What foods, supplements and treatments can people recommend for CFS/ME?

I am also just starting aloe vera juice, so will let you know on this...I have also taken magnesium malate, which help with pains...vitamin c, b complex, fish oils, d - ribose powder and just about to start bee pollen tabs 

The cause of CFS has not been established yet and this means that there has been no specific change in diet or supplement proven to cure or consistently eleviate symptoms of CFS. The British Dietic Assosciation's research has, in fact, shown that a healthy, balanced eating plan is more beneficial than a resctricive diet or complicated regieme. It is recommended that this diet should include: wholegrains, such as brown rice, quinoa and barley; beans, pulses and nuts as a source of protein, healthy fats and energy especially during periods of low appetite; and a diverse, rainbow, range of fruits and vegetables each day to ensure you have an adequate intake of fibre, carbohydrate and vitamins and minerals. If you do take a vitamin and mineral supplement make sure you do not exceed the RDA and remember a natural source is always better as you benefit from the whole food. Omega-3 fatty acids may help elevate pain symptoms in CFS; these can be found as a supplement, but try and encorporate oily fish such as mackeral or sardines into your meals a couple of times a week.

This can sound like a big undertaking, but the best advice I have heard to ensure a healthy diet especially during a CFS relapse, is to make sure your cupboards are stocked with healthy, long life food so you can always make a nutritional meal - things like tinned vegetables and fish, soups and sauces, pulses and beans, cereals and nuts. Similiarly, cooking bigger batches of a healthy balanced meal and splitting it into portions to freeze means that there is always something that requires almost no effort that you enjoy even when you feel most drained.

If you haven't already been offered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy by your GP, I would make an enquiry about it at your next appointment. It helps you come to terms with your condition and then develop strategies to manage symptoms and how they can negatively effecting your life. I find meditation and mindfullness techniques compliments CBT very well as well as gentle yoga in order to encorporate structure in the day, relaxation and gentle muscle exercise. The effects of this kind of treatment might not make you feel instantly better, but with consistent and continuous practise they can be hugely beneficial in overcoming CFS.

Finally, there has been a small research study that has suggested chocolate with a higher cocoa solid content (ie dark chocolate) might have have a benefit in fatigue scores as well as depression and anxiey symptoms - any excuse for a little chocolate is good for me! 

If you are concerned about your nutrition and how it effects your CFS, remember to speak to your doctor and maybe consider seeing a recognised, professional nutritionist.