4. Consume an Anti-inflammatory Diet
A healthy diet rich in lean animal protein from white meat and fish or vegetable protein from beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds along with whole carbs and healthy fats from oily fish and/or nuts, avocados, olive oil and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is the best diet for anyone.
But it’s especially important to eat a healthy diet if you have a condition like fibromyalgia. Pain reduction is the primary goal of any lifestyle adaptation to manage fibromyalgia, and the diet to support the condition is no different. A diet rich in foods that contribute to inflammation, such as foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, takeout and fast food, can exacerbate symptoms. This is because inflammation can make pain receptors more sensitive, causing you to feel more intense pain.
Anti-inflammatory foods can make the body fight them off, such as from an injury or infection, which leads to higher pain scores. Instead, try eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce pain. Try to make each meal about 50% fruit, vegetable or salad. Next, add 25% whole grains, such as whole wheat pasta, bread or rice, quinoa, or buckwheat, and 25% lean protein. Add a little fat, such as a drizzle of olive oil or a few nuts or seeds.
5. Consider Acupuncture for Pain Management
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese therapy that involves the use of strategically placed fine needles. Despite this, it is minimally invasive, produces little pain, and is intended to stimulate areas of the body that have a rich supply of nerves to promote blood circulation, which in turn helps to regulate pain.
Pain control is the main reason some patients with fibromyalgia choose to receive this treatment. Acupuncture for pain control is also backed by scientific studies, one of which concluded that acupuncture is effective and safe and should be recommended for those suffering from its symptoms.
This study found that “acupuncture was more effective in relieving short-term and long-term pain than conventional medications. No serious adverse events were found during acupuncture.” Always choose a therapist who has evidence of experience working with fibromyalgia patients.
