Best foods to fight fibromyalgia
Eating real foods and organic foods, drinking organic and healthy beverages are key to reaching optimal health. It also helps prevent diseases.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
Fibromyalgia symptoms usually occur after surgery, infection, physical trauma, or some type of major psychological stress. Sometimes symptoms occur with no major cause.
Women are at greater risk of developing fibromyalgia then men.
There is no cure known for this condition yet, but there are ways you can relieve symptoms by changing your diet.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many good studies that have shown how diet can affect fibromyalgia symptoms.
The key is to pay attention on how food makes you feel.
A lot of people with fibromyalgia have sensitivities to particular foods, but it may vary from one individual to the other.
Listen to your body and keep a list of the foods that trigger more pain and symptoms.
Let’s look at some of the best foods to fight fibromyalgia symptoms.
Avoid sugar and aspartame:
“The artificial sweetener found in some diet sodas and many sugar-free sweets is part of a chemical group called excitotoxins, which activate neurons that can increase your sensitivity to pain,” shares Dr. Joseph Mercola.
Mercola also explains that an increase in insulin levels may make pain worse, so it’s important to avoid sugar as much as possible.
Aspartame and sugar could exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.
Tip: Use coconut nectar as a natural sweetener
Include cayenne pepper:
Cayenne is very high in capsaicin. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, capsaicin is an effective pain reliever when applied externally. Ointments made with capsaicin can help with headaches, psoriasis, and even arthritis pains. Cayenne pepper may help relieve pain from fibromyalgia as well.
Tip: Sprinkle cayenne or your food and add 1/4 tsp in your tea daily.
Drink coconut water:
Coconuts are wonderful energy and immune boosters. Coconuts contain medium-chain fatty acids, which sustain energy for prolonged periods of time. They may alleviate some fatigue typically felt with fibromyalgia.
The coconut water is often used by athletes while training, and can relieve fatigue symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Tip: Drink one glass or organic coconut water daily.
Eat fresh fruits & vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent choices when dealing with fibromyalgia.
They are filled with antioxidants, which can help reverse fatigue symptoms and reenergize. Most fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties as well, and can help relieve pain.
Some great anti-inflammatory veggies are cruciferous vegetables like kale, spinach, bok choy, and arugula.
Try to eat more fruits with anti-inflammatory properties such as blueberries, strawberries, apples and cherries.
Tip: Make smoothies daily and include these foods in them. Try having 2 smoothies a day with leafy greens.
Don’t neglect garlic:
It remains “nature’s powerful medicine” because of all the benefits it provides.
It is a very potent anti-inflammatory agent and can help relieve pain.
If you are experiencing digestive problems due to fibromyalgia, take garlic with care as too much garlic may make digestive problems worse.
Tip: Chop 1 clove and add 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Let sit 10 minutes and eat.
Experiment with ginger:
The potent root contains unique compounds called gingerols, which are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Because of ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties, it may help relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Tip: Add ginger in your favorite smoothie, juice or tea.
Do not forget your Omega-3s:
We have seen the antioxidant effects of omega-3. Doctors and nutritionists praise them constantly, and for good reason. Omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory agents, which means they may reduce pain associated with inflammation. Some good sources of omega-3s are flaxseeds, chia seeds, wild salmon, and walnuts.
Drink plenty of filtered water:
Water is life – it is essential to our bodies. Staying hydrated is key to good health. When you become dehydrated, your body becomes fatigued because it has to work harder to keep adequate water levels in your body.
Drink water to stay hydrated throughout the day, and eat fresh foods with high water content.
Tip: Invest in a water filter and control the quality of the water you drink.
Last, but not least:
Try yoga, deep-breathing exercises and meditation.
Each individual with fibromyalgia has different symptoms and will need different solutions.
Please make sure you eat organic foods and your water is filtered.
Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified expert before changing your diet.
For a fresh pain reliever juice.
For a pain reliever smoothie with cherries.
For an anti-inflammatory smoothie with bok choy.
REFERENCES
1. Mercola, Joseph, D.O. “Foods That Chronic Pain Sufferers Need to Avoid.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 19 Jan. 2010. Web. 5 Aug. 2013.
2. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Fibromyalgia.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Jan. 2011. Web. 05 Aug. 2013.
