Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important for people living with ME/CFS or Long Covid, helping to support overall health, energy levels and wellbeing. However, there is no single diet that works for everyone, and dietary needs can vary significantly from person to person.
Eat regular, balanced meals
- Aim for a varied and balanced diet where possible.
- Aim to eat wholefoods rather than processed foods, as wholefoods provide better nutritional value.
- Some people find that smaller, more frequent meals are easier to manage and help maintain energy levels.
- If shopping, food preparation or cooking is difficult, consider pre-prepared meals, batch cooking or accepting support from family and friends.
Stay hydrated
- Drinking enough fluids is important for overall health and wellbeing.
- Reducing stimulants such as caffeine, especially after mid-day, and limiting alcohol may be beneficial for some people.
Be cautious with supplements
- People who are housebound or bedbound may be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency.
- Current guidance does not support the routine use of vitamin or mineral supplements as a treatment for ME/CFS or Long Covid.
- Taking supplements above recommended levels can cause side effects and should be discussed with a healthcare professional for personalised recommendations.
Food intolerances and restrictive diets
- Some people report symptom improvements after removing certain foods from their diet.
- However, restricting food groups without professional support can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies and unwanted weight loss or gain.
- It is recommended to seek advice from a dietitian or an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before starting an exclusion diet.
Seek support when needed
If you are:
- Struggling to maintain adequate food intake
- Experiencing significant weight changes
- Finding eating difficult because of symptoms
- Concerned about nutritional deficiencies
Speak to your GP about a referral to a registered dietitian or other appropriate healthcare professional.
Diet and nutrition should be approached as part of your individual self-management plan. What helps one person with ME/CFS or Long Covid may not help another. The safest approach is to make informed decisions with professional support where needed.
Read more:
Action for ME – Diet and Nutrition
Source: Information adapted from Action for ME guidance on Diet and Nutrition and NICE guidance.