People with fibromyalgia struggle with weight gain mainly because the symptoms itself prevents the patients from movement and keeping an active lifestyle. Doctors and experts suggest that losing excessive 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

Imbalance in hormones leads to increase in weight. Fibromyalgia patients are often found to be suffering from hormonal imbalance which affects mood, appetite and sleep – all three can contribute to weight gain when disrupted. Going for blood tests and other forms of test can help you monitor your hormones and thereby avoid instances of weight gain.

Limit sugar intake

Sugar should not be taken into high amounts and this is even more crucial for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients are more inclined to having sugar craving due to the constant lack of energy and also due to lack of chromium and magnesium in body. In fact, certain medicinal side effects also cause the same which in turn lead to 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 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 for weight loss. With fibromyalgia, this weight loss tip become 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. The consistent activity will help to prevent and reduce further pain.

Reference;http://ushealthtimes.com/how-to-lose-weight-while-having-fibromyalgia/