Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain, lots of pain. Depending on your condition, you may experience pain in your joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. It may hurt to move, exercise or walk. According to the University of Michigan Health System, although there is no known cause or cure for fibromyalgia, many find relief in diet and lifestyle changes.
What to Add
The University of Michigan reports the findings of a 2000 study that asked fibromyalgia sufferers to eat a vegan diet. The diet consisted of raw fruits and vegetables, as well as fermented products. Not only did these women lose weight, likely due to a drop in calories, but they also felt relief in specific joints and areas of pain, directly related to fibromyalgia. This study seemed to show that those suffering from this disease should increase the amount of bright-colored fruits and vegetables they eat each day.
How That Can Help
Fruits and vegetables are a healthy foundation for a fibromyalgia diet. The natural sugars in fruits and the lean proteins in legumes are a great source of energy. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may be useful in relieving fibromyalgia pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fibromyalgia sufferers should increase their omega-3 fatty acid intake. Known for their arthritis-relieving benefits, these fatty acids can also decrease inflammation. You can find these fats in olive oil and fish.
What To Remove
Just like with many diets, a fibromyalgia diet may benefit from the removal of processed foods. Try to cook more for yourself or eating more raw or minimally processed ingredients. Also turn to fruit for sugar instead of baked products and other desserts. Try to wean out coffees or teas or turn to decaffeinated or herbal alternatives.
What That Will Do
Processed foods are known to harbor large amounts of salt. If you endure a lot of swelling, bloating or inflammation in connection with your fibromyalgia, less salt in your diet may decrease this pain. The sugar in your desserts and other processed treats may overstimulate your body and disrupt your ability to sleep. The same is true of caffeine. Slowing down on these ingredients will help you get back into a better sleep routine, which will minimize your pain and give you more energy to exercise. Working out can lead to long-term relief of symptoms.
Other Considerations
Being able to relax and rest is critical to fibromyalgia relief. You may want to start introducing items into your diet that help you achieve this. Herbal teas can relax your system. Look for comfort foods that bring you happy memories, but be aware of overly processed foods. Munch on fruits and veggies that remind you of the carefree days of summer. Buy fruit-filled, sugar-free Popsicles or make low-sugar pies that indulge your dessert cravings.
Photo Credit
- arm and a leg of a golfer. image by Olena Talberg from Fotolia.com
