Diet

 

 

 

While there is no specific Diet for Fibromyalgia sufferers, symptoms can improve dramatically with a healthier diet.  Fibromyalgia patients often suffer from having one condition amplify another, thus relieving one symptom can increase their quality of life.  Even small changes in a fibromyalgia patient's diet can dramatically relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.  Below are some suggestions for a healthier fibromyalgia diet.

 

What Is A Healthy Fibromyalgia Diet?
A common thread in many patients with fibromyalgia symptoms is the tendency to feel better when refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, red meat and highly processed foods are kept to a minimum.  Research has shown that many patients benefit from cutting out refined sugars altogether  for at least a month, which can severely reduce the craving for sweets, and allow the body to better manage its sugar intake when reintroduced back into the diet. Sharply reducing the intake of caffeine in all forms, and fried, processed fatty foods, also improves cravings for sugar.

If the patient  does not have severe food triggers, eating a healthier, more nutritious  diet will have long-term benefits for any patient. Supplementing the present diet with greater quantities of raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables, and substituting meats that are high in fat with fish or lean poultry is highly beneficial.  Drinking plenty of water and supplementing the body with the all natural product Optimize gives the body more energy.

Can Prescription Medications Cause Digestive Disturbances for Patients with FMS Symptoms?
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAID’s) like Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen tear down the lining of the intestinal tract.  NSAID’s are also found combined with narcotic pain medications, in preparations such as Vicodin or Vicoprofen. If a patient with fibromyalgia symptoms has any predisposition to food intolerance or digestive disturbances, heavy use of these medications may cause the symptoms to exacerbate. 

If there is no history of digestive problems, a regular regimen of NSAID’s may begin to cause the onset of digestive symptoms. Infrequent or occasional use of these drugs is usually not always a problem, but can pose a  health risk over time if used on a daily basis.  NSAID’s can cause vitamin deficiencies and digestive problems for the fibromyalgia sufferer, while often doing little to relieve pain.  It is recommended to minimize the use of these drugs to maintain a proper nutritious diet, and to use safe, all natural FIBROMYAGIA-HELP products.

Can Nutritional Therapy, Supplements and Homeopathic Medications Be Effective for FMS Symptoms?
Nutritional therapy can be helpful in counteracting fms symptoms of stress, ridding the body of toxins, and restoring nutrients which have been malabsorbed or robbed from the body.  Simple approaches include the use FIBROMYALGIA NATURAL HELP products to combat stress, to replace deficiencies and support the Immune System of sufferers with fms symptoms. Nutritionists also commonly urge patients with FMS symptoms to limit the amount of sugar, caffeine and alcohol they consume since these substances have been shown to irritate muscles, stress the immune system, and are counter-effective to the Fibromyalgia diet.

More sophisticated nutritional programs, specific diets and toxin cleansing require the advice of a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.  As with other treatments, a specifically designed diet plan that works well for one patient may prove disastrous for another.  When beginning a nutrition program, it is important to consult a physician to avoid side effects when mixing certain prescribed medications. 

Nutritional Support for a Healthy Fibromyalgia Diet
Many patients have overcome their symptoms by changing their lifestyle, nutrition and fibromyalgia diet. Mary Moeller’s Fibromyalgia Cookbook: A Daily Guide To Becoming Healthy Again has helped many individuals rebalance their fibromyalgia diet.  She advocates eliminating 4 foods completely from the diet:
 
1.   Chocolate
2.   Carbonated beverages
3.   Coffee
4.   Alcohol

Along with these changes, she encourages stretching, exercise and drinking 8 or more glasses of water daily.  In the book, The Fibromyalgia Nutrition Guide by Mary Moeller and Joe Elrod, 12 items are to be avoided to help overcome chronic fatigue and diminish stress:

 1.  High fat dairy foods
 2.  White sugar and white flour
 3.  Fried foods
 4.  Preservatives, junk food and salt
 5.  Red meat (especially salt cured, cured bacon, smoked or nitrate cured) 
 6.  Coffee and caffeinated teas
 7.  Colas, soda pop and carbonated beverages
 8.  Liquid with meals
 9.  Alcoholic beverages
10. All forms of tobacco
11. Prolonged periods of direct sun exposure
12. Nutrasweet and saccharine

If the body is subjected to highly refined, over-processed foods, sugar, caffeine, pork, junk food, highly processed starches, additives, preservatives, and highly acidic foods it is possible that the patient will suffer further because of an already compromised Immune System.

Try incorporating raw foods into the diet.  Eat a serving of raw fruit or a vegetable for breakfast and a raw vegetable or salad for lunch.  Raw foods contain enzymes that can assist in the digestion of food. Raw foods are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals that help boost the immune system. Fresh carrot juice is a wonderful addition to incorporate, along with vegetables, fruits and fish with omega 3 fish oils (containing anti-inflammatory properties).  Eating well does not mean to starve or totally eliminate all the foods, rather, make small gradual changes and focus on the healthy, satisfying  nutritional foods.

Eating well helps reduce Fibromyalgia  symptoms and maximize energy.  Incorporate variety, balance and moderation. Your overall health  can improve by evaluating your eating habits, creating a more nutritious fibromyalgia  diet.  The body has been wonderfully designed, it will run efficiently when given extra care.  Think about what you are putting in your body and supplement it with appropriate natural fibromyalgia nutrition and medications to boost your immune system.