[omnicognate]

I have chronic fatigue problems, which exercise exacerbates. I swim 3 times a week, but have to carefully regulate the intensity or it triggers post-exertional malaise.

The exercise is important for my general health but it isn't positively correlated with my cognitive functioning. Quite the opposite.

[its_down_again]

I used to have plenty of energy running 40-50miles per week, but when I ramped up to 80mpw I started nodding off in my chair by 1 PM. Then despite the higher mileage and more intense training, my race times slipped. My half went from 1:23 to 1:28, and I felt drained, irritable and angry unless I took a long break. After digging in, I learned that very high mileage can deplete iron levels. Once I focused on improving my iron absorption, I finally got my energy back and everything clicked. Even while holding 80+ mpw for the upcoming SF Marathon, I still knocked 5% off my Bay to Breakers time (48:51 this year) and cut my 5K PR from 19:17 to 18:37.

[lend000]

I had long covid which manifested as post-exertional malaise and general brain fog, and which was not improving for 2 years, and I essentially solved it with a combination of a low sugar paleo diet (starting as an autoimmune protocol diet for a few weeks to determine some other things that caused flare ups for me like nutritional yeast and capsaicin), lots of walking, light and increasing exercise (especially outdoor exercise), and a dedication to sleep hygiene. Many of which were referenced in the post.

It's a ton of work at first but it's completely worth it -- post-exertional malaise sucks.

Other things that helped me personally: daily cold plunges up to the chin (so you feel it in your vagus nerve), HRV reset breathing exercises, and daily meditation. Wish you the best of luck.

[jassyr]

I'm in a similar situation but with multiple sclerosis for over 15 years. I love to exercise, however on some days a medium-intensity cardio session will leave my brain functioning at like 50% which is not great for my job. I gotta work hard to make sure my gas tank has enough for all the tasks planned for that day. My neurologist calls it Energy Management.

[spacemadness]

Wow that sounds tough to deal with. I’m sorry you’re dealing with that.

[diamondage]

Tried creatine?

[jassyr]

Creatine does help some. Staying hydrated and good sleep, too.

[ramoz]

I think you need to provide perspective on your experiences when you don't swim 3x a week. Over a valid period,say, ~3mo or so.