Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Tip #23: Control Your Carbohydrates Intake

Fibromyalgia has been associated with postprandial hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia, a particular type of low blood sugar that is related to high consumption of carbohydrates. Reactive hypoglycemia usually occurs a couple of hours after one takes a large portion of carbohyrates. It causes symptoms such as headache, dizziness, anxiety, fatigue and sugar or carbs cravings. Furthermore, whenever high amounts of carbohydrates are consumed, it causes a corresponding increment in insulin production which can increase pain sensitivity.

People with fibromyalgia are very prone to having carbohydrates cravings because the physical and mental fatigue experienced trick the patient into thinking that their body need more carbohydrates for energy, a theory suggest. It is therefore important for those with fibromyalgia to eat consciously and control their carbohydrates intake. Limit your carbohydrates consumption but do not abstain from it because appropriate amount of carbohydrates is still essential for normal brain functioning; unlike the rest our body, our brain only gets energy from glucose. When choosing carbohydrates, avoid simple carbohydrates and go for good, complex carbohydrates which help prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Examples of good, complex carbohydrates include whole grains, oatmeal, legumes, sweet potato, butternut squash fruits and vegetables etc.

Related Link: Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Tip #22

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