Fibromyalgia (FM) affects more than five
million people in the US. Women (ages
twenty to fifty) are affected about twice as often as men. It was first defined
in 1990. FM is from New Latin, fibro-,
meaning "fibrous tissues", Greek μυώ myo-, "muscle",
and Greek άλγος algos, "pain"; thus the term literally means
"muscle and fibrous connective tissue pain."
FM pain is different than what may be experienced from a headache or sprained ankle. It is a specific kind of pain that’s chronic, widespread, and often accompanied by tenderness.
“Chronic” means that the pain lasts a long time (at least three months or longer). “Widespread” means that it is felt in both the upper and lower parts of the body. “Tenderness” means that even a small amount of pressure can cause a lot of pain.
Other symptoms include fatigue to a degree that normal activities are affected, sleep
problems, troubles with memory,
restless legs syndrome, bowel or bladder problems,
numbness
and tingling, sensitivity to noise, lights or
temperature, depression, anxiety,
and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD).
Some potential causes include of FM are allergies to chemicals or foods, viruses, hormonal problems, poor digestion, candidacies, spinal misalignments, stress, or neurotransmitter deficiency. The Fibromyalgia Diet consists of eating the following foods that may help heal this illness:
·
Antioxidants
(such
as vitamins A, C, E): Fruits, vegetables and herbs are good
sources of these potent disease fighters.
·
Clean lean
protein: These help muscles and tissues maintain
energy and proper function.
·
Fermented
foods and cultured dairy: Probiotic foods (such
as yogurt, Kefir, or sauerkraut) help prevent candidacies ( a root cause of FM).
·
Green
vegetables: These provide essential minerals (such as magnesium) for
optimal health and well-being.
·
Omega-3 fats:
These healthy
omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and can reduce pain
associated with FM.
Here are the best supplements and natural remedies for FM (in this order):
1. Magnesium (500 mg daily): FM has been linked to a
mineral deficiency. It also helps relax the nerves and muscles.
2. Fish
Oil (1,000mg daily): The
anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil will
help reduce pain.
3. Vitamin
D3 (5,000IU daily): Vitamin
D deficiency can exacerbate autoimmune conditions.
4. D-Ribose (5g 3x daily): It helps alleviate the
symptoms of FM by improving cellular energy.
5. Rhodiola
and Ashwagandha (500-1000 mg
daily): Adaptogenic
herbs help improve metabolic function and reduce stress.
Avoid these items that can make FM worse:
·
Any potential
food allergen: Try to determine what foods you are
allergic to and eliminate those from your diet. An elimination diet is a
very effective way to determine food intolerances. Common allergens:
gluten, shellfish, dairy, and peanuts.
·
Excess
alcohol and caffeine: Can cause mineral deficiencies and
dehydration.
·
Gluten:
Can cause autoimmune issues, is pro-inflammatory and can make fibromyalgia
worse.
·
Processed
foods or foods with additives: These foods contain
chemicals that will make your condition worse.
·
Sugar : Increases
pain and inflammation.
Helichrysum oil has been shown to decrease muscle pain, improve circulation and support healing of nerve tissue which makes it an effective natural treatment for FM. Lavender oil is also excellent to reduce the emotional stress associated with FM and making a homemade muscle rub can help reduce pain.
Changing daily habits to improve FM symptoms include reducing stress, exercise, and chiropractic care (to reduce muscle tension). Many people with FM have gone through emotional trauma, and counseling can greatly improve recovery. Also, scheduling relaxing activities can increase healing.
“Fibromyalgia is like a tree. It branches out like nerves throughout the entire body. Now set those branches on fire. That is what it feels like to have fibromyalgia.” (Voicesofffibromyalgia.org)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Fibromyalgia” from Wikipedia
·
“Top 5 Natural
Fibromyalgia Treatments” by Dr. Josh Axe
·
“What is
Fibromyalgia?”
(https://www.lyrica.com/frequently-asked-questions?source=google&HBX_PK=s_fibromyalgia&o=25229704|193636897|0&skwid=43700016220045181#what-fibromyalgia)
Inspired by a Fibromyalgia medicine commercial
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