Best Juice and Smoothie Recipe for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a ‘syndrome,’ meaning that it is not just one symptom, but a group of symptoms that together create a host of problems ranging from nerve pain, fatigue, depression, muscle pain, weight gain, decrease in your pain threshold, and sensitivity to temperature extremes.

It is believed that fibromyalgia is the result of an overactive nervous system. The effect can be devastating. The fatigue can be debilitating. The pain can be overwhelming. Sleep disruption and nerve sensitivity are yet more symptoms.

Somewhere in the vicinity of 90% of all sufferers of fibromyalgia the world over are women, and it is now understood that fibromyalgia is a physical disease and not psychologically created. As many as 12 million have fibromyalgia in the US alone.

There is so much speculation as to what causes fibromyalgia. Most agree that genetics play a role. The neurotransmitters in the brain that create serotonin are now believed to play a major role as well, with women having 7 times less serotonin than men, which may explain their heightened propensity for this syndrome. Other possibilities range from trauma to high levels of stress.

Possible Causes

Some ways to help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia are getting the most restful sleep possible, exercising regularly, and of course, a healthy diet!

What Works

Most recommend a fully natural diet, avoiding processed foods, added sweeteners of any kind, and salt.

Foods high in fiber, especially fruits and vegetables, seem to be most helpful! They detoxify the system. Thus any detoxifying juice or smoothie recipe is especially helpful.

Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants also seem to be key. They rid our system of free radicals which create oxidative stress, another harmful by product of fibromyalgia.

Fruits and vegetables that boost the immune system are also effective in helping to manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Orange fruits and veggies, such as carrots, squash, pumpkin, apricots, and sweet potatoes all contain beta-carotene, which has been proven to boost the immune system.

Also use fruits and vegetables that reduce inflammation! These include, in particular, the colorful ones rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins A, E and C. Spinach, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, cucumbers, celery, apples, pineapple, red peppers and cauliflower.

In short, think rainbow when choosing your produce, go organic to avoid pesticides and don’t bother with supplements – they just aren’t as effective as real food!

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 Apple
  • 3 Carrots
  • 1 Sweet Red, Orange, or Yellow Pepper
  • 1 stalk Celery
  • Handful of Spinach
  • For a smoothie simply add 1 or 2 cups of your favorite liquid such as oat, almond, rice, coconut or dairy milk.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 20 oz.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *