Fibromyalgia is one of those mysterious, misunderstood conditions that causes both physical and emotional distress to its sufferers. Since there is so little data regarding this condition, there is also little validation for it, compounding the difficulty. But since many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia seem to be muscular, the solutions suggested in this article focus on food compounds that ease muscularly pain.
The Fibromyalgia Diet
In addition to cutting out processed foods, manage your fibromyalgia by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables . If possible, remove dairy and meat products from your diet too and get playful with your spice choice . Each person if different, so experiment with your fibromyalgia diet and see what works for you.
1. Figs
These fun fruits are packed with malic acid, a key nutrient for fibromyalgia. It reduces inflammation, pain, and tenderness. Figs also contain other beneficial nutrients such as magnesium and manganese . Plus, the fruit contains ficin, an enzyme that improves digestion.
Fresh and dried figs work really well with salty foods such as goat cheese and cured meats, but they can also be used to make jam and pie filling. For best results, eat plenty of malic acid daily for at least 2 months (10).
2. Buckwheat
This gluten-free grain is another great source of malic acid, which helps soothe tired and sore muscles. Replace regular flour with buckwheat flour for homemade pancakes and serve them with malic acid-rich granny smith apples. You can also use buckwheat groats to replace rice.
3. Spinach
Researchers are well aware that there’s a connection between low magnesium levels and fibromyalgia symptoms.
In fact, the digestive and urinary issues linked to the condition can cause magnesium deficiency. In turn, getting too little magnesium leads to muscle spasm and weakness, agitation and anxiety, restless leg syndrome (RLS), sleep disorders, and menstrual pain: all fibromyalgia symptoms .
Spinach, kale, swiss chard and other leafy greens are a great source of magnesium.
Other sources include:
- Legumes
- Whole grains
- Wheat bran
- Brazil nuts
- Soybean flour
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Blackstrap molasses
- Pumpkin and squash seeds
- Pine nuts
- Black walnuts
4. Peppers
Chili peppers, like cayenne and other peppers, contains capsaicin. This compound improves muscle pain temporarily in people with fibromyalgia as well as arthritis . To use, apply a homemade cayenne ointmentto sore joints and muscles 3-4 times a day and incorporate peppers into your diet a few times a day. If you have stomach acid issues such as heartburn or gastric ulcers, you may want to skip this one.
5. Pineapple
This fruit is an amazing food for people with fibromyalgia mainly thanks to its bromelain content. This enzyme works just as well as NSAIDs in reducing joint pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis .
Pineapple also contains manganese, which boosts collagen production and reduces menstrual cramps.
Bromelain can interact with antibiotics, blood thinners, and sedatives, so make sure to avoid pineapple if you take any of these medications. Bromelain may also negatively impact pregnant and breastfeeding women.
6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great dietary source of vitamin D, which can improve pain in people with fibromyalgia. In fact, a study of women with fibromyalgia who had low vitamin D levels found that 20 weeks of vitamin D supplementation greatly reduced sensations of pain .
7. Cannabis
This medicinal herb has long been used by people with fibromyalgia, even long before its legalization.
Actually, the National Pain Foundations issued a survey in 2014 which found that “cannabis was considered the most effective pain medication by fibromyalgia patients who were willing to experiment with the herb.”
“Sixty-two percent who have tried cannabis said it was very effective at treating their fibromyalgia symptoms. Another 33% said it helped a little and only 5% said it did not help at all.”
Plus, human trials have found that cannabis has a beneficial effect on nerve pain in people with multiple sclerosis and diabetic neuropathy .
To use, make your own cannabis oil and ingest it or juice fresh marijuana leaves and drink regularly.
Other great foods to try include chia seeds, apricots, cauliflower, alma berries, cherries, strawberries, ginger, and much more!
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, so there’s no quick fix. Add the foods above to your fibromyalgia diet, stay active, and most of all, get plenty of sleep. Over time, your pain should diminish, your energy levels will stabilize, and your quality of life will improve.
More on this from the source: The Fibromyalgia Diet: 7 Foods to Help You Manage Your Symptoms
