There are many different names for fibromyalgia but the ‘strictly controlled diet’ is how many sufferers describe it. Fibromyalgia is believed to be the long-term effects of the wrong foods or eating habits. It may stem from the fact that the muscles of the abdominal surface and the pain associated with is present in all fibromyalgia sufferers and is thought to be the result of a slow autoimmune process over many years.
After many years of not feeling too good most fibromyalgia sufferers are open to suggestions but the strict diet plan tends to disappear once a sufferer begins to follow a strict exercise regime.
The Important Personal Steps To A Diet To Help Fibromyalgia
It is almost textbook information that the right way to handle and cope with fibromyalgia will involve changes to diet and lifestyle. A few personal changes to consider can include:
– Avoiding foods that cause you stress and pain by keeping a well-balanced diet that doesn’t include too much fat, especially of the saturated variety.
– Taking steps to reduce your weight. Weight-loss programs are available with the right guidance and are based on sound nutritional advice.
– Taking steps to increase your quality of life by getting the right nutrition.
The two most common areas where fibromyalgia is associated with diet are:
– Food allergies, as a result of not having any or low levels of certain food element in the diet
– Less common causes of fibromyalgia such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic auto-immune diseases and infections, head and neck cancers, fibroid tumors, lymphoma, etc.
Diet To Help Fibromyalgia
The following is a list of food to consider if you have fibromyalgia. The foods on the list provide some of the main dietary elements that are found in fibromyalgia so it is important to consider them alongside the rest of the list of foods to eat:
– Dairy products. As stated above, dairy products are important to ensure the necessary calcium and vitamin D levels are achieved, along with the elimination of irritants and toxins.
– Protein is very important in the diet. Consuming high levels of protein helps to increase muscle mass and strength, especially useful to those with recovering from surgery and via weight loss.
– Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are a great source of the vitamins and minerals that are so important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ideal body weight.
– Food with omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil is a great natural source that can be used in a variety of meals, including smoothies and shakes, to name but a few.
– Food with Vitamin D. As vitamin D is not stored in the body, those with a vitamin D deficiency, particularly those who do not get enough vitamin D from other sources, should make a habit of taking vitamin D supplements. This ensures that the body is topped up with the necessary levels, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Natural sources of vitamin D include salmon, mackerel and tuna.
– Iron is important for a healthy lifestyle. Consuming iron-rich foods helps to increase red blood cells which help to alleviate symptoms, particularly fatigue and muscle weakness. Consuming iron-rich foods such as lean red meat and poultry is beneficial, but perhaps not as beneficial as consuming more iron-rich vegetables.
– Fibromyalgia is linked to the body’s ability to absorb various nutrients and hormones found within the foods that we eat. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D is essential to alleviate symptoms.
– If you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, you should avoid carbonated soft drinks and any food containing caffeine such as coffee, which causes the release of caffeine in the body.
Of course, as mentioned earlier, the above list is in no way exhaustive. To help you further identify foods that are considered problematic for you, you can take a look at the four key concerns listed below. As you go through your own diet making adjustments to your lifestyle and diet, keep in mind the four key concerns that were outlined:
1. Food and Diet Moderate Gluten Sensitivity2. Food Allergies3. Milk or Dairy Sensitivity4. Gluten Allergy.
About The Author
Helena Eater
How much does the quality of food really matter? If you eat food that tastes good, your life will be better. If you eat food that tastes bad, your life will be worse. The difference between good and evil is partly subjective: what tastes good to me might taste bad to you. The difference is also partly objective: what restaurants I think serve good food might serve lousy food to you. But if we stick to objective measures — measures such as how much weight people gain or lose — we can cut through some of the subjectivity.
