Let us first explain the basics. What are the primary signs of fibromyalgia? Commonly, it consists of pain, tiredness, and sleep problems. Although fibromyalgia is not life-threatening, it contributes to a poor quality of life and plenty of problems. The unusual disease is characterized by chronic, nagging, generalized muscle pain. So-called “tender points” of the body are particularly sensitive to pressure. Apart from the additional symptoms, which include fatigue, a sensation of body stiffness, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders.
Just as people with diabetes need appropriate care, so do people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a new illness. In the longer term, it was missed more because of a multitude of symptoms that could be mistaken for other conditions. Recently, new diagnostic criteria were established to facilitate the diagnosis. Do you want to know more about this disease? Read on.
Despite all the observations, scientists still do not fully understand what exactly causes fibromyalgia. A lack of evidence needs to be studied on this unknown disease. But there are probably some different sorts of factors at play. Check out what might be tied to developing fibromyalgia.
The direct cause of the disease is neurological abnormalities. Brain imaging studies conducted over recent decades have identified multiple pain-related anomalies. The disorder leaves the pain-processing neurons overactive, which drives an exaggerated response to pain. This also accounts for other manifestations like chronic fatigue and depression.
It has been suggested that fibromyalgia may be caused by chronic stress and serious psychological trauma. So, triggering conditions might be difficult life situations like someone passing away or physical injury that causes anxiety like a surgical procedure. In addition, stress makes the symptoms even worse. This rare condition is frequently seen alongside post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Genetics is another factor here. Family members of fibromyalgia patients are eight times more likely to have the illness. However, specialists have also pointed out that this is not the only factor that causes the disease. The catalyst is often something other than that, but the risk increases if there exists any type of case of the disease in the family.
Some patients link the onset of symptoms to past infections like Lyme disease, infection with HIV, HCV, or HBV. Infections could, therefore, serve as a catalyst for the development of fibromyalgia in those who are already predisposed to developing the condition.
People with autoimmune diseases might develop fibromyalgia; they are at more risk than healthy individuals. Such illnesses are rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's disease. It may be because autoimmune diseases come along with neurological disorders that cause abnormal pain processing.
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is complex and even sometimes convoluted. It is something that needs many tests and all the needed diagnoses. It has symptoms that can be similar to other illnesses, both mental and physical. You should get advice from experts in several disciplines. You also have to provide an answer to the pain.
Chronic pain is among the most pivotal of these. At first, the pain is localized to one spot on the body. Then, it becomes generalized. Also, the pain has to last longer than several months; three is the minimum. Fibromyalgia involves joints and muscle groups on each side of the body. Common signs include spinal and large joint pain. Patients feel stabbing, twitching, or burning sensations in their muscles, and they mostly state stiffness of the body and swelling of the joints. The pain worsens in the mornings and when engaging in repetitive tasks like manual labor. With such muscle weakness, it will be hard to do any exercise.
The chronic pain is just the tip of the iceberg; there are a multitude of other symptoms that are quite debilitating on their own that fibromyalgia patients have to deal with, too. Other symptoms may include irritable bowel syndrome, i.e., frequent abdominal pain and digestive problems. A common complication is also the overactive bladder. Frequent urination with no other UTI symptoms. Others feel heart-racing and can't catch their breath, yet no disease is found in their heart. Also, extreme tiredness, lethargy, and malaise occur. This is often paired with sleep disturbances and depression.
Fibromyalgia can be treated in different ways. The objective of treatment is mainly pain relief. Pharmacological treatment can be used, which the doctor will determine according to the patient's case. But there are other ways. Doctors advise patients to modify their lifestyle. There are certain healthful habits to reduce symptoms. Like exercise. Exercise helps patients with fibromyalgia decrease pain, sleep better, and decrease fatigue. Meditation and exercises to help people relax are also worth consideration. And diet changes work for many patients.
People will try everything to avoid pain that lasts for longer than normal. A diet that is low in calories and vegetarian type helps. Switching to a healthier diet boosts mood and general health is nothing new. Fibromyalgia patients with dietary treatment should be the same as the majority of the population. It is necessary to keep an optimal weight. Excess body weight puts a strain, leading to more pain. What should your diet look like if you are living with fibromyalgia? And which foods should you keep off the menu? Let's find out.
Let us first look at items well worth adding to your diet. The majority of them are fresh products of plant origin. For fibromyalgia, consumption of plants with antioxidant properties is suggested.
