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Important Lifestyle Changes For Fibromyalgia Prevention

By Elaine Guthrie


Living with fibromyalgia can be quite difficult, because it is quite the ghost of an ailment. Very often, people don't even believe that one is sick because of the various symptoms a patient could experience, and it's almost invisible in conventional testing. However, it affects millions of people, most of which are women. Below, learn more about this health condition, and how to improve diet for fibromyalgia prevention.

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.

Since the diagnosis is complicated and there is no real test to detect the disease, doctors have to rule out other disorders. They will test and observe blood work for thyroid and autoimmune disorders, arthritis and anemia. After all that is completed, then they try to identify distinct pain areas in the body to make the diagnosis.

Generally, people are treated using acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory medications. For those who experience extreme fatigue, antidepressants are prescribed which can help to promote sleep and therefore combat fatigue. Many natural remedies are also recommended, through exercise and meditation.

With the numerous sufferers of fibromyalgia in North America, it's important to look at what could be the culprit, and in this case diet could be the main focus. For instance, many sufferers have very low levels of vitamin D, and there are links between vitamin D and the pain experienced by such patients. Vitamin D is vital for healthy muscles and bones, and low levels could easily cause pains in these areas. However, before increasing the dosage of vitamin D, please speak to a doctor.

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.

Also, try to avoid foods that are high in sodium. Other foods to avoid are fried foods. As everyone experiences different symptoms, it's important to monitor them as closely as possible. The food log suggested above is highly recommended, as some foods may trigger symptoms and flareups. By all means, when up to it, add physical fitness to the recipe. Never overdo it, but get active, even if that means five minutes a day. Physical activity can keep joints and muscles healthier and stronger. Walking is a good moderate form of exercise that can reduce symptoms.




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