How Exercising Can Help Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a serious disease of the muscles, that when not dealt with, can have crippling effects on the whole body. The disease, although it is hard to diagnose, is becoming more and more common within the western culture. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can include, but are not limited to digestive problems, problems with sleeping, muscle cramps and spasms, widespread or localized pain, as well as an intolerance to cold and drafty weather. Fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety and the inability to think clearly are also common symptoms.

Even though fibromyalgia is a disease of the muscles, it nevertheless, is essential to engage in moderate exercises in order ease the symptoms.

Reduce Physical Pain

Believe it or not, but exercise in the correct proportion can help to reduce the physical pain. Gentle exercises help to stretch the muscles, which increases the blood flow to those sore areas, and thus the pain can be reduced. But due to the nature of fibromyalgia, it is important to keep the exercise in moderation, as the last thing you want is to increase the pain.

Increase Energy

Exercise has also been shown to have the ability to increase energy levels. This is because exercise stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more adrenaline, which in turn results in more energy.

Reduce Fibro Fog, Anxiety and Depression

Any type of physical activity can help to reduce the fibro-fog, anxiety and depression, which are often present in fibromyalgia. The exercise naturally increases the blood flow to the brain, which helps to remove toxins and restore nutrients to the brain cells. This allows the cells to renew themselves instead of dying off prematurely due to lack of nutrients and excess toxins. As a result, thinking becomes much clearer, and the mental stress and anxiety is relieved.

Improve Sleeping

Insomnia is a common ailment that fibromyalgia patients suffer from. Not being able to sleep in return can cause a host of other symptoms such as fatigue, depression and physical stress. Therefore, it is important to get a good night's sleep.

Even just a moderate amount of physical exercise can help to tire the body so that it can fall into a more peaceful sleep at night. Again, it is important not to overdo it, as excess amounts of exercise can contribute to pain, which in turn can keep one up at night. In addition, the exercises should not be done in the evening or too late in the afternoon, as they can stimulate the body, which in turn interferes with sleeping.

View the original article here