The Role of Diet and Lifestyle Changes in Managing Fibromyalgia with Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition that impacts 4 million Americans every year. It can impact every aspect of life, from social engagements to work performance.

While support from your family and friends can help, it's often insufficient. There are several steps to success if you want a healthy, active lifestyle with fibromyalgia. We'll discuss how diet and lifestyle choices impact your well-being. And we'll show you how adding acupuncture to your routine will help increase energy, improve mood, and help you get back on your feet!

How Can Fibromyalgia Impact Your Well-being?

Fibromyalgia impacts the body psychologically and physically. Patients often experience adverse symptoms like joint aches, extreme fatigue, and depression. This can impact day-to-day activity, social interactions, workload, and sexual activity.

Fibromyalgia can impact almost every aspect of a patient's life. This condition causes intense muscle pain, making things as simple as walking very difficult. Some patients also have muscle spasms and painful muscle cramps.

Experts are still unsure what the initial causes of fibromyalgia are and how they progress. Most agree that it originates in the brain and spinal cord and disrupts how these systems interpret pain. These misfiring nerve readings can worsen, causing patients to experience more extreme symptoms as they age.

Many patients experience decreased energy levels, loss of interest, depression, and other debilitating symptoms. Fortunately, the best treatments include weight management, exercise, a healthy diet, and acupuncture therapy.

Let's explore these treatment options below.

How Can Lifestyle Alleviate the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Exercise, proper sleep, and meditation can significantly alleviate the pain from fibromyalgia. Many studies demonstrate that patients who remain active and regimented experience less pain and have more energy. While staying idle is tempting because of the fatigue and pain, it's vital to remain active and regimented as much as possible.

Balance is key for addressing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. While you might not be able to work out as long or hard as other people, maintaining an active lifestyle is important.

Doctors usually recommend the following exercises:

• Walking
• Yoga
• Swimming
• Pilates

Finding low-intensity workouts is better, so you don't hurt your body and burn out. Stretching and remaining agile is essential to your workout routine since they prevent joint pain and stiffness. Meditation will also help alleviate stress. Stress releases cortisol which can lead to bad habits which will exacerbate your symptoms.

Acupuncture is an integral part of lifestyle improvement. Not only does acupuncture increase energy levels by stimulating blood flow, but it also helps combat stress hormones. This will help you maintain healthy habits and improve your mind and body.

Acupuncture will help you stay active and decreases pain levels so you can stick to your schedule! The two practices work hand-in-hand and give you the tools to stay focused and on track.

Is Diet an Effective Way to Treat Fibromyalgia?

Diet is vital for maintaining your overall health while managing your fibromyalgia. Certain foods are said to have a high FODMAP level and trigger painful attacks in fibromyalgia patients. You should try to mostly eat foods that are low-carb, high-nutrient, and easily digested.

FODMAP, or fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols, includes foods irritating the bowels. While this designation usually applies to people with IBS or other bowel syndromes, it can also apply to patients with fibromyalgia.

People with fibromyalgia should eat anti-inflammatory foods rich in nutrients and easily digested. 

Using diet in tandem with acupuncture can be even more effective. Many studies demonstrate the relationship between our emotional state and our daily diet. Since acupuncture improves mood and decreases stress hormones, it helps you maintain a balanced diet.

The Importance of Acupuncture in Treating Fibromyalgia

Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibromyalgia. However, there are ways to treat the symptoms and maintain your health effectively. Diet and lifestyle changes can greatly increase your level of well-being.

However, for many patients, these treatments aren't enough. Fortunately, acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment for many fibromyalgia symptoms.

Acupuncture attacks the various symptoms of fibromyalgia and relieves constant pain and fatigue. By stimulating certain areas of your body's nervous system, acupuncture encourages your brain to release endorphins while decreasing inflammation.

Fast Relief Acupuncture offers many acupuncture treatments, including pain relief, digestive discomfort, and poor sleep quality. Get in touch with their team of experts today to start feeling better!