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Improving Diet For Fibromyalgia Prevention

By Elaine Guthrie


Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to live with for various reasons. For starters, it's almost like a ghost of an ailment. Loved ones may even question that a family member is ill because of the crazy symptoms experienced by the patient. What's more is that there is no conventional test that will prove it. On the other hand, it's not much of a ghost ailment since millions of Americans, mostly women, are affected by it. However, fibromyalgia prevention through diet and other ways of healthy living is possible.

Firstly, there are patients who experience the strangest aches and in different parts of their bodies. These aches and pains differ from one patient to another. At times, they could experience stiffness, or aching sensations, but very often, it's an intense daily chronic pain that they must live with. With the pain that they experience throughout the day and night, their sleep is also affected, making fatigue another common issue among sufferers. If that's not enough, they also have to deal with numerous digestive problems, depression and headaches.

Since the diagnosis is complicated and there is no real test to detect the disease, doctors have to rule out other disorders. They will test and observe blood work for thyroid and autoimmune disorders, arthritis and anemia. After all that is completed, then they try to identify distinct pain areas in the body to make the diagnosis.

Generally, people are treated using acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory medications. For those who experience extreme fatigue, antidepressants are prescribed which can help to promote sleep and therefore combat fatigue. Many natural remedies are also recommended, through exercise and meditation.

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.

All too often, patients that suffer from this condition have numerous digestive problems. The majority of them have irritable bowel symptoms and experience upset stomach and diarrhea on a regular basis. Keep track of all foods eaten and avoid those that trigger the symptoms. As such, most would find that it would be best to avoid caffeine, cruciferous vegetables and very rich meals.

It's also important to increase fiber intake, which is generally quite low in the average North American diet. For anyone suffering from tummy conditions, peppermint oil supplements can really help. That said, those who do suffer from this condition are generally at risk of poor nutrition because they don't have the strength or will to cook healthy meals when they are not feeling well. Therefore, on the good days, they should be preparing numerous meals that can be stored in the freezer and available at any time.

Fried foods and those high in sodium should also be avoided, as they can trigger problems and symptoms. Monitoring the diet, as suggested above through food logs is vital to improving health and avoiding flareups. Exercise is so important to the body, and far too many people are leading sedentary lifestyles to the point where they are putting their health at risk. Start slow and increase accordingly. This will help strengthen muscles and joints and could be as easy as simply walking a few minutes a day.




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