Full body pain, extreme fatigue and stiffness. Just some of the symptoms of the chronic disease fibromyalgia. In recent years, more and more people have to deal with this disease. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Morgan Freeman can also speak about this. Yet the cause of this disease remains a mystery. But what exactly is it, and what can alleviate the symptoms? In this blog I explain it on the basis of various studies!
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibro-what? A question that fibro patients often get, sometimes to the point of annoyance. Many people do not know what this disease is exactly.
Fibromyalgia is often also referred to as soft tissue rheumatism. The word literally means pain of muscle and connective tissue. People with fibromyalgia often have symptoms that resemble rheumatic complaints, but there is a difference. In rheumatism, the joints are affected by inflammation, in fibromyalgia people have pain in the tendons, muscles and ligaments around those joints. Did you know that fibromyalgia is the second most common muscle and bone disorder?
Unfortunately, there is no known treatment method, because not much is known about the exact cause until now. However, a number of things such as exercise and medication can relieve the symptoms.
Possible Causes of Fibro
Many people are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but the cause of this condition is still unknown. Examination of the patients shows no abnormalities and nothing strange is found in blood tests.
Researchers agree that fibromyalgia is the result of not just one event, but many stressors combined. Research conducted also shows that there could be a number of possible causes.
- Heredity may play a role.
- As a woman you are more likely to get the disease.
- A lack of sports and exercise can be a reason for fibromyalgia.
- Being overweight can increase the risk of fibromyalgia. A study shows that women who are moderately to severely overweight are up to 70% more likely to develop the disease.
- You have another illness such as arthritis or a viral/bacterial infection.
- You suffer from depression, a mood disorder or suffer from psychological stress.
- There is a disruption of the neuroendocrine system. This causes the release of hormones, which regulate the functions of certain organs.
Fibromyalgia symptoms
Fibromyalgia is characterized by generalized symptoms including pain in the muscles, tendons, and joints. This is often accompanied by a feeling of stiffness. Of course, symptoms vary from patient to patient. Fibromyalgia has been studied many times and studies show that the following symptoms can also occur:
- Headache
- Fatigue & sleeping problems
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Concentration problems: you can't focus well and also have trouble remembering. This is also known as ' fibro fog '. Studies show that more than 50% of fibromyalgia patients suffer from confusion and poor thinking ability.
- Blood tests show no disease process.
- A higher sensitivity to cold and heat.
- Neurological complaints: a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands, arms and legs.
- Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and nausea.
Treatment of fibromyalgia
As mentioned earlier, little is known about the cause of the disease. Therefore, no treatment method has been found to date. However, there are a number of things that can relieve the symptoms.
- The most common complaint is pain. Therefore, consult your doctor for more information. Painkillers are often prescribed, such as paracetamol. However, there is still no drug specifically for fibromyalgia, because the cause is not yet known.
- An improvement in physical condition can reduce the symptoms. Go swimming, cycling or walking for extra exercise.
- Do relaxation exercises. For example, yoga and meditation would help to deal better with stress.
- Talk to fellow sufferers or make an appointment with a psychologist. It is important to talk about these things.
- Appropriate nutrition is very important. I'm going into this now!
Nutrition and Fibromyalgia
Did you know that eating the right foods is really important with fibromyalgia? There are many bad substances in food that our body has difficulty processing. Just think of refined sugars, additives and fats.
In addition, many researchers assume that fibromyalgia is caused by the acidification of the body. If too few acids are removed via excretory organs, the excess of acids is transported to the surrounding tissues. Tissues such as muscles, tendons and joints acidify in this way. Acidification can lead to various complaints, of which fibromyalgia is one. That's why you need to eat healthy. The following things can reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia:
- Nutritional supplements
Research shows that various supplements could have a positive influence on the disease. For example, a study shows that the combination of vitamin B12 and folic acid can significantly reduce symptoms. Supplements such as magnesium, ginger root and malic acid would also be good. - Never skip meals and start the day with a healthy breakfast. For example muesli or yogurt with fruit. Also eat plenty of nutritious snacks. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds are the perfect snack.
- Proteins are important. This includes chicken, turkey and certain types of fish. Beans and legumes are also a source of protein.
- Avoid sugar and processed foods. Check out the additions on labels. For example, the E numbers E621 to E624 are very harmful according to the website fibromyalgie.nl.
- Do not eat junk food and also avoid animal, saturated fats.
- Fibromyalgia patients should also avoid cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine and chocolate.
In general, a healthy lifestyle and a varied diet are therefore very important for a fibromyalgia patient.
Matcha and fibromyalgia
We all know that matcha is super healthy . But did you also know that it helps to combat the symptoms of fibromyalgia? It is packed with antioxidants and boosts your immune system. It therefore contributes to a healthy lifestyle, which is of great importance for fibromyalgia patients.
In addition, it has also been proven that matcha helps with weight loss ! A study shows that being overweight can lead to an increased risk of fibromyalgia. This makes matcha good for fibromyalgia patients who are overweight. Research has shown that women who are moderately/severely overweight are up to 70 percent more likely to develop the disease. Women who exercise several times a week have up to 29% less chance. That is why it is also wise to have enough exercise and to eat a healthy diet. Matcha contributes to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.
Do you also want to taste the health benefits of matcha tea? You will find the full Joy of Matcha range in the webshop . You can also make the perfect cup of tea with the right accessories, such as a bamboo whisk . You can also find it on the website!
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