More Articles

  1. Are There Foods That Heal Shingles?
  2. Polymyositis Diet
  3. Foods That Help Plantar Fasciitis
  4. Foods to Avoid with Sinus Headaches
  5. I Feel Irritable, Moody, Depressed, Tired and Sluggish Immediately After Eating

×

What does fact checked mean?

At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.

The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.

Nutrition

Is There a Specific Diet for Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Written by Martin Hughes This author has been verfied for credibility and expertise.
18 July, 2017

Fact Checked

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder and musculoskeletal health problem that causes diffuse muscle aches and stiffness in older individuals. According to the American College of Rheumatology, polymyalgia rheumatica is most common in women and individuals over the age of 50. This condition usually affects both sides of your body. Before using diet and nutrition to help treat your polymyalgia rheumatica, review all diet-related topics with your primary care provider.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Approximately 700 out of every 100,000 people in America over the age of 50 have polymyalgia rheumatica, states the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Some of the most commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica include muscle discomfort and stiffness, fever, muscle weakness and unexplained weight loss. Other possible signs and symptoms include low red blood cell count, depression and reduced appetite. The cause of this health problem is unknown.

A Helpful Diet

A helpful diet in controlling your polymyalgia rheumatica, notes the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. Consider also eliminating or reducing your intake of alcohol, refined sugar products, salt and pro-inflammatory fats, such as trans fat and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Foods that may be particularly helpful in reducing inflammation throughout your body include flaxseeds, walnuts, fish oil and cold-water fish, such as sardines, herring, trout, mackerel and wild salmon.

Walnuts may be an effective food in reducing the inflammation associated with your polymyalgia rheumatica. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, copper, tryptophan and the phytosterols campesterol and beta-sitosterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their ability to quell inflammation in your body and have historically been used in treating conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica, arthritis and heart disease.

Considerations

Polymyalgia rheumatica may lead to serious disabilities if it is not treated in a timely and appropriate manner by a licensed health-care professional. Meet with your primary care provider as soon as possible if you develop the characteristic signs and symptoms of this inflammatory condition. Though diet and nutrition are commonly used as an adjunct therapy in treating this condition, the use of this natural healing approach does not guarantee a positive health outcome.

Martin Hughes is a chiropractic physician, health writer and the co-owner of a website devoted to natural footgear. He writes about health, fitness, diet and lifestyle. Hughes earned his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore.

  • Getty Images/Photodisc/Getty Images
×