Monday, June 8, 2015

Improving Diet For Fibromyalgia Prevention

By Elaine Guthrie


Living with fibromyalgia can be quite difficult, because it is quite the ghost of an ailment. Very often, people don't even believe that one is sick because of the various symptoms a patient could experience, and it's almost invisible in conventional testing. However, it affects millions of people, most of which are women. Below, learn more about this health condition, and how to improve diet for fibromyalgia prevention.

More than anything, patients experience pain, although the aches differ from one person to the next. In general, people feel aching sensations in different areas of their body, and sometimes stiffness. They can experience intense, daily chronic pain for months at a time. Fatigue is another symptom associated with this condition. Fibromyalgia is also associated with digestive problems, pelvic pain, headaches and depression.

It's a complicated diagnosis which begins by ruling out other disorders and ailments. Very often, a specialist known as a rheumatologist will have to rule out any autoimmune disorders, anemia, thyroid problems, arthritis, and more. In general, the patient should experience 11 of 18 pain areas throughout the body to get this official diagnosis.

To date, classic medications to treat fibromyalgia include acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory medication. Antidepressants are also prescribed to help promote sleep and improve the feelings of fatigue. Natural remedies include meditation and exercise, which have shown to work quite well among many patients.

With the numerous sufferers of fibromyalgia in North America, it's important to look at what could be the culprit, and in this case diet could be the main focus. For instance, many sufferers have very low levels of vitamin D, and there are links between vitamin D and the pain experienced by such patients. Vitamin D is vital for healthy muscles and bones, and low levels could easily cause pains in these areas. However, before increasing the dosage of vitamin D, please speak to a doctor.

It's true also that these patients also suffer from digestive problems, such as IBS. They have to deal with upset tummy's and diarrhea regularly. Therefore, it's vital for these patients and even healthy people to keep track of what they eat and if anything they've eaten triggers any symptoms. The biggest problems with regards to diet lie in heavy, rich meals, cruciferous vegetables, and caffeine.

Increase fiber intake, and add peppermint oil supplements to improve tummy conditions. In fact, most sufferers are at risk of poor nutrition. Therefore, it's advised to prepare healthy meals in advance and store them in the fridge or the freezer. This is perfect for those days when one is feeling under the weather.

Also, try to avoid foods that are high in sodium. Other foods to avoid are fried foods. As everyone experiences different symptoms, it's important to monitor them as closely as possible. The food log suggested above is highly recommended, as some foods may trigger symptoms and flareups. By all means, when up to it, add physical fitness to the recipe. Never overdo it, but get active, even if that means five minutes a day. Physical activity can keep joints and muscles healthier and stronger. Walking is a good moderate form of exercise that can reduce symptoms.




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