Raw Food Diet & Polymyalgia

Polymyalgia is often mistaken with arthritis, since both involve inflammation of the body and systemic aches and pains. While living with polymyalgia is difficult at best, it can be made easier by sticking with a healthy raw food diet. A raw food diet can help lessen the pain of the condition brings by providing the body with the nutrients it needs to stave off disease.

Features of Polymyalgia

Polymyalgia is a disorder characterized by muscular aches and tightness throughout your neck, shoulders, and legs. Most commonly, symptoms appear gradually and escalate in intensity, but symptoms have literally developed overnight in some cases. According to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, the specific trigger of the disease is unknown, but it is suggested that genetics and age play some role in its development.

Treating Polymyalgia

According to the Mayo Clinic, polymyalgia is a disease that normally resolves of its own accord. The bad news is that this resolution might not take place for several years. In many cases, anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to lessen the pain. Unfortunately, these medications often cause side effects such as hypertension, osteoporosis, and cataracts. This is where diet comes into play. Eating a well-rounded raw food diet during your tenure with polymyalgia can help to minimize complications.

Specific Raw Food Recommendations

According to Dr. Tom Cowan, a general practitioner operating out of San Francisco, the key to treating polymyalgia through diet is to incorporate raw, natural foods that provide the adrenal glands with vitamins A, B6, and C. Dr. Cowan recommends consumption of raw milk products to obtain both vitamins C and B6, and cod-liver oil or natural butter from grass-fed cows for vitamin A. Additionally, you will need to wholly eliminate your consumption of caffeine and nicotine. Dr. Cowan states that based on the fact that adrenal hormones such as prednisone are used in treatment, he believes impaired adrenal function somehow tied in to polymyalgia. Thus, in his experience bolstering your adrenals can help to mitigate some of the symptoms.

General Recommendations

According to the Mayo Clinic, beyond the items listed above, you should strive to eat a diet that is rich in raw fruits and vegetables. Sushi is also a good choice while on a raw food diet, as seafood contains plenty of heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Additionally, incorporate plenty of whole grains into your meals to ensure you receive adequate amounts of fiber. Limit consumption of salt, sugar, processed foods, and white flour to the bare minimum.

Recommended Supplements

The experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend supplementing your diet with calcium and vitamin D to ensure that your body has sufficient amounts of "bone-building" nutrients. Take at least 1,200mg of calcium each day, along with 800IUs of vitamin D. Dr. Cowan also recommends the use of ginseng and licorice root, two herbs that can help your body normalize its functions.