I attributed my lessening fibromyalgia symptoms to the addition of Mag-Citrate (Magnesium/Malic Acid) to my diet, and my ability to learn my limitations and pace myself. I had no idea my new diet was also helping my symptoms.

                Symptoms of hypoglycaemia as a result of low blood sugar are weakness, dizziness, possible fainting and rapid heartbeat. The long list of fibromyalgia symptoms includes chronic pain, fatigue, irritability, headaches, depression, blurry vision, poor memory, anxiety, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and carb cravings. I have had fibromyalgia for 14 years and until now, I had no idea carb cravings are a symptom of fibromyalgia. I guess that explains a lot.

                Eating heavy carbohydrates will increase insulin, decrease blood sugar and bring out hypoglycaemia and fibromyalgia symptoms. Foods to avoid are pasta, white bread, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, brown rice, corn, whole grain and whole wheat cereals, breakfast cereals, bananas, carrots, watermelon, all fruit juices, raisins, many types of beans (baked, pinto, navy, kidney, fava & black), potato chips, corn chips, cola, cookies, candy, cake, ice cream, pizza, tacos and anything with hidden sugars in them. These carbohydrates will increase insulin and lower blood sugar and make fibromyalgia symptoms worse and, coincidentally, induce IBS symptoms (diarrhea, constipation, cramping, bloating, gas).

                So what can we eat? Light carbohydrates, healthy proteins and healthy fats. These light carbs include cherries, blueberries, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, zucchini and mushrooms. Apples, onions and oranges can be added as long as portion sizes are kept small.

                The best sources of protein are those with very little saturated fat such as chicken breast, turkey breast, egg whites, fish; hot dogs, sausages and burgers made from soy. Healthy fats come from nuts such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts. These are good snacks that will also fill you up so you don’t eat large portions at mealtimes.

                It is best to eat 4-5 smaller meals per day. Eating too much food in one sitting can increase insulin, decrease blood sugar, and induce fatigue.

                Foods to avoid for IBS are alcohol, caffeine, milk products, foods high in sugar and fatty acids, and gas-producing foods such as beans, broccoli and cabbage. Beans were already eliminated above, now eliminate the broccoli and cabbage that are considered light carbohydrates. Eating small meals 4-5 days is consistent with IBS as well as fibromyalgia and hypoglycaemia. Drink plenty of water, exercise and eat light meals slowly.

                Whether you have fibromyalgia, IBS, hypoglycaemia or not, water, exercise and eating small meals is a healthy lifestyle choice all human beings should take.

Filed under: Fitness

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