Fibromyalgia Prevention Through Diet And Exercise

By Elaine Guthrie


There are many people who live with fibromyalgia. In fact, there are millions of Americans, with the majority of them being women, who suffer with this difficult disease. They are often suspected of making it all up because it is quite the ghost of an ailment and is invisible to detect in tests. Below are lifestyle changes for fibromyalgia prevention and to reduce symptoms and flareups. Diet is the first one to look at.

Firstly, there are patients who experience the strangest aches and in different parts of their bodies. These aches and pains differ from one patient to another. At times, they could experience stiffness, or aching sensations, but very often, it's an intense daily chronic pain that they must live with. With the pain that they experience throughout the day and night, their sleep is also affected, making fatigue another common issue among sufferers. If that's not enough, they also have to deal with numerous digestive problems, depression and headaches.

It's a complicated diagnosis which begins by ruling out other disorders and ailments. Very often, a specialist known as a rheumatologist will have to rule out any autoimmune disorders, anemia, thyroid problems, arthritis, and more. In general, the patient should experience 11 of 18 pain areas throughout the body to get this official diagnosis.

To date, classic medications to treat fibromyalgia include acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory medication. Antidepressants are also prescribed to help promote sleep and improve the feelings of fatigue. Natural remedies include meditation and exercise, which have shown to work quite well among many patients.

Very often, the diet of the North American people is the number one culprit. One particular problem is the low levels of vitamin D that is found in most patients. Obviously, those who live in northern areas where there is limited sunlight, will be at a greater risk. Vitamin D is important for muscles and bones, and low levels of this vital vitamin could be putting people at risk. However, it is important to speak to a doctor before upping the dosage.

Digestive problems are another symptom of this sickness. As many as 70% have irritable bowel syndrome. As such, it's important to keep track of one's diet, and what's eaten and what may trigger one's symptoms. For the most part, caffeine and cruciferous vegetables should be avoided.

It's also important to increase one's intake of fiber. If tummy issues continue, peppermint oil is an excellent supplement. Also, for those who do suffer from this illness, and since they are more at risk of poor nutrition, they should take proper action to avoid this from happening. For instance, on good days, they should cook several meals to store in the freezer so that they are available when one's under the weather.

Fried foods and those high in sodium should also be avoided, as they can trigger problems and symptoms. Monitoring the diet, as suggested above through food logs is vital to improving health and avoiding flareups. Exercise is so important to the body, and far too many people are leading sedentary lifestyles to the point where they are putting their health at risk. Start slow and increase accordingly. This will help strengthen muscles and joints and could be as easy as simply walking a few minutes a day.




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