Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to live with for various reasons. For starters, it's almost like a ghost of an ailment. Loved ones may even question that a family member is ill because of the crazy symptoms experienced by the patient. What's more is that there is no conventional test that will prove it. On the other hand, it's not much of a ghost ailment since millions of Americans, mostly women, are affected by it. However, fibromyalgia prevention through diet and other ways of healthy living is possible.
More than anything, patients experience pain, although the aches differ from one person to the next. In general, people feel aching sensations in different areas of their body, and sometimes stiffness. They can experience intense, daily chronic pain for months at a time. Fatigue is another symptom associated with this condition. Fibromyalgia is also associated with digestive problems, pelvic pain, headaches and depression.
It's a complicated diagnosis which begins by ruling out other disorders and ailments. Very often, a specialist known as a rheumatologist will have to rule out any autoimmune disorders, anemia, thyroid problems, arthritis, and more. In general, the patient should experience 11 of 18 pain areas throughout the body to get this official diagnosis.
Those who suffer from fibromyalgia are often prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. To help promote sleep and combat the feelings of extreme fatigue, antidepressants may also be prescribed. Alternatively, people are opting for natural remedies that include exercise and medication.
Very often, the diet of the North American people is the number one culprit. One particular problem is the low levels of vitamin D that is found in most patients. Obviously, those who live in northern areas where there is limited sunlight, will be at a greater risk. Vitamin D is important for muscles and bones, and low levels of this vital vitamin could be putting people at risk. However, it is important to speak to a doctor before upping the dosage.
Digestive problems are another symptom of this sickness. As many as 70% have irritable bowel syndrome. As such, it's important to keep track of one's diet, and what's eaten and what may trigger one's symptoms. For the most part, caffeine and cruciferous vegetables should be avoided.
It's also important to increase one's intake of fiber. If tummy issues continue, peppermint oil is an excellent supplement. Also, for those who do suffer from this illness, and since they are more at risk of poor nutrition, they should take proper action to avoid this from happening. For instance, on good days, they should cook several meals to store in the freezer so that they are available when one's under the weather.
Fried foods and those high in sodium should also be avoided, as they can trigger problems and symptoms. Monitoring the diet, as suggested above through food logs is vital to improving health and avoiding flareups. Exercise is so important to the body, and far too many people are leading sedentary lifestyles to the point where they are putting their health at risk. Start slow and increase accordingly. This will help strengthen muscles and joints and could be as easy as simply walking a few minutes a day.
More than anything, patients experience pain, although the aches differ from one person to the next. In general, people feel aching sensations in different areas of their body, and sometimes stiffness. They can experience intense, daily chronic pain for months at a time. Fatigue is another symptom associated with this condition. Fibromyalgia is also associated with digestive problems, pelvic pain, headaches and depression.
It's a complicated diagnosis which begins by ruling out other disorders and ailments. Very often, a specialist known as a rheumatologist will have to rule out any autoimmune disorders, anemia, thyroid problems, arthritis, and more. In general, the patient should experience 11 of 18 pain areas throughout the body to get this official diagnosis.
Those who suffer from fibromyalgia are often prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. To help promote sleep and combat the feelings of extreme fatigue, antidepressants may also be prescribed. Alternatively, people are opting for natural remedies that include exercise and medication.
Very often, the diet of the North American people is the number one culprit. One particular problem is the low levels of vitamin D that is found in most patients. Obviously, those who live in northern areas where there is limited sunlight, will be at a greater risk. Vitamin D is important for muscles and bones, and low levels of this vital vitamin could be putting people at risk. However, it is important to speak to a doctor before upping the dosage.
Digestive problems are another symptom of this sickness. As many as 70% have irritable bowel syndrome. As such, it's important to keep track of one's diet, and what's eaten and what may trigger one's symptoms. For the most part, caffeine and cruciferous vegetables should be avoided.
It's also important to increase one's intake of fiber. If tummy issues continue, peppermint oil is an excellent supplement. Also, for those who do suffer from this illness, and since they are more at risk of poor nutrition, they should take proper action to avoid this from happening. For instance, on good days, they should cook several meals to store in the freezer so that they are available when one's under the weather.
Fried foods and those high in sodium should also be avoided, as they can trigger problems and symptoms. Monitoring the diet, as suggested above through food logs is vital to improving health and avoiding flareups. Exercise is so important to the body, and far too many people are leading sedentary lifestyles to the point where they are putting their health at risk. Start slow and increase accordingly. This will help strengthen muscles and joints and could be as easy as simply walking a few minutes a day.