Posted by admin | Posted in Dieting, Food Remedies | Posted on 13-07-2009
Fibromyalgia syndrome is an ongoing condition that causes widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and poor sleep. Trademark symptoms are “tender points” in areas such as the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. Other symptoms can include headaches or facial pain, IBS, depression or anxiety. Feeling like this can cramp anyone’s style.
There are no specific lab tests to identify fibromyalgia and was once thought to be a psychosomatic disorder–that is, “all in your head.” It is now estimated that a whopping five million Americans have this annoying and painful condition. 50% of the suffering people have reported that pain medication, even strong opioids have little effect.
What may give you better results is to lose weight, at least if you’re overweight or obese. One study showed a significant lessening of the pain in patients who lost 4.4 percent of their body weight and they experienced improvement in mood and quality of life.
FOODS THAT CAN HELP
Malic acid is essential for normal muscle function.
Buckwheat is a top notch source. Mangoes, apricots, and figs. Make a breakfast of Buckwheat pancakes perhaps topped with sliced mangoes or apricots.
Fig figs contain ficin, an enzyme that can help reduce pain in many “itis” (inflammatory) conditions.
Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that promotes energy production and cellular function. Once cup of cooked spinach contains 40% of the Daily Value. Leafy greens, green beans, avocados, almonds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and barley all have a decent amount of magnesium.
Chili Peppers contain capsaicin, which is number one among painkillers. Capsaicin is best used topically, but pepper derived hot sauce and cayenne added to your diet could help.
Ginger contains the digestive enzyme zingibain and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is easy to get enough ginger into your diet to help reduce pain. Three or four fresh slices in a cup of boiling water makes a good herbal tea or just sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger into your food at a meal.
Turmeric This yellow curry spice is a rich source of curcumin, a strong antioxidant. It reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels and helping the body heal itself. Turmeric can be added to many recipes and can only improve the taste.
Pineapple contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that helps reduce swelling and inflammation. It contains high amounts of manganese and is very rich in vitamin C.
While I would doubt that you would feel sudden relief from a severe episode by starting to change your diet, I do however belief that by adding these items to your diet, you can fend off future terrible episodes of this very painful condition.