Fibromyalgia
Updated Oct. 13th, 2017
Fibromyalgia causes pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fibrous tissue of the body. The areas most affected by fibromyalgia are the neck, shoulders, lower back, chest and thighs. It is difficult to diagnose and can have a similar presentation to chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism and inflammatory arthritis.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia begin with muscle stiffness, aching and spasms that are worse after activity.
Eventually, these symptoms will lead to a generalized fatigue. Some other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders and bowel issues. Those who report symptoms of fibromyalgia and receive a blood test, show red blood cell clusters that take on an abnormal shape and are referred to as rouleau formations. The common theme with fibromyalgia sufferers is a stress lifestyle. Some other potential causes include food allergies, toxin accumulation and viral infection.
The conventional treatment for fibromyalgia is typically antidepressants which are theorized to help due to their effect on the central nervous system. The antidepressants target the pain and disturbed sleep symptoms of sufferers.
Dietary approaches to fibromyalgia have several components. Most people’s diets cause their tissues to be acidic. In order to buffer the acid essential minerals are stripped from the body. The first step is to cleanse the body of accumulated acids and toxins.
An alkaline diet will help to prevent worsening of symptoms and maintain a proper mineral balance (see Acid/Alkali balance section). A digestive enzyme should be supplemented to ensure that food is broken down properly.
Avoid consuming coffee and black tea both of which deplete minerals.
Avoid consuming any food that you are sensitive to. Do not eat from the nightshade family (green peppers, eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes). They contain solanine that interferes with the muscle’s enzyme system, causing pain.
In addition to an alkaline diet the following foods should be increased: pineapple, ginger, turmeric, alfalfa, fibre, such as flax seeds, and ocean-going fish, for their essential fatty acids.
Stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises and moderate physical activity can decrease fibromyalgia symptoms. Copper bracelets can be worn around the wrist to produce a whole body anti-inflammatory effect. Topically, juniper or St. John’s wort oil can be rubbed into the painful area. Hydrotherapy with warm compresses or baths can provide relief.
As a long time fibromyalgia pain sufferer, I have tried it all. What works for one person doesn't always work for the next. But I have noticed over the years that getting enough sleep, decreasing sugar, and keeping active seems to keep the pain at bay. Melatonin helps with sleep, and various other supplements help with cravings and energy. Take a look at all the options available and give it a try.
Hello, Denise,
Thank you for sharing your experience. Fibromyalgia can be very uncomfortable, we are happy to hear you've found natural remedies that help with the pain. If you'd like to find new healthy recipes that use less sugar, check out our recipe section too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Stay healthy & well!
Thank you for this well researched well thought out articles. As a fibromyalgia sufferer I find that this particular health condition is very misunderstood. It took me 15 years (you read that right) of suffering with fibro before I was finally diagnosed. It solved a lot of health mysteries for me and gave me peace of mind at last. CoQ10 has been very beneficial. Though valerian had the very opposite effect on me. I tried many different brands, with the same results. It leaves me restless, agitated and unable to sleep. I recently read a book on herbalism that clarified that a small percentage of the population has this very same "reversed" effect when taking valerian. Instead I have begun taking passion flower with good results. Most people with fibro are also very low in vitamin d.
Hello, Shelley,
Thank you for sharing and sorry you suffered for so long without knowing what was going on. Glad our article was helpful for you, we enjoy working with natural health practitioners to provide you with up-to-date information. We just added new articles on CoQ10 you may enjoy, check them out here:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/research/coq10-supplement/
Stay healthy & well!