Can a Diet Help to Manage Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by severe pain in the muscles and extreme fatigue. The actual cause of the disease is not clear. Many are looking at alternative treatment methods to alleviate the symptoms that are very frustrating. Many patients have reported that eating certain foods affects or worsens the symptoms. There is no clear scientific evidence to show that diet may be useful in relieving the symptoms of this disease. However, many want to try out changes in their diet to see how it may be helpful in reducing pain and fatigue.
It is very common that each person might be sensitive to a particular type of food. This may be eggs, gluten, dairy products, MSG, preservatives or other foods. Studies show that many people have worsened symptoms when they eat certain types of foods. Keeping a food journal to record the triggers that may worsen the symptoms would be helpful in identifying the culprits. Avoiding foods that cause a particular symptom is ideal to control the disease. Those who have irritable bowel syndrome, eliminating certain foods from the diet like gluten and dairy products may be helpful. Thus, one can have considerable reduction in the symptoms by eliminating the sensitive foods from the daily diet.
Just as in the case of any other adults, eating healthy foods, like fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein is very important for people with fibromyalgia. This will provide a continuous supply of energy and reduce fatigue. As pain and fatigue may affect cooking healthy foods that require long preparation time, it is better to go easy on healthy foods that are easy to prepare. Adding the right foods is the most ideal way to have consistent flow of energy.
One of the ways to have good energy levels in the day is to eat small meals throughout the day. Thus, having breakfast with whole grains and proteins followed by a midday snack of protein is good for energy flow. This will definitely prevent fatigue and body ache. Along with a diet, one should also try to get adequate rest and try to keep oneself active throughout the day. Special care should be taken while having supplements as well. Certain medications are known to have interactions with the medications taken for fibromyalgia.
