If you suffer from Fibromyalgia, symptoms can range from mild to severe, and depending on the severity, to say it can be debilitating may be a total understatement. It affects the muscles, joints, energy levels, and sleep patterns. The cause of fibromyalgia hasn’t been exactly pin pointed, although many medical practitioners link it to physical and emotional stress.
People who experience physical symptoms of fibromyalgia such as muscle/joint stiffness, soreness, tenderness, and/or senstivity to pressure within these areas, fatigue, and disurbances in sleep patterns, also usually experience anxiety, and depression.
Of course to treat it, conventional treatments like prescription painkillers and antidepressants are used, but if you really want to get to the root of things, certain foods are thought to exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms. These include, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, fried foods, salted/pickled foods, refined flours and sugars, and nightshade vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant).
The good news is, it is certainly possible to experience relief from fibromyalgia flare ups by eliminating these foods along with processed foods in general. Reducing stress levels, and increasing consumption of plant foods is also very helpful. Making sure to get really good nutrients in your diet on a regular basis, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, is one of the best defenses against your symptoms, which is what this fibromyalgia fatigue fighting tonic is all about!
Pain, Inflammation & Fatigue Fighting Nutrients
Dark green vegetables are a great source of magnesium. Low magnesium levels are commonly found in people with fibromyalgia, as the presence of stress can greatly increase loss of this mineral, however it is extremely important to help reduce the intensity of the body’s stress response, a physical and neurological process that can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. It can help ease tension in the muscles by promoting normal muscle and nerve function, and aid in better sleep. Magnesium is especially effective when consumed with foods containing malic acid.
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which is super important for energy production on a cellular level (ATP), which brings more oxygen into the muscles and can ease pain associated with muscle and tissue breakdown, and reduce fatigue. Malic acid combined with magnesium can pack a one-two punch for pain and fatigue.
Pumpkin seeds and collard greens contain the amino acid tryptophan, used to manufacture serotonin and melatonin in the the brain. Low levels of both are found in people who suffer with fibromyalgia. Serotonin is necessary to support healthy moods, combat stress and insomnia. Melatonin regulates hormonal changes and sleep rhythms.
Hemp protein and ginger contain omega-3 fatty acids and gingerols which help to combat inflammation, not only muscular and skeletal, but in the whole body. Omega-3’s are also used to boost brain and mood health.
Maca Root is used as an adaptogen (helps the body adapt to stress, and promotes healthy hormone balance) in the Andes to improve stamina and fight fatigue in harsh, high altitude conditions, making it a great energizer.
Important Notes
- If you are using maca for the first time, it is recommended to start out slow, which is why this recipe calls for 1/2 tsp. It’s a good idea to start there and gradually work your way up to a total of 1-2 tsp, especially for sensitive people. Listen to your body and all is well. Personally, I’ve never experienced anything but postive changes in the way of hormononal support and energy.
- Since maca will increase the estrogen level or the number of estrogen receptors in many women who are estrogen deficient and since treatment for estrogen-dependent breast cancer is to block the estrogen a woman’s body produces from reaching her estrogen receptors, maca should not be taken with any form of estrogen (such as HRT), and if you have estrogen-dependent cancer, you should consult your physician.
Raw honey contains potassium to promote healthy muscle function. Since it’s not a refined sugar the benefits can be enjoyed, plus it adds a necessary sweetness to this blast. At first glance the ingredients may not sound all that appealing, you may be even thinking you’re gonna have to choke this down…add the honey – it makes everything better, I got your back. :)
Carrot juice also has your back…it adds more sweetness and is loaded with those plant based antioxidants that your body is craving to help fight inflammation.
Newsflash! But please don’t be scared (!)…this is not meant to be a gourmet beverage. But it tastes pretty darn okay, considering the ingredients. Considering the taste is what made me go for a more juice like consistency since it’s much easier to drink…much easier than a super thick smoothie =)
In any case, this blast is all about taking nutrients targeting fibromyalgia and delivering them into your body in a super absorbable way that will offer you some relief from your symptoms. Afterall, that is what this is really about right? And I hope it does just that for you.
Fibromyalgia Fatigue Fighting Tonic
INGREDIENTS
⦁ 2 cups mixed baby power greens (spinach, kale, chard, arugula) OR spinach or kale
⦁ 1/2 cup broccoli
⦁ 1/8 cup raw pumpkin seeds
⦁ 2 inch piece of ginger, peeled
⦁ 1 Tbsp raw honey
⦁ 8 ounces carrot juice
⦁ 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
⦁ 1 Tbsp hemp protein powder
⦁ 1/2 tsp maca powder (see important notes above)
DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients in a Nutribullet or blender until liquified. The consistency should be more like juice than a smoothie. Drink immediately for best results.
Note: A healthy acid/alkaline balance can help alleviate fibro flare ups too. For more information (see article here).
Considering this really could be a game changer for people with fibromyalgia, I would love it if you would share your opinions below. Especially if you were not sure about trying this blast at first, but did…it just may encourage someone else to do the same!