Home Remedies for Fibromyalgia
There are countless diseases and conditions that can be treated by some type of home remedy–from the common cold to arthritis. While medical home remedies should not be used as exclusively or without trained supervision or professional advice, many remedies can be used to complement other treatments.
Fibromyalgia is a condition I never knew much about–until I was diagnosed with it a little over a year ago. There is a lot of debate about what causes a chronic pain and fatigue syndrome like fibromyalgia. Some medical experts even argue whether or not the condition is even real at all, but for those who suffer with pain and muscle weakness and stiffness and never seem to have a break, all the debates seem sort of irrelevant.
The best results with fibromyalgia treatments are normally reached with a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. Some patients respond well to medications, some to physio, massage, accupuncture, or any combination of things. Each patient has choices to make in their day to day lifestyle as well.
Sometimes medical home remedies are as simple as a change in diet and routine. With fibromyalgia, there are some “common sense recommendations”as offered by a really useful website that I found at http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/CFS/fib_common_sense.htm .
- Eat a well-balanced diet of 50% raw foods and fresh juices to renew energy and build immunity.
-Eat 4-5 small meals to keep a steady supply of protein and carbs available for proper muscle function.
- Drink plenty of liquids to help flush out toxins.
- Avoid or limit the consumption of green peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes. These foods contain an ingredient that interferes with enzymes in the muscles,a may cause pain and discomfort.
- Do not eat meat, dairy products, or any other foods that are high in saturated fats. Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels and interfere with circulation. They also promote the inflammatory response and increase pain. Also avoid fried foods, processed foods, shellfish, and white flour products such as bread and pasta.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Sugar promotes fatigue, increases pain, and disturbs sleep. If you were taking these as a regular part of your diet, you may experience some discomfort initially for a short period as a result of the withdrawal effect, but after that, you should experience a noticeable improvement in your condition.
- Avoid wheat and brewer’s yeast until your symptoms improve.
- Mild daily exercise can be immensely helpful in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia. A daily walk followed by some gentle stretching exercises is good. If you are new to exercises, start slowly. Do not overexert. If you overexert, it can aggravate your symptoms. Maintain some amount of daily exercise rather than strenuous workout two or three times a week. Once your body is accustomed to regular exercise, your symptoms will improve.
- Remember fibromyalgia is typical of overexertion and stress. Make it a point to give your body sufficient rest. Set aside at least eight hours for sleep each night.
- To help relieve morning stiffness, take a hot shower or bath upon awakening to stimulate circulation and loosen up stiff muscles. Recent research suggests that alternating hot and cold water in the shower may help relieve the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
I must admit, I haven’t tried all of these things myself yet, but as I learn more about medical home remedies, I want to take charge of my own health and see what results come of it.
What about you? Do you have any remedies for fibromyalgia or similar conditions that have worked for you and would like to share? Please feel free to comment.
October 11 2008 11:26 pm | alternative medical cures and home remedies for and homeopathic cures and medical home remedies