PERSONAL
ADVICE
Demand extensive tests to
rule out other conditions. Seek out a physician who has experience
dealing with muscle pain, and investigate ways to achieve sound
sleep. Seek natural methods for controlling depression and
stress.
A positive outlook is
extremely important. Depression only leads to a vicious
cycle of pain, disturbed sleep, fatigue, then more depression.
Avoid caffeine; it can
promote insomnia and can make you feel jittery, which will only
make your condition worse. Examples would be soft drinks,
colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, and pain relievers, either
over-the-counter or by prescription.
Avoid or eliminate white
flour and refined sugar from the diet. These reduce the immune
system by as much as 95% and make recovery from autoimmune
disorders difficult if not impossible.
I recommend the entire line of Southern
Heritage products for natural, effective ways to combat
fibromyalgia and related disorders. Here are some other nutrients that
others have used to obtain relief:
MSM (methysulfonymethane)
MSM
provides the body with sulfur, and is reported to help with muscle pain as
well as with the joint pain of arthritis.
GLUCOSAMINE
A second
supplement being talked about as a possible pain remedy for FMS is glucosamine,
which is a natural substance found in the human body, made of a combination of
a sugar and an amine. Glucosamine is found in cartilage, contributing to its
health and resilience. Now it has been found that glucosamine in pill form can
be absorbed from the stomach and end up in cartilage. Double-blind studies
have recently been conducted using glucosamine for arthritis patients. These
patients reported pain relief, and glucosamine also seemed to help with joint
tenderness, inflammation and swelling. As we have mentioned before,
inflammation and swelling are not symptoms of FMS; however, there is growing
anecdotal evidence that glucosamine does alleviate the pain of FMS.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants,
such as vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, can help reduce inflammation, and will
protect against free-radical damage, which is believed to exacerbate this
condition.
EXERCISE
Excercise
is absolutely vital for those suffering from the symptoms of fibromyalgia, in
order to increase cardiovascular capacity and improve muscle tone.
Low-impact exercise such as swimming, bicycling, stretching, walking, and
low-impact aerobics are recommended. You may suffer more pain during the
first few weeks of an exercise program,. However, it's worth it,
because as your muscles become conditioned, pain eases.
People
with fibromyalgia must be particularly vigilant about controlling stress,
since women often report that symptoms worsen during periods of emotional
crisis. Inasmuch as the onset of the disease is often precipitated by
periods of great stress, such as divorce, job change, moving, or a death in
the family, stress management undoubtedly plays a key role in restoring good
health.
Yoga,
acupressure, tai chi, massage therapy, biofeedback, and other stress
relievers, like an enjoyable hobby, can help.
