How to Lose Weight while having Fibromyalgia?
People with fibromyalgia struggle with weight gain mainly because the symptoms themselves prevent the patients from moving and keeping an active lifestyle. Doctors and experts suggest that losing excess weight is important as it can help to provide relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. Here is how you can shed some pounds with fibromyalgia:
Sleep Enough
Fibromyalgia is often linked to poor sleep though it is still unknown whether prolonged sleep deprivation contributes to the disorder or vice versa. Lack of sleep disrupts the balance of hormones regulating our appetite, often leading to weight gain. It is therefore important to ensure regularity of sleep and if required seek medication attention.
Go for hormone tests
An imbalance in hormones leads to an increase in weight. Fibromyalgia patients are often found to be suffering from a hormonal imbalance that affects mood, appetite, and sleep – all three can contribute to weight gain when disrupted. Going for blood tests and other forms of tests can help you monitor your hormones and thereby avoid instances of weight gain.
Limit sugar intake
Sugar should not be taken in high amounts and this is even more crucial for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients are more inclined to have sugar cravings due to the constant lack of energy and also the lack of chromium and magnesium in the body. In fact, certain medicinal side effects also cause the same which in turn leads to a gain in weight.
Consume more protein
Low carbohydrate diets are considered best for people suffering from chronic health conditions like fibromyalgia. A low carbohydrate diet also means that you need to consume more protein. This is beneficial for people with fibromyalgia because proteins are needed in tissue repair, building muscles, and the proper functioning of hormones and enzymes within the body. Go for a variety of proteins such as fish, chicken, lean red meat, legumes, tofu, and fat-free yogurt.
Increase fresh vegetables and fruits intake
Consuming higher amounts of fruits and vegetables is no secret to weight loss. With fibromyalgia, this weight loss tip becomes even more important because fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins essential to maintain proper body functions including healing and repair of body tissues. Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber which keeps you full longer and prevents you from snacking on junk food in between meals.
Working out regularly is important
With chronic pain and fatigue, even the simplest routine like walking becomes a challenging task, needless to say, exercising. But an inactive lifestyle can make fibromyalgia symptoms worse and it also causes weight gain. You don’t have to indulge in intense workout sessions. Include a mix of low-impact exercises such as brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, taichi, swimming, water aerobics, etc along with light weight lifting to strengthen your muscles. Consistent activity will help to prevent and reduce further pain.
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