FIBROMYALGIA AND FLAXSEED 

Last month, I was with my women's club staffing a booth at a tradeshow. Across from our booth was the Fibromyalgia Club of Spain. I wasn't very unhappy to find out that Spain - the home of the famous Mediterranean diet - had such a high population who suffered from the effects of chronic fibromyalgia. 

Well - this just goes to show you that Spain has moved so far away from eating whole foods and has now adopted the horrible eating habits of other western cultures. Excessive amounts of saturated fats in margarines and vegetable oils like corn, soy, safflower and sunflower oil interfere which the body's immune system and are believed to promote the development of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. 

Sadly, I was only able to convince one of the women at the other booth - to try the flaxseed for her Fibromyalgia. The Spanish, along with their newly acquired bad eating habits are also lost when it comes to understanding about whole foods. However, they are the first to tell you about a new drug available at the local pharmacy! But - that is another story!

Let's take a look at Fibromyalgia and how flaxseed can work to help balance out this chronic condition. Again, I never say that flaxseed can cure anything - but it can't hurt to get your cells balanced out and your system cleaned out!!!

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyositis and myofascial pain syndrome, refers to a chronic condition of medically unknown cause resulting in pain in the fibrous tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is characterized by achy pain, tenderness and stiffness, particularly in the muscles of the occiput (the base of the head), neck, shoulders, back and thighs. The pain is aggravated by overuse, straining, and by physical and emotional stress. The condition occurs mainly in women (50:1 ratio of women to men.) Fibromyalgia is often associated with depression, sleeping problems, and chronic fatigue. In fact, most experts consider fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) to be the same condition and should be treated in the same way. Fibromyalgia is also sometimes associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

What causes Fibromyalgia?

Chronic stress and a nutrient poor diet of overly-processed and devitalized foods, is the ultimate cause for most individuals.

How to beat Fibromyalgia?

• Change your diet to include milled flaxseed, 3 or more tablespoons. Flaxseed and its oil contain the essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, which the body converts into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help relieve the inflammation of fibromyalgia. The omega-3 fatty acids work as anti-inflammatory agents. 
• Avoid processed foods and foods that are high in saturated or hydrogenated fats, such as dairy products, meat, and margarine. Saturated fats interfere with circulation, increasing inflammation and pain.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. These substances enhance fatigue, increase muscle pain, and can interfere with normal sleep patterns. 
• Drink eight glasses of pure water daily. Fresh juices and herbal teas are also good choices. A plentiful intake of liquids is important for flushing out toxins. 
• Eat a high-fiber diet that includes plentiful servings of raw and steamed vegetables. Maximize your intake of greens. 
• Include ample servings of clean, lean protein, such as that found in fish, poultry, and fresh raw nuts and seeds in your diet. 
• Eat four to five small meals daily rather than three larger ones. This will ensure that you have a steady supply of nutrients available for proper muscle function.

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