• EAT MAGNESIUM RICH FOODS: - Legumes, tofu, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables are all great sources of magnesium. To maintain a well-balanced diet eat mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, skinless turkey or chicken, and deep water fish. These foods supply nutrients for energy and help boost immunity.

  

• AVOID SATURATED FAT: Meat, dairy products, fried foods, processed foods, shellfish, and white bread and pastas raise cholesterol and interfere with circulation. Such foods can also cause flare-ups and increase pain.

• AVOID SUGAR, CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL: Sugar promotes fatigue, increases pain, and disturbs sleep.

• DRINK LOTS OF WATER: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to flush toxins out of the body.

• AVOID FOODS CONTAINING SOLANINE: Avoid green peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes as they contain solanine which interferes with enzymes in the muscles and may cause pain and discomfort.

• EAT FOUR TO FIVE SMALL MEALS A DAY: This will provide the muscles with a constant supply of the nutrients essential for fighting off pain.

• EXERCISE: Although fibromyalgia sufferers might not want to exercise due to the pain they're already in, a moderate daily exercise program is essential for improving muscle fitness, reducing muscle pain and tenderness, increasing circulation, promoting better sleep, and for stimulating the body to produce endorphins, its natural painkiller. Work up to a moderate exercise program that you're comfortable with, being careful not to overexert yourself.

• REST: Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a day.

• TAKE MORNING SHOWERS: Hot or cold showers in the morning upon waking can stimulate circulation and help relieve morning stiffness.

• ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS CAN BE HELPFUL: Physical therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic work, deep heat therapy, and biofeedback can be helpful in relieving the pain of FM. Deep tissue massage is also helpful for the temporary relief of muscle pain.

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Medical Options and Precautions

MEDICATIONS: Currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia so treatment is aimed instead at the various symptoms of FM. Commonly prescribed drugs include nonsterodial anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications.

SIDE EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS INCLUDE:

• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS - Prolonged use can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

• ANTI-CONVULSANTS - Can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and disturbances in gait.

• MUSCLE RELAXANTS - Can become addictive.

• SLEEP MEDICATIONS - Some of these medications can have a negative impact on the quality of deep sleep.