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Can Broccoli Treat Fibromyalgia?

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Suffering with fibromyalgia? You don't have to suffer forever. Research suggests that broccoli can be a powerful benefit to individuals with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is generally considered an autoimmune disease. Fibromyalgia can be triggered by a variety of causes, including past trauma, family history, and chronic inflammation. Broccoli contains compounds that are uniquely able to control some of the common side effects of fibromyalgia, including joint pain and inflammation.

The compounds in broccoli that benefit individuals with fibromyalgia include:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that is powerful at removing toxins from the body, eliminating inflammation, and improving the immune system. Half a cup of broccoli contains about 70 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C.

Ascorbigen

Ascorbigen is a compound released when broccoli is cooked. This compound has detoxifying properties and has been attributed to antioxidant effects. Ascorbigen is a commonly used treatment for fibromyalgia as studies have indicated that Ascorbigen is effective in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia, although the exact reason why Ascorbigen reduces fibromyalgia symptoms are unknown.

Folate

Folate is a B vitamin that is needed for tissue growth and proper cell formation. Low levels of folate can lead to the development of birth defects in fetuses, but low folate levels can also have detrimental effects in adults as well. Folate promotes healthy cell growth, which could reduce total inflammation in the body and reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Iron

Broccoli is high in iron, which is beneficial in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Low iron can lead to symptoms similar to fibromyalgia, including muscle aches, fatigue, and low energy. Eating enough iron can help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Research Backing Broccoli for Fibromyalgia

A study from 2000 published in Alternative Medicine Review examined the effects of ascorbigen on fibromyalgia patients. Ascorbigen is one of the most helpful compounds in broccoli. The fibromyalgia patients were given a mixture of ascorbigen powder and broccoli powder for one month. All patients reported a 20 percent decrease in physical impairment and an 18 percent degree in fibromyalgia symptoms. The patients also reported less sensitivity and tenderness at common pain points. All patients reported that their quality of life improved after taking the supplements.

Other Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is a superfood good for reducing the symptoms of many health conditions. In addition to reducing fibromyalgia symptoms, broccoli can also benefit: Arthritis The sulfur content in broccoli helps prevent the spread of a destructive enzyme that leads to arthritis pain. Broccoli has been attributed to slowing and preventing osteoarthritis.

Cancer

The high antioxidant content in broccoli makes it ideal for fighting cancer. The compounds in broccoli work together to protect against molecular damage and the oxidation of cell membranes. Immune System Vitamin C and other antioxidants work together to boost the immune system and keep the skin looking young and healthy throughout life.

Detoxification

Broccoli contains numerous compounds that remove toxins from the body naturally without any extreme measures.

Other Broccoli Benefits
  • Fights inflammation
  • Fights allergies
  • Soothes digestion
  • Supports eye health
  • Boosts skin health
  • Reduces blood sugar
  • Supports heart health

Other Foods that Benefit Fibromyalgia

Eating broccoli alone is probably not enough to reverse the effects of fibromyalgia. Although nothing will completely cure fibromyalgia, adding the following nutrients to your diet will make a difference in your overall health and reduce your most painful symptoms, helping you live a more normal life.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential, but most adults get far too little of it thanks to our indoor lifestyles. Vitamin D is especially helpful for fibromyalgia patients as it has effects on pain tolerance. According to a study from 2008, low vitamin D levels have many of the same symptoms as fibromyalgia and when individuals had low vitamin D levels, they required nearly double the dose of painkillers. Individuals with normal levels of vitamin D required about half as many painkillers to feel normal as their low vitamin D cohorts. Vitamin D3 has been shown to be more useful as a supplement than vitamin D2.

Omega 3 Fats

Omega 3 is an essential fat found mainly in seafood (and in some vegetable and nut products). Omega 3 fats boost brain health, prevent heart disease, and reduce inflammation. If your fibromyalgia is made worse by inflammation, supplementing with omega 3 fats can make a huge difference in whether you can live a normal life. In a study from 2007, it was found that individuals who suffer from chronic pain and supplemented with omega 3 fats for three months reported less stiffness, pain, and inflammation.

Foods to Avoid with Fibromyalgia

Just as there are foods that benefit fibromyalgia patients, there are also foods that make your symptoms worse. Avoid consuming these foods regularly and your health will improve significantly.

Caffeine

Caffeine has health benefits of its own, but if you suffer from fibromyalgia, you may not want to drink coffee on a regular basis. Caffeine can trigger sleepless, restless nights, which are far too common with fibromyalgia patients anyway. Caffeine can also cause energy spikes and crashes, which will make your fibromyalgia symptoms feel even worse when you come off the caffeine high. Caffeine can also cause headaches, muscle twitches, and heart palpitations, which are unhealthy for anyone.

Chemical Additives

Many of today's foods contain chemical additives. Whether it is in the form of pesticides or is a chemical flavoring agent, chemicals are everywhere. Unfortunately, these chemicals are terrible for individuals with fibromyalgia. Chemicals can increase sensitivity to pain and cause inflammation that could make stiffness and pain worse. One small study found that eliminating fake sugar and MSG from the diet reduced fibromyalgia pain in some study participants. If you feel worse after eating junk food, reduce your intake of these foods as much as possible.

Sugar

Sugar is one of the worst things anyone can eat in large amounts. While sugar is fine in small quantities, our modern eating habits require us to eat more sugar than our bodies can safely handle. This leads to an assortment of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Sugar can also cause inflammation which can lead to fibromyalgia pain. Try to consume less sugar than 6 teaspoons daily.

Nightshade

Nightshade sounds like a deadly poison that no one would eat, but many of our common vegetables today are in the nightshade family. These foods have been linked with causing pain and inflammation in some individuals. Avoid potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant for a few weeks and see if your symptoms fade.

More Natural Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia

If you have fibromyalgia, you don't have to suffer in pain forever. Try adding these additional supplements to your daily routine and note any differences in how you feel. Research has found that adding more of these nutrients to your diet can significantly reduce day-to-day pain and reduce the frequency of painful days.

Magnesium

Magnesium is commonly linked with symptoms similar to fibromyalgia. Common symptoms of low magnesium include fatigue, restless nights, and generalized muscle pain. Individuals low in magnesium often report worse fibromyalgia symptoms.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is an herbal plant commonly used to treat mild pain and fatigue. Compounds in rhodiola rosea have been linked with increasing ATP levels, which work in the body to prevent fatigue and pain in the muscles.

Ginger

Ginger reduces inflammation and pain in the joints. In one study, it was found that ginger supplements reduced pain in individuals complaining of muscle pain.

5-HTP

5-HTP boosts serotonin levels in the brain. In one clinical trial, supplementing with 5-HTP improved symptoms of tender points, pain, fatigue, and quality of sleep in over 50 percent of study participants.

Melatonin

Melatonin is made in the body at night to regulate the sleep/wake cycle. However, after periods of insomnia, your melatonin levels could be off, which can lead to further insomnia and restlessness at night. Low melatonin levels have also been linked with increases in pain and fatigue. Supplementing with melatonin could help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.

Malic Acid

Malic acid is an acid found in apples. This compound improves the absorption of nutrients, which will boost the nutrient intake of all nutrients taken to reverse fibromyalgia symptoms.

Broccoli is a Powerful Tool Against Fibromyalgia

If you suffer from chronic pain and fatigue, broccoli may be the missing nutrient that can help reverse and reduce your symptoms. If you struggle with fibromyalgia, eating more broccoli and supplementing with other pain-reducing supplements while eating a healthy diet can help reverse painful symptoms and help you live a normal life once again.

Sources


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11056415

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=9

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-the-diet-connection

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