Dietary Changes for Fibromyalgia
It is also suggested that you remove, or at least greatly reduce, the foods that increase inflammation or that you personally have an allergy or sensitivity to. Some foods that are frequently found to be problematic for people with fibro are:
- Chemical additives and preservatives
- Artificial sweeteners
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Refined sugar
- Partially hydrogenated oils
Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia
There are a number of alternative treatments that have been helpful for some with fibromyalgia, but as with many things, success will vary from person to person. Another issue many face, is that most alternative treatments are not covered by insurance providers and may be too expensive for a limited budget.
- Heat and/or cold therapy. Many have found using heat on their sore aching body has been very soothing. Others prefer using cold to help numb and relieve pain. Some may use a combination of the two, rotating from heat to cold as needed. Hot water bottles, heating pads, and heated blankets are useful for providing needed heat. A variety of ice packs can be found, or you can use items you already have to make your own for cooling relief.
- Acupuncture. Using very small needles, acupuncture can cause a change in your blood flow and your levels of neurotransmitters. Acupuncture has been found to help many with pain, anxiety, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia.
- Massage therapy. Massage can help to relax the muscles, improve joint mobility, and lessen pain for some with fibromyalgia. Massage therapy can also be beneficial for relieving stress and anxiety.
- Chiropractic care. A chiropractor can help make adjustments to your spine and skeletal structure. These adjustments can bring relief from both pain and stiffness.
- Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) works to flush lymph fluid that may be built up in certain spots of the body. Helping the body eliminate toxins and waste, MLD has been helpful for some by relieving pain, stiffness, and improving sleep.
- Biofeedback. There is potential for Biofeedback to be helpful for relieving some of the symptoms of fibro. According to Christopher Camilleri, DO, of Holtorf Medical Group in Foster City, Calif, “A biofeedback machine uses lights and beeps to get you to recognize your body’s reactions to stress, such as rapid heartbeat, joint pain, and heavy breathing, and thus control and lessen them.”
What Fibromyalgia Treatment Will Help You?
If reading this makes you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Deciding which treatment to try first, or next, can be difficult. But it is important to start somewhere. Over time you will likely find some things that do work for you, and other things that don’t work for you.
You will also find in the course of treating fibromyalgia, that there are many differing opinions about how you should be treating your illness. But we must all keep in mind that everyone is different, fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, as can personal circumstances.
This is your life; this is your illness, this is your journey. It is up to you to decide what is right for you. It is up to you to find what works for you. But be assured you can find something that will help and that will make this challenging life with fibromyalgia a little easier and little better.
