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Diet for Fibromyalgia

My father has fibromyalgia? Can you suggest me some healthy diets for him?
(May 11, 2010)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease which causes mild to extreme pain in the ligaments, muscles and tendons in the concerned individual’s body. However the bodily muscle pain is more of a superficial symptom as the actual cause of concern is the ham caused to the nervous system as it processes the pain. Typically, individuals suffering from fibromyalgia are known to develop painful knot like formations in the muscles all over their body which tend to inhibit their physical actions and movements. Other common symptoms associated with this disease are difficulty in concentration and memory levels, continuous feeling of lethargy and fatigue, inability to sleep, and diarrhea. It has also been observed that factors like anxiety, stress, certain foods and depression tend to aggravate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.


Headaches experienced by fibromyalgia patients tend to be extreme and may occur twice or thrice a week.

One of the natural ways of controlling the spread of fibromyalgia is to avoid alcohol and any sugary or fatty foods. Similarly foods containing Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) should also be avoided. Consumption of increased amounts of protein in the form of milk, meat, eggs and fish is also known to minimize the pain and stiffness associated with fibromyalgia. Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia should also follow a diet rich in serotonin such as carbohydrate rich beans and grains and starchy foods. Dark chocolate is also recommended however in small quantities.

Consumption of low fat chicken broth is considered to be an excellent source of Vitamin B 12 which is required to combat fibromyalgia. Iron and zinc available in red meat should also be consumed in minimal quantities daily. Assorted nuts such as almonds, pistachios etc should also form an important part of a fibromyalgia patient’s diet. However since these nuts are high in fats and calories, their intake should be monitored and coupled with some exercise as far as possible. Fruits or fruit juices with high levels of Vitamin C should be avoided as they tend to aggravate the muscle pain and body ache. A diet made out of natural products like fruits and vegetable rather than refined or processed foods also works well to minimize the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Since diet and exercise are supplementary to each other, fibromyalgia patients are also recommended to perform simple exercises for short periods (even five minutes a day) so as to keep the muscles active and also relatively supple.
Submitted by C N on May 11, 2010 at 03:47

 

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