Diet
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Fibromyalgia and Diet
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 Don't
fall prey to advertisements or claims that promise miraculous cures for
Fibromyalgia with exotic diet plans. Although no known cure for
Fibromyalgia exists, much can be done to relieve pain and suffering, and
prevent problems from developing.
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| Vitamin and mineral enthusiasts often claim their supplements correct the
problem. People recommending special diets that eliminate or add certain foods
promise quick relief. Often couched in scientific terms, these claims sound
reasonable unless you know that neither diets nor supplements have proved a
cure for Fibromyalgia.
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| Some fad diets for Fibromyalgia focus on eliminating foods such as acidic
fruits or vegetables; foods that cause allergies, such as peanuts, onions or
tomatoes; or dairy products and red meats.
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| Those who advise adding something to a diet often suggest honey and
vinegar, blackstrap molasses, alfalfa, cod liver oil, sea kelp, elderberry wine,
pokeberries or bee pollen.
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| Rather than spend money on something that is worthless or perhaps even
harmful, spend it on food that will provide a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
Scientific evidence shows that when a body is properly nourished, it is better able
to deal with disease.
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| Some of these remedies are harmless, but some are dangerous, and others
prevent the arthritis sufferer from getting good nutrition essential in combating
chronic diseases. Everyone needs an adequate intake of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins.
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| To get these essential nutrients, eat a variety of foods from the four basic
food groups every day including: Four servings of fruits and vegetables; four
servings of bread and cereals; two servings of dairy products; and two servings
of meats and meat substitutes.
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| Fibromyalgia causes special problems that can make it difficult to get proper
nutrition.
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| When pain limits an appetite, change the diet. Try six small meals instead of three large ones. Use sauces and gravies on meats and vegetables to improve taste and increase calorie consumption. Add dry milk powder to milk, cream soups, sauces and gravies. Drink high-calorie, high-protein milkshakes and snack on nuts, peanut butter, cheese, dried fruit, yogurt, cereal and milk. |
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| For people with good appetites and weight problems, excess weight places
extra stress and strain on weight-bearing joints, which can make Fibromyalgia
pain worse. Fibromyalgia sometimes limits physical activity, which makes it
easier to gain unwanted pounds and harder to get them off.
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| A low-calorie, nutritious diet plus exercises designed for people with
Fibromyalgia help keep weight under control and shed unwanted pounds.
Exercises done in warm water are especially beneficial for people with Fibromyalgia.
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| If you need to lose weight, limit calories by avoiding sweets and fatty foods.
Use skim milk instead of whole milk or cream. Trim visible fat from meat and
remove skin from chicken before cooking. Grill, roast, bake or broil meats or
poultry rather than frying. Cook vegetables without adding fat.
Use herbs, spices, vinegar, lemon juice or bouillon cubes for seasoning.
If you need to limit salt, avoid the bouillon cubes. Snack on low-calorie foods such as fresh fruits
and raw vegetables.
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| Remember to include plenty of fiber, or roughage, to prevent constipation.
Use whole-grain breads and cereals. Eat brown rice, cornbread made with
stone-ground cornmeal and fresh fruits with skin when possible.
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| When Fibromyalgia is accompanied by temporomandibular joint disorder,
chewing can be a problem. Select soft, easy-to-eat foods. Grind or chop meats
and vegetables before cooking, and use them in casseroles, soups and stews.
Use skim-milk yogurt, cheese soufflés and dried beans as protein substitutes if
you can't chew meats.
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| If cereals are hard to chew, try grinding them in a blender with milk and a
banana for a tasty shake. If eating fresh fruits is not possible, soften fruits by
cooking them for a short time in a small amount of water. Avoid using too much
water or overcooking as it can destroy vitamins and minerals.
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| When Fibromyalgia causes pain that interferes with meal preparation, try
convenience foods such as skillet dinners, baked casseroles, instant potatoes or
instant breakfast mixes. If possible, plan ahead. When Fibromyalgia pain is
intermittent, prepare casseroles, soups and entrees that can be frozen, but be
careful not to do too much at one time, as this may bring on a
"flare". If pain is continuous, consider a program such as meals-on-wheels that delivers a hot,
nutritious meal to your home once a day.
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At present, no causal link has been established between diet and Fibromyalgia, but eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet makes coping with
Fibromyalgia easier. Evidence shows that people with Fibromyalgia who eat
well-balanced diets require fewer hospitalizations and fare better over the long
run than people who are malnourished. |
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