Are you diagnosed with fibromyalgia? How do you deal with the flare-ups? Have you ever felt like your pain is all-consuming? Do you feel like you can't do the things you used to enjoy because of your pain? Is connecting with friends and family now difficult because you often feel misunderstood? Do you feel like you're the only one who understands the fibromyalgia pain you're going through?
What symptoms do you often experience? Do you notice fibromyalgia back pain, sleep problems, pain, and stiffness all over the body? How about fibromyalgia nerve pain? Do you know what triggers your flare-ups? How do you cope with your condition now?
Fibromyalgia pain affects about 4 million US adults. People living with this chronic condition report widespread pain throughout the body, fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but different methods can help you manage your symptoms to cope better and live comfortably.
One of the things that you can do to help manage your pain is to pay attention to your diet and nutrition. Certain foods can help reduce pain and triggers, while others can worsen your symptoms.
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You can support your fibromyalgia care with foods and nutrients that can help ease your symptoms, such as:
These foods are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, that can help reduce inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory foods are generally considered beneficial for overall health.
This mineral plays several essential roles in the body, including muscle function, nerve function, and bone health. Some people with fibromyalgia have reported experiencing improvements in their symptoms when they increase their magnesium intake. Some foods high in magnesium include include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and dark chocolate.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce oxidative stress, which can influence fibromyalgia pain and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). You can get omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, canola oil, and algal oil. At the same time, some animal products from grass-fed sources and fortified foods also contain omega-3s.
These can help with muscle repair and maintenance, support muscle health, and may help alleviate fibromyalgia back pain and other symptoms. Make sure you go for lean protein sources, such as poultry, lean cuts of meat, fish, tofu, and legumes.
Complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and legumes, gradually release glucose into the bloodstream, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. This can help prevent energy crashes and mood swings, common among people with fibromyalgia.
Fiber helps with digestive health, and some people with fibromyalgia pain experience gastrointestinal symptoms. For adequate fiber intake, incorporate whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Fiber-rich foods can also make you feel full and satisfied, reducing the temptation to overeat or consume unhealthy snacks.
You may find it beneficial to avoid highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, as these dietary choices can contribute to inflammation, energy fluctuations, and disrupted sleep patterns, which may worsen your symptoms.
Upper cervical misalignment can interfere with the function of the brainstem and nervous system. The brainstem is a vital part of the nervous system that controls many essential functions, including pain perception. When the brainstem is not functioning correctly, it can lead to increased fibromyalgia pain sensitivity. In addition, upper cervical misalignment can also cause distortions in the pain messages that are sent to the brain. This can make fibromyalgia pain feel more intense and widespread.
In addition to improvements in your diet and nutrition, Upper Cervical Care can also be a helpful way to manage your condition. This method is gentle and non-invasive and can help correct upper cervical misalignment and improve the function of the brainstem and nervous system. This can help reduce sensitivity to various stimuli and improve recovery. If you're experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms, consider consulting with an Upper Cervical Chiropractor to explore how this approach may benefit you.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
