Fibromyalgia is a health condition that causes widespread pain. Developing a fibromyalgia diet and exercise plan can help sufferers alleviate symptoms such as stiff joints, poor sleep, problems with memory and mood, abnormal bladder function and excessive tiredness throughout the body. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but many believe that life stress, physical trauma, surgery or infection can all trigger the onset of this condition. Many experts believe that the triggering event, whatever it is, causes the condition by changing the way that the patient experiences pain.
The Influence of Diet
Food sensitivities often play a role in how to treat fibromyalgia nausea and pain. In fact, studies show that patients who suffer from fibromyalgia are more likely to experience symptoms when they eat certain kinds of foods. The foods that trigger fibromyalgia pain, nausea and constipation can differ from one person to the next. However, it stands to reason that patients who are able to identify food triggers and remove those triggers from their diet can manage and reduce their symptoms.
Exercise Plays a Role
Exercise plays a big role in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Exercise can reduce stress, improve flexibility, promote better sleep, increase strength and control weight. Weight control is especially important to fibromyalgia sufferers, as obesity can intensify symptoms of the condition.
Fibromyalgia Diet and Exercise Plan
For many patients, developing a fibromyalgia diet and exercise plan can be a challenge. How can you exercise when all your joints hurt? How can you eat right when the trigger foods could be anything?
Food Journal
Many experts recommend patients keep a food journal. Keeping a written record of food eaten for each meal and symptoms experienced on each day can help patients identify patterns. Once patterns have been identified, it’s possible to eliminate trigger foods. Since fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can go hand in hand, patients should note IBS symptoms like nausea, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal cramps in their journal. This can help patients seeking fibromyalgia constipation relief and can aid those who wish to treat fibromyalgia nausea.
Digestive Enzymes for Fibromyalgia Sufferers
The digestive enzymes help speed the digestion process and prevent a buildup of bad bacteria in the intestines. For patients with fibromyalgia, these digestive enzymes can help patients control weight gain and reduce IBS symptoms. Some enzymes can be boosted with supplements from health and nutrition stores. Patients must work with their healthcare professionals to obtain the right type of enzymes for their needs.
Exercise Program
For many people who are diagnosed with this condition, exercising can be a serious challenge. Simply moving and walking can cause intense pain during a fibromyalgia flare up. Exercising must start small, with simple stretches. Some people with this condition start by exercising in bed, where they feel most comfortable.
It’s important to take small steps toward a more rigorous exercise program. After the patient is able to endure several minutes of stretching while lying down, he or she can try to exercise in place while standing up. When this is mastered, the patient can try mobile exercising, like walking through the neighborhood.
Through a healthy diet, the right supplements and moderate exercise, many fibromyalgia patients are able to reduce their symptoms and live a fuller life. For more information about living with fibromyalgia, contact Nava Health and Vitality Center for an appointment.