Fibromyalgia is present in about 2 percent of the United States population, and it affects women more than men, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can sometimes be triggered by a physical or emotional trauma but generally there is no triggering point. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are ways to manage the disease. The Mayo Clinic suggests reducing stress, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly but pacing yourself and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex problem, characterized by widespread pain and chronic fatigue. Pain can occur anywhere on the body and involves muscle, tendons and ligaments, according to the Mayo Clinic. Signs and symptoms vary by person as well as differing because of weather, stress, activity or time of day. Tender points on the body indicating fibromyalgia include but are not limited to the back of the head, upper chest, inner knees, between the shoulder blades and the outer elbows. In many cases, fibromyalgia overlaps with other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorders, restless legs syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Maker's Diet
The Maker's Diet was invented by Dr. Jordan Rubin. The basis of the diet has been lifted from the Bible and the idea that people were originally designed to consume basic, whole foods and not the processed foods of today. The diet encompasses physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health, as stated by the Maker's Diet website. The author, suffering from chronic diseases himself, started changing his diet per the Bible's instructions. His own symptoms cleared up and he earned a degree in Naturopathic Medicine and a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the Academy of Natural Therapies. Dr. Rubin is also a certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant.
Theory
The Maker's Diet holds the belief that following the dietary laws of biblical times is how man was intended to eat. Dr. Rubin believes that the incorrect eating of today's society is to blame for the abundant diseases and conditions that exist. The theory is that eating a variety of whole foods, preferably not processed, is healthier and the way food was meant to be eaten. Processed foods with additives and preservatives go against the original diet, and thus the Maker's Diet. The first dietary guidelines, taken from the Bible, were of organic, whole and natural foods.
Significance
For fibromyalgia sufferers, a change in diet can help alleviate symptoms. Eating healthy foods low in fat and high in antioxidants and phytochemicals can help to maximize energy and alertness and minimize fatigue, according to the ProHealth website. The Maker's Diet begins with eliminating caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Mary Moeller, author of "Fibromyalgia Cookbook" and spokesperson on fibromyalgia, suggests eliminating chocolate, carbonated beverages, coffee and alcohol from your diet. The Maker's Diet philosophy follows the same philosophy of the fibromyalgia diet in Mary Moeller's book, that getting rid of preservatives, highly processed foods, foods high in fat and sweeteners will lead to better health and a remission in symptoms of chronic diseases.
Considerations
Always consult your doctor before beginning any diet. Following such a strict dietary guideline can be difficult and time consuming. The "Maker's Diet" cookbook comes with recipes for different meal plans and shopping lists. Both The Maker's Diet and the Pro Health websites strongly suggest regular exercise and drinking water for optimum health.
