Although it is a conditioning disease, fibromyalgia does not have to dominate your life. Keep doing things that you are excited about and try to enjoy every moment.
Fibromyalgia affects millions of people around the world and, as you know, it has a higher incidence in women. It is a condition that is characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain and that, in turn, usually occurs with other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression or joint stiffness.
Is there an effective treatment that can cure this disease? Not at the moment, since we are dealing with a large “symptomatic map” whose etiology is not precisely known. Thus, the treatments aim to offer a better quality of life to patients, without forgetting to work on the psychological area.
A very useful way to deal with fibromyalgia is by knowing those most important aspects that can help us relieve its symptoms. Understanding a little more about that “chronic enemy” that settles in our lives without permission is a very appropriate way to find strategies for our day to day. Here’s how.
Causes that can cause fibromyalgia and that you should know
According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), fibromyalgia affects each patient differently. There is therefore no similar symptomatic picture for all people, but some will present more muscle pain, others only joint, others will show more cognitive impairment and even severe depression…
Hence the usual difficulties in its diagnosis and subsequent treatments. However, according to the ACR, there are some causes that could give us clues about the origin of fibromyalgia and that can help us to learn a little more about this disabling ailment.
1. Thyroid problems
Disorders associated with the thyroid gland usually cause everything from chronic fatigue to joint pain and sleep problems. According to various studies, when many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were treated for thyroid problems by adjusting their levels, symptoms such as fatigue, depression and sleep disorders disappeared.
2. Deficiency of some vitamins
ACR specialists say that in people suffering from fibromyalgia they usually have a fairly low magnesium level, as well as a deficiency of vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
3. Presence of bacteria in the small intestine
As you already know, our intestine is home to beneficial bacteria for our body that defend us from many diseases. However, it has been seen that many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia do not have a healthy intestine, but suffer from what is known as leaky gut syndrome, where there is an excess of harmful bacteria that are transmitted to the bloodstream.
4. Gluten intolerance
It is worth knowing that gluten intolerance is associated with more than 55 diseases. It is common for us to relate it only to digestive disorders, however, it can cause neurological problems to memory loss, chronic fatigue, depression, muscle pain and sleep disorders.
5. Overgrowth of intestinal candidiasis
Candida albicans is a fungus or yeast that lives in the intestines and has a lot to do with what we have pointed out before about toxicity in this part of our body, in which excess bacteria and fungi end up being transmitted to the bloodstream.
And do you know what the result is? We suffer from joint pain, confusion, digestive problems, tiredness…
6. Mutations in a gene
Specifically, the gene that according to recent studies could cause fibromyalgia is MTHFR. Their presence can cause problems in synthesizing lead and mercury, for example, in addition to preventing the correct elimination of toxins. There are medical tests that can tell us the presence of this gene.
Non-pharmacological treatments you should know about
In addition to the medical guidelines you must follow, it is very important that in your day to day you start making changes with which to obtain a better quality of life. It is essential to understand that fibromyalgia is going to be that uncomfortable companion with which to wake you up every morning, however, through appropriate strategies we can silence it, weaken it and thus obtain a more adequate well-being.
Take note of these tips:
1. Relaxation techniques
It is important that, for one hour a day, you learn to relax, empty your mind and breathe deeply. Finding an inner balance and proper peace with your mind and body is very helpful in coping with pain.
2. The best diet
Avoid foods that “get us high”
- Sugar
- Salt
- Sweets and cakes
- Ready-to-eat or pre-cooked meals
- Red meat
- Dairy products
- Carbonated soft drinks
- The sausages
Beneficial foods (very alkaline diet)
- Oily fish
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- The fruit with skin and raw, not in juices. Look especially for one that is rich in vitamin C.
- Fresh vegetables and, if possible, raw, such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, broccoli, garlic…
- Legumes
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
3. Gentle massages and exercises
Massages reduce pain by 20% to 30%, and 3 weekly half-hour sessions are enough to see results. You will be able to rest better and you will feel lighter and with less stiff joints. It would also be very appropriate to practice yoga at home, as they are gentle exercises with which to improve your mobility.
Final things to keep in mind about fibromyalgia
1. Keep a “pain” journal
It is highly recommended to follow up on your relapses or improvements. There are days when we feel less pain, and it is important to know what we have done or not done in order to feel better. Also remember that each patient is unique, hence you are going to be the best observer of your body yourself.
2. Consider any alternatives
There are those who only trust medication and refuse to try other therapies such as relaxation or even to go to a psychologist to treat depression or emotional problems. Don’t forget that fibromyalgia is a disease made up of various physical and psychological ailments that you have to know how to address from several areas.
Therefore, it is better to try alternatives and see what results they offer us.
3. Lean on your family, friends, and doctors
Social support is basic in our daily lives. It allows you to feel supported and understood, so avoid isolating yourself by thinking that others don’t know what you’re feeling. Look for the best support!
4. Don’t let fibromyalgia dominate your life
Pain takes us prisoner, we know, but if you give in every day in favor of fibromyalgia, you will only be left with suffering. Don’t let it. Try to lead a normal life within your possibilities , always looking for your happiness, getting excited about doing things, getting up every day and leaving this disease in the background.
Every effort, every help, will be worth it.
Source: Better with Health
