Recommended Diet for Those Who Suffer with Fibromyalgia

I have struggled with Fibromyalgia for many years, and have found whatever I eat will definitely dictate how I feel. I would like to offer here the benefit of my knowledge and experience in finding the right diet for those of us who suffer from Fibromyalgia.

First of all, follow a sound diet that is based on whole, unprocessed foods. I know it sounds difficult, since practically everything has some kind of additive in it, but it really can be done. Just focus highly on raw or lightly cooked vegetables, especially greens, and other foods that are high in fiber and nutrients. If possible, it is best if you can grow your own vegetable garden, If not, then buy them fresh at the supermarket or a produce stand.

In order to maintain a steady supply of energy to your muscles, you need to eat lots of lean protein such as beans, raw nuts, soy products, fish, chicken, and turkey. Instead of eating three large meals, try to eat several small meals throughout the day.

There is a hormone called prostaglandin that reduces inflammation, and eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids will help your body produce it. Some fantastic sources are flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, as well as fatty fish.

It's extremely important to eat foods that are high in magnesium, as Fibromyalgia has been linked to a deficiency of this mineral. Some examples are green leafy vegetables, kelp, soybeans, cashews, and almonds. This worked out well for me, because I can eat almonds and cashews all day long!

The presence of free radicals could inhibit cells' ability to produce energy, and vitamins A, C and E together help fight them. For vitamin A, drink skim milk and eat plenty of colored vegetables, especially green leafy ones. Those green leafy vegetables are also a good source of vitamin E, along with, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, soybeans and whole grains.

Make sure to drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours. It will flush out the toxins, reduce pain, and will even help your skin to look younger.

Try to determine if you have a food allergy that may be contributing to your pain. One way you can do this is to take the Elimination Diet and Food Challege at WebMD. Or you can have a nutritionist or doctor test your food sensitivities or allergies.

As stated above, Fibromyalgia has been linked to mineral deficiencies, so do your best to avoid caffeine, which can interfere with proper absorption. And of course, it will keep you up at night, and we have enough problems sleeping as it is.

Meat, junk food, fried foods and high-fat dairy products should be reduced or cut out of your diet completely. This is one of the most difficult things for me, as I love all that stuff. Avoid any foods that are high in saturated fats. They contribute to inflammation and pain, as well as insomnia. They will also slow your circulation and deplete your stores of energy.

Here's another one I have a hard time with: avoiding sugar. Sugar increases pain and weakens the immune system. It also disturbs sleep and zaps your energy. It also promotes the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus that is believed to be a cause of Fibromyalgia. So dramatically reduce your intake of sodas, processed foods and even natural sugars, such as honey and fruits. Carbonated drinks and processed foods are also full of food additives that will only aggravate your condition. Yes, I know. I didn't want to give them up either-especially the fruits.

I can relate if cutting out some of these foods seems impossible to you-I've been there. But with a little determination to feel better, and a bit of self-discipline, it can be done and you'll be on your way to having more energy, and feeling less pain.