigue, post exertion malaise etc. makes it difficult to participate in social activities, maintain relationships and leads to feelings of isolation. When having a telephone call, getting ready for socialising etc. can drain their already depleted batteries so much, leaving them floored for days or weeks you can understand why social connections often drop by the wayside as people struggle with the basics of life.
Oxytocin is often referred to as the "love hormone" due to its role in promoting social bonding and positive emotions. It’s a hormone that has been shown to have several positive effects on physical and emotional well-being. The role it plays in recovery from ME/CFS is an important part of the jigsaw of recovery.
Here are a few ways that oxytocin may help with your ME/CFS recovery:
Reduces stress: Oxytocin has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood, which can be beneficial for individuals with ME/CFS who may be experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety.
Improves sleep: Oxytocin has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, which can be especially helpful for individuals with ME/CFS who often experience sleep disturbances.
Supports immune function: Oxytocin has been shown to support immune function, which can be beneficial for individuals with ME/CFS who may have suppressed immune systems.
Increases social connection: Oxytocin has been shown to increase feelings of social connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be particularly important for individuals with ME/CFS who may feel isolated due to their condition.
Anti-Inflammatory: Oxytocin is a powerful anti-inflammatory which is useful for the high levels of inflammation commonly found in those experiencing ME/CFS.
So how do you create opportunities to boost your oxytocin when you’re still early in your recovery or in the throws of a ‘crash’. There’s a certain element of changing priorities involved, which from first hand experience can be very difficult if you’re struggling with enough energy to wash, dress, eat etc. Making joy a part of your everyday existence even when in a ‘crash’ or a ‘flare’ will really help bump up your levels of oxytocin and other neuroprotective hormones.
Connecting with others online through the many online communities and support groups for individuals with ME/CFS where you can connect with others who understand what you are going through. Try to find communities that focus on the positive. It’s very easy to come away from certain groups with ‘negative’ and ‘victim’ thoughts and these do nothing for our chances of recovery. I’m in the process of setting up a Facebook group with the aim of being a positive, supportive community where I can share my tips and advice from years of experience of specialising in CFS/ME as a Functional Medicine Nutritionist. Sign up to my newsletter to be one of the first to find out when it launches.
Look for low-impact activities that you can participate in, such as reading or listening to audible books, listening to music, or gardening. Pursuing a new hobby or interest can be a great way to connect with others who share similar interests and boost your mood. Depending on your energy levels and where you are in your recovery you could consider volunteering for a cause that you care about. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and allow you to connect with others who share similar values.
Make use of technology such as video calls to stay connected with friends and family, even if you are unable to leave your home. Let them know ahead of time you may cancel if your energy is low and allow yourself time to rest after the call. All of the unseen complexities of interacting with others can take it out of you. If you’ve ever experienced a ‘crash’ after your emotions got heightened after a negative experience with a family member or friend you’ll know what I’m talking about.
If you want to diy your feelings of connectedness there are ways you can hack your own oxytocin levels. If you have a pet you can give yourself an oxytocin boost from fussing and looking into their eyes. Even telling your dog you love them boosts their oxytocin levels, so there’s a double win! I’m sure you’ve already had many people telling you to meditate but did you know that studies have found doing a loving kindness (metta) meditation boosts our oxytocin and feelings of love and connectedness.
With all of these ideas it is important to find a balance between staying connected and conserving energy. Finding what works best for you and making adjustments as needed can help you avoid feelings of isolation and improve your overall well-being. Consider seeking professional help if you are struggling with feelings of isolation. As a Functional Medicine Nutritionist I provide support, guidance and coaching for all areas of your recovery including how to rebuild your social life and hobbies. Book a complimentary 30 min ME/CFS Transformation Strategy Call to take the first step to getting your life back.
Start prioritising your health today. No-one should be struggling through life whilst feeling exhausted. Grab my free guide and start living your life again.
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