October 2006
With featured articles on Fibromyalgia treatment and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, information on treating Fibromyalgia, reviews of recommended products, and interviews with practitioners.
Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Fibromyalgia is a puzzling, painful, and chronic condition that affects roughly four million Americans. It causes widespread pain throughout the body as well as fatigue, stiffness, headaches, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, vertigo, difficulty with balance, chest pain, short-term memory loss or difficulty with cognitive function, and difficulty concentrating.
It can affect people of any age, even children, although it strikes most often between the ages of twenty and fifty-five. Doctors are not entirely sure what causes fibromyalgia. Injury, trauma, infection, lack of exercise, changes in muscle metabolism, chronic fatigue syndrome, hormonal abnormalities, and depression have all been linked to the development of the condition.
Treating Fibromyalgia
Even though scientists may not be completely sure of the exact cause of fibromyalgia, significant advances have been made in the treatment of the condition. Proper care of fibromyalgia involves strengthening the body’s immune system, restoring restful sleep, and gradually reconditioning the muscles through exercise. A healthy diet can also help restore your immunity and aid in relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Steps for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Dietary Changes
Scientists are still trying to uncover the exact link between diet and the symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, it makes sense that eating a healthy and balanced diet will strengthen the immune system, prevent secondary diseases, and help you feel your best. A nutritious meal plan will also help to reduce fatigue, lessen the side effects of certain medications, prevent constipation and other digestive disorders, and maintain the overall chemical balance within the body. For those who suffer from fibromyalgia, every advantage is needed for recovery.
Food Choices
Concentrate on variety and moderation. Eat a range of different selections from each of the five food groups—breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats. In addition, try to eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables than you normally do. Remember, your body needs over forty different vitamins, minerals and nutrients on a daily basis just to grow and function. Eating a variety of foods will help you meet these needs. Moreover, try to drink more purified water throughout the day to improve circulation and move waste and nutrients through the system. Aim for six to eight glasses each day.
Here are a few foods you may want to avoid or at least cut back on. These foods place excess strain on your system and can aggravate the pain of fibromyalgia. They include:
- Saturated Fats
- Hydrogenated Oils
- Refined White Sugar
- Iodized Salt
- Alcohol and caffeine
Meal Preparation Tips:
Practice good posture when cooking. Poor posture will aggravate the strain on your tender joints. Plan to take rest breaks while preparing a meal. Start the meal a half hour earlier so that you can take two fifteen-minute breaks during the process.
Purchase pre-sliced organic frozen vegetables to add to your dishes. This will help to avoid the strain of washing and chopping fresh veggies. Invest in some helpful kitchen gadgets like an electric can opener to make preparation easier. Plan to use convenience foods occasionally to make meal preparation easier. Just add frozen organic veggies and whole grain bread to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Exercise
Exercise can help to bring back strength and ease of movement to sufferers of fibromyalgia syndrome. Aerobic exercise will help to improve circulation and ease you into a better night’s sleep. Low-impact muscle-strengthening exercises like brisk walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics are good choices. Start slow and build your exercise routine gradually to avoid straining sensitive joints and muscles
Supplemental Medications and Nutrients
There are several over-the-counter medications that may provide some relief from the pain of fibromyalgia. Watch out for any possible side effects and reactions these medications may cause. Doctors sometimes prescribe medications such as antidepressants, tranquilizers and corticosteroids for the treatment of symptoms, but again, these medications can cause other adverse side effects such as weight gain, mood swings, drowsiness, constipation, and dry mouth.
Natural remedies and supplements, on the other hand, rely on the body’s natural healing abilities and may be a better fit for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain. Natural medicines focus on diet and health and returning the body to a state in which in can heal itself.
Rest
It’s important to balance your periods of exercise and daily activity with periods of adequate rest. This will help your body to recuperate and heal itself. This may help to break the cycle of pain, stress, depression and tension associated with fibromyalgia.
It may take some time before you find the right routine for your body. Some of these pain relief steps may help more than others. See your natural health care physician for help determining the best way to treat your fibromyalgia pain.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic health care products to support a wide range of health conditions. For more information on fibromyalgia, please visit fibromyalgia-support.org.
