Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by having widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons. Women are more likely to suffer from symptoms due to fibromyalgia, and approximately two to four percent of the U.S. population is reported to have the chronic disease. Fibromyalgia specialists believe that some causes include genetics, infections and even some illnesses. Trauma, either physical or emotional, may also contribute to this condition. Studies show a correlation between post-traumatic stress and fibromyalgia. If you or a loved one has fibromyalgia, it is important to make healthy life choices, and one of the ways to do that is through eating a natural diet. A diet may help ease the symptoms of the disease and allow you to live a productive life with less pain.
The Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten has been linked to inflammation, headaches, fatigue and body pain that many people with fibromyalgia experience. The gluten-free diet advocates avoiding foods that contain gluten, including wheat, pasta, bread, some cereals, cookies, cake, pie, salad dressing, licorice, lunch meat, imitation meat, caffeine and alcohol. The diet allows you to eat gluten-free food such as popcorn, peanut butter, jelly, corn, rice, beans and soybeans. Dairy products such as milk and eggs are also acceptable.
Raw Food Diet
This diet primarily consists of eating raw, or unprocessed, foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, organic foods, grains and nuts. Foods to avoid on this diet include alcohol, potatoes, tomatoes, caffeine, dairy, eggs and all meat. Uncooked foods are loaded with enzymes that help the body's digestive process. These foods also contain essential vitamins that the body needs to stay healthy. Eating fresh veggies and fruits loaded with magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3's and antioxidants help ease the pain.
Vitamins
Magnesium inhibits nerve receptors, which have been linked to fibromyalgia pain. Spinach is a great source of magnesium because of the chlorophyll in it. Beans, seeds and whole grains are also good sources of magnesium. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle pain and weakness. It is recommended to take 1,000 to 2,000 units of vitamin D per day. Mushrooms have a high amount of vitamin D.
Good sources of omega-3's include sardines and salmon, which may help reduce the inflammation associated with fibromyalgia.
Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. A diet high in antioxidants might include blueberries, kale, spinach and bell peppers.
Vitamin B boosts the immune and nervous systems and promotes metabolism. Vitamin B is commonly found in bananas, lentils, other whole grains, chili peppers, green vegetables, eggs, dairy products and meats such as turkey, tuna and liver.
Elimination Diet
Because there isn't one diet that will help everyone suffering from fibromyalgia, the elimination diet is often a choice for people suffering with chronic pain. Foods to cut out are white flour and sugar, fried foods, salt, junk foods, all sodas and red meat. It is advised to eliminate these foods for five to ten days and then start adding them slowly to see how each food affects you.