Some scientists believe that oxidative stress may have a role to play in the symptoms of fibromyalgia. To avoid this, individuals must consume a lot of greens and fruits. These foods contain ingredients known to help prevent inflammation. Increasing the intake of such plant products may lower inflammatory markers as well as enhance host defense and disease resistance.
Various important substances are found in vegetables and fruits that are good for individuals with fibromyalgia. There are antioxidants, first of all. They also have vitamins and minerals, which we all know are good for everyone. In addition, all plant sources give you fiber. This abundance of benefits from these ingredients means diets high in fruit and veggies are valuable for anybody experiencing fibromyalgia. Among them are Vegetarian and Mediterranean diets.
Fibromyalgia symptoms may resemble similar diseases and other conditions. Vitamin D deficiency is one of these. For this reason, doctors will always test the vitamin D levels of patients in whom they suspect overlapping fibromyalgia. Research found that vitamin D deficiency sometimes presents as pain in bones or muscles. So, it is essential to make sure you have your fill of this vitamin to ease symptoms. One example is vitamin D from fish oils.
Some symptoms, such as joint stiffness and pain, can be reduced with a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids. In one study, they didn't consider people with fibromyalgia. The subjects refer to those with rheumatoid arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome. But anything that helps ease joints and muscle pain is also worth a shot for people living with fibromyalgia. You could eat more fish, nuts, and seeds. For example, walnuts and flaxseed are good choices because they are high in omega fatty acids. They have an awesome anti-inflammatory properties.
People with fibromyalgia also suffer from fatigue, low energy, and weakness. It is, therefore, something that is worthwhile raising their energy levels. As we mentioned, nuts should be included in the diet. They enhance energy levels and are essential in a balanced diet. However, complex carbohydrates are also an important group to pay attention to. Good carbohydrates have fewer calories in them, so there is less chance for us to be overweight. Such foods are also high in fiber and other healthy elements!
As we already mentioned, weight gain has an adverse effect on fibromyalgia symptoms. So, keep an eye on your weight. It, therefore, makes sense to keep track of whether you are over-consuming unhealthy foods like simple carbs. But you have to also take into account drinks with sugar. Instead, they are best replaced with water. Staying hydrated can also reduce symptoms like headaches.
Finally, you know what you should eat in your fibromyalgia diet plan. You also have to know what not to eat. Eating healthy is hard. There are sweets, processed food, and fast food on every corner. Let's see what to avoid on your plate or cup.
There has been research into fibromyalgia and the gluten-free diet. This diet is assumed to have a positive reaction and reduce pain symptoms. However, more refined results are needed to prove this. In fact, fibromyalgia is a frequent comorbidity with coeliac disease and may be the reason. Many people with fibromyalgia disease are discovering that a gluten-free diet does wonders! Be advised that you must consult a dietitian first.
Common food additives like monosodium glutamate activate neurotransmitters that can engage pain receptors. Aspartame is also not good for fibromyalgia. Try to see if symptoms get worse after taking such processed foods. If that is the case, staying away from them would be better.
Fibromyalgia patients may frequently seek caffeine-based products. The reason is that, at times, the tiredness crosses a limit, and caffeine is the easiest form of energy obtainable. But this is a horrible mistake. Sure, caffeine is stimulating, but the charge also falls off in a moment. Resulting in increased fatigue. Caffeine overuse is another possibility for causing headaches. Fibromyalgia patients typically wish to heal pain. So, having multiple cups of coffee throughout the day is a bad practice. Go green instead. Green tea, rich in antioxidants, is a better option.
Sugar and simple carbohydrates are two silent killers we tend not to pay attention to. Many people do not realize how much damage such products can inflict. Weight gain is something that all fibromyalgia patients should be on the lookout for. Though, people believe weight gain is due to fats. In fact, sugar is even worse than this. Irregular blood sugar levels also can increase tiredness, which, for fibromyalgia patients, is not a positive thing. Refrain from simple carbs and turn to complex. Keep sugar to a minimum. Pay close attention to your sugary beverages, as they may feature hidden sugar.
Others afflicted with chronic disease commonly drink alcoholic beverages to relieve their suffering. But, it does not help your body; it dehydrates it and creates a lot of other issues. Also, hangover symptoms from too much alcohol can result in a very unpleasant experience. Alcohol diverts energy and suppresses immunity as well. So, this should be avoided by those who have fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a new problem. Research on fibromyalgia is still in the initial stages. Abnormal pain perception is attached to this disease. Its exact mechanism is still not quite clear. The symptoms sometimes do not allow normal functioning. Diagnosis is notoriously difficult, and patients take years to learn they have fibromyalgia. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment may be needed, with lifestyle modifications often being key.
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