Fibromyalgia Diet

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that has a wide collection of symptoms including intense muscle pain, fatigue, cognitive and memory problems, among others. There is no known cause or an established treatment to this disorder, but there have been several techniques that researchers say could alleviate or suppress its symptoms.

One of the methods that many people turn to in order to relieve its symptoms is avoiding intake of food that may aggravate its effects. However, there really is no exact formula or diet that has been proven to effectively counter the effects of fibromyalgia for all fibromyalgia patients. People may respond to this technique differently. What may work for one might not work for another; this is because fibromyalgia is a complex condition and may be accompanied by secondary condition such as gluten intolerance, gout, and restless legs syndrome. Eating a diet that would inhibit the development of a possible secondary condition would then relieve the pain and fatigue that fibromyalgia brings.

Several studies have shown that there are certain types of food that a person suffering from this disorder should avoid. While there really is no guarantee that this will truly work for you, the success that a significant number of people have had with this method will make it at least worth considering.

Some of the foods that should be avoided are aspartame a food sweetener that is said to increase pain, as it stimulates the nerve pathways in our nervous system that acts as a pain receptor. Food additives such as MSG or monosodium glutamate, which is found in many processed foods, can also intensify pain and has the same effects as aspartame. Caffeine, which is present in coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate actually adds to the fatigue that fibromyalgia causes, as it has a long and deep sedative effect.

Avoiding the foods mentioned above may help many people cope with this disorder, but it is also good to exercise regularly in order to strengthen your muscles and keep them healthy. This will also go a long way in battling fibromyalgia as you will have a stronger immune system and a boost of energy that naturally comes with light, low pressure exercise.

Keeping a positive outlook is definitely better than moping around and feeling helpless. Fibromyalgia can be a debilitating illness that may change completely, but its effects can be lessened. There are many self help techniques and books written by sufferers themselves that will help you cope with the changes and will teach you the ways of overcoming this obstacle, and living a full and active life.