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Adenosine tri-phosphate. Energy. We Lymies could all use a little more of the stuff, and any and every little blip in the environment–including that of our bodies–can dramatically alter how much we have at any given moment.
Whether it be diet, climate, people, supplements, herx or a flare (to name just a few), it seems that Lyme sufferers are more vulnerable to alterations in ATP than the average human. We usually have less to begin with, so we take precious care of our bodies in order to maximize the rations.
Following are just a few suggestions to consider when you’re wondering how to keep the ATP flowing.
Addressing thyroid and adrenal function should be the first and foremost consideration, as these dramatically affect energy. Do a saliva cortisol and thyroid hormone test and take care of the HPA axis with herbal, vitamin or hormonal supplementation. Keeping stress to a minimum is likewise important.
Then, examine your diet. I don’t know about you, but food allergies downshift my body into putt-putt gear. Especially gluten and sugar. Dairy and eggs are less of a problem, but they don’t contribute to my energy bank, either. Perhaps you have your own list of such foods.
Pay attention to what time of day you have less energy, and have some Popeye greens or other brightly colored veggies along with a protein your body can deal with, and save the fruit smoothie or oatmeal for a time when your energy is greater.
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many Lymie’s don’t look closely at the food factor. Myself included, as, over the past two years, I’ve had almond butter with celery in the A.M., and justified the post-breakfast fatigue with the thought that nearly everything I put into my mouth in the morning leaves me wiped. But I have been wrong, and switching to celery with plain yogurt has largely mitigated the fatigue.
Next, make it a point to spend some time every day doing something you enjoy and with people you like being with. Emotions have a tremendous impact on energy levels, sometimes even more so than physical or mental activity. Stay away from negative television programs, limit your time with critical or whiny people, and fill your mind with activities that provide you with uplifting thoughts. Funny movies, as an example.
Then there’s detox. Keeping the organs working efficiently and keeping the muck flowing out of the body with coffee enemas or toxin binders such as chlorella can give the body a boost.
Supplements beyond those which support the thyroid and adrenals can likewise be helpful, but given that, in Lyme, the causes of fatigue are usually multiple, it’s difficult to know whether a particular supplement will remedy the problem.
For instance, metabolic inefficiencies cause oxygen and nutrient deficiencies, which translates into lowered energy levels.
Yet, supplements have proven to be helpful to some. Amongst the most popular are; Alpha-ketoglutaric acid, Coenzyme Q-10 and Cordyceps mushroom.
Finally, get some rest! Stop trying to do so much when you are ill, and turn off that computer at least an hour before bedtime (unlike yours truly here) so that your sleep doesn’t get disrupted.