There are actually several things going on here. For the average person, weight gain is generally due to over eating, binging, over indulging, and lack of exercise so doctors and weight loss consultants suggest eating nutritious foods and exercising more. It's generally left up to the individual to determine if she is emotionally eating, eating because the junk is available, or if the portions are just too big.
Fibromyalgia, Carbs, and Caffeine
Fibromyalgia sufferers are a bit different. Whether they realize it or not, Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to compensate for pain and fatigue with food, particularly carbohydrates and caffeine. Actually, this makes perfect sense. How do we get more energy? We eat! However, since these Fibromyalgia related conditions are chronic, the body constantly believes that its nutritional needs are not being addressed.
Fibromyalgia and Stress Reactors
The other part of the equation involves stress reactors. When the human body is exposed to a stressful situation, it naturally stores up fat (food energy) for the potential crisis. In this way, it not only holds onto the fat that already exists but actually puts on more weight. Pain, fatigue, unrecuperative sleep, and other common Fibromyalgia issues trigger this stress- crisis state so that no matter what type or amount of exercise is complete, the body will continue to store and accumulate fat.
In this way, those with Fibromyalgia are fighting their own nature. This is actually made worse if individuals try to diet as any sign of potential starvation serves as proof to the body of impending danger. Trying to eat nutritious foods, getting some fresh air, gently exercising each day, and meditating or doing yoga for stress relief helps to some extent. However, these things don't really address the root cause of the problem, the Fibromyalgia symptoms and our body's natural reaction to what it sees as a crisis.
Natural Weight Loss for Fibromyalgia Sufferers
In order to solve the problem at the root, the body must be brought back into stasis. This requires a combination of stress relief, symptom management, and healthy self care. Often, during the natural flow of the healing process, the body naturally adjusts to an optimum weight. It seems that as individuals begin to focus on self care, start listening to their bodies, and stop punishing themselves for not being a perfect size 0, the body automatically finds a healthy balance. In essence, as they become their true selves: body, mind, and spirit.
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