Fibromyalgia is an illness that causes chronic pain and fatigue. The pain occurs in the muscles and fibers in any area of the body and causes other symptoms as well. According to Dr. James Balch, a physician and surgeon of 30 years; and Dr. Mark Stengler, a licensed naturopathic doctor, who together wrote the 2004 book "Prescription for Natural Cures," a recommended diet that also includes vitamins, minerals, essential oils and herbs, relieves symptoms and helps the body to heal.
Causes
According to the website of the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is no known cause of fibromyalgia. It is a chronic pain condition that is triggered by abnormal responses to stress. It is common to find decreased activity in areas of the brain that control mood, the emotional aspect of pain and sleep patterns. Fibromyalgia sufferers also tend to have abnormal brain chemistry that affects hormone and metabolic production, especially a hormone called serotonin.
Foods to eat
According to Balch and Stengler, the recommended diet for fibromyalgia consists of natural, unprocessed foods that include lean protein, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, homemade yogurt and omega-3 fatty acids. Choose beans, chicken, turkey, fish and raw nuts to supply energy to the muscles. Include plenty of green vegetables in the form of salads and cooked vegetables for fiber that will improve digestion and detoxification. Flaxseed, flaxseed oil and salmon provide omega-3 fatty acids, which contain prostaglandin, a hormone that reduces inflammation. Each tablespoon of flaxseed should be followed with 10 oz. of water, or sprinkle them lightly on a salad. Besides being a good source of protein, homemade yogurt has digestive enzymes.
Foods to avoid
Any food that is not recommended should be avoided, especially red meat, sugar, junk food, high-fat dairy products, fried foods, saturated fats and processed foods. High-fat dairy products include butter, cream, whole milk and ice cream. Processed foods are foods that are found in the freezer, cooler or on the shelf that are already cooked; they just need to be heated. It is the nutrients in healthy foods that produce the healing qualities. These nutrients are killed or overpowered by chemical additives or cholesterol in the foods that are to be avoided.
Food Components
Dr. Balch and Dr. Stengler have found that it is helpful to take vitamins, minerals, and other components found in foods in addition to what is normally consumed in order to treat fibromyalgia. To reduce swelling, take 800 IU daily of vitamin E, or 1,000 mg of vitamin C, two to three times a day. Take two to three doses of 250 mg of manesium daily to relax nerves and muscles. Take two doses of 1,000 to 2,000 mg of malic acid for the cells. Malic acid is a compound found in unripe apples, cherries and tomatoes. Take three doses of 50 to 100 mg of an amino acid called 5-Hydroxytryptophan, a protein component, to nourish the muscles.
Symptom Relieving Foods
Herbs contain vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and other components. To relax nerves, take a 300 to 500 mg capsule of valerian or passionflower, or one ml of the tincture, three times a day. For cell energy production, take a multivitamin as directed, 200 to 300 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily, and 500 to 1,000 mg of Acety-L-carnitine daily. For swelling and pain, take 2,000 mg of evening primrose oil. Also for pain, apply arnica oil to needed areas twice a day.
Natural Hormone Treatment
Dr. Balch, a medical doctor himself, recommends that it is best to get natural hormones that are prescribed by a medical doctor. They improve cell energy production, hormonal and chemical imbalances in the brain. Balch and Stengler prescribe Amour compound T4/T3 or T3. Take two doses of 400 mg of 5-S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) to increase serotonin production. Menstruating women should apply 1/4 tsp. of progesterone to the inside of their forearms one to two times a day, on days 14 to 28 of the cycle. If menopausal, apply 1/4 tsp. twice a day, for three to four weeks of each month. If post menopausal, apply one-eighth teaspoon once a day, for three weeks of each month. For a good night's sleep, take 0.3 to 0.5 mg of melatonin one half hour before bedtime. All of the supplements mentioned can be found in the health food store or an herb shop; ask for them by name.
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; Dr. James Balch and Dr. Mark Stengler; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia--Causes
