For over a decade, Holly Donald suffered with debilitating symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Changing her diet has changed her life.
With two young children and a demanding job, 36-year-old Holly Donald attributed her poor health to the pressures of a hectic lifestyle. Exhaustion, cramp, joint pains, brain fog and migraines were a daily occurrence for the local authority supervisor, impacting on her relationships with family and friends.
It was only when her crippling symptoms worsened to the point where she could no longer fasten the buttons on her children’s school uniforms or brush her daughter’s hair that she finally sought medical help.
Holly was eventually diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and discovered that her chronic disease was incurable and could only be treated with strong steroids and antidepressants.
The news left her stunned but determined to take control of her condition. She began by researching the best diet for people with Fibromyalgia and was encouraged by what she discovered.
Initially, she introduced herbal medicines to her daily routine, followed by a juice detox to rid her body of toxins. Although her symptoms improved, the diet was too extreme for her to maintain, so she continued to look for other options.
It was a year after her diagnosis that Holly was introduced to the Arbonne Programme by a friend. This advocates a plant-powered, vegan-formulated, gluten-free diet that does not contain dairy, soy, nuts, artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, or genetically modified ingredients.
Although not designed to target conditions such as Fibromyalgia, it echoes the advice offered by nutritionists on which foods sufferers should eat and avoid. Whilst not suitable or appropriate for everyone, Holly says that her new Fibromyalgia diet has transformed her life.
By making small changes to what she puts into her body, Holly now feels she is controlling her chronic condition, rather than the chronic condition controlling her.
Her diet now consists of whole foods, never processed, and she avoids ready meals at all costs. Since starting her Fibromyalgia diet, she no longer has a glass of wine or a bar of chocolate as a treat to unwind at the end of the day.
Instead, her daily meal plan includes protein shakes and detox tea, alongside vegetable-rich dishes. For example:
- Breakfast: A typical breakfast might be a vegetable omelette consisting of three eggs with broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower and onion.
- Lunch: Usually a protein-packed shake made with almond milk and frozen berries.
- Dinner: Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie made with cauliflower florets, cumin, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, tomato paste, thyme leaves and stock.
Almost two years on from her initial diagnosis, Holly is now completely symptom-free and, as an additional bonus, her children are also enjoying and benefitting from a healthier lifestyle.
Here at Brian Barr Solicitors, we are not medical experts, therefore, cannot confirm whether or not special diets can be used to treat the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Instead, these articles are provided as a point of interest and to help keep you up-to-date with news and information about chronic pain conditions. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health or diet, please consult your doctor or local GP.
Although we cannot provide medical recommendations, we can help you to claim compensation if your condition has been caused by an accident, injury or traumatic experience, such as a car accident, that was not your fault, as well as clinical negligence.
Last year, we achieved a 92% success rate, helping to secure millions of pounds in compensation for our clients. If you are considering starting a Fibromyalgia claim, then we can help. To speak to a member of our team today, call us on 0161 737 9248 or click here to complete our online contact form.
We do not endorse any research, studies or sources mentioned within our blogs and comments. Furthermore, we do not endorse any medical advice provided, and would strongly recommend anyone seeking medical advice to contact their local healthcare provider.