Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. The term "fibromyalgia" is used to define nonspecific body pain that lasts over a period of three months or longer. Certain foods are recognized as triggers that may aggravate the pains. Homeopathic remedies may help relieve the pain and fatigue that affects patients. Homeopathic remedies stimulate the body's immune system to heal itself through its response to an outside stimulus. Consult your health practitioner if you choose to incorporate homeopathy and a change in diet into your fibromyalgia treatment plan.
Foods to Avoid
Several types of foods may set off the pain mechanisms in some people, creating widespread discomfort, exhaustion, headaches, depression, mood changes and cognitive dysfunction. By eliminating these foods from your diet, you may be able to better manage your condition and lessen the intensity and frequency of relapses.
Nightshade vegetables contain a compound called solanine, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling for some people, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. The nightshade family consists of eggplant, tomatoes, white potatoes and peppers. If you experience soreness or other symptoms after eating any of these foods, you may be sensitive to the nightshade family and should eliminate all nightshades from your diet to test how you feel after eating them.
Wheat and wheat gluten are also known culprits that may produce a variety of pains and symptoms aggravating to those with fibromyalgia. According to University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, stomach upsets, diarrhea, gas and indigestion are common after eating wheat. Muscle soreness, headaches and joint pain may also be side effects of eating wheat or wheat gluten, according to the university.
Healthy Foods
Include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to help relieve discomfort and disability from fibromyalgia. The natural enzymes in raw fruits, freshly squeezed fruit juices and raw vegetables help food digest quickly and nourish your system, according to "The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet" by Felicia Drury Kliment. Also include healthy fats like avocado, olive oil and fish oil. These fats supply omega-3 fatty acids, which relieve inflammation in the joints and muscles, reducing pain levels, "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" says.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron, or Rhus tox, is indicated for cases of fibromyalgia where the aching muscles and joints feel more painful when you first move and then feel better with continued movement, writes homeopath William Boericke, M.D., in the "Materia Medica and Repertory. People who need Rhus tox for fibromyalgia may experience stiffness and feel worse in damp, cold weather. A warm bath or hot pack may make the pain better. Rhus tox will also relieve inflammation and pain in those whose problems are worse on the left side of the body.
Bryonia Alba
Homeopathic Bryonia alba, or Bryonia, is indicated when your pains are made worse by the least motion and continue to feel worse with ongoing movement of the painful part, according to Boericke. If Bryonia is indicated, you may experience a severe headache along with body pains, may be very thirsty and may have swelling of the joints concomitant to the muscle pains.
Other Considerations
Homeopathic remedies are available without a prescription. Consult with a homeopath for guidance regarding the best remedy for your condition and dosing suggestions.
References
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, M.S., et al.; 2002
- University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: Diet and Arthritis
- Hospital for Special Surgery: Eating Right With Arthritis: Arthritis Nutrition FAQs
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1998
