POLYMYALGIA

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: POLYMYALGIA A 58 y.o arborist has been diagnosed with polymyalgia by his G.P. His symptoms are persistent pain for at least 1 month involving the following areas: neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle, morning stiffness and loss of weight. Diet tips for pain and inflammation

• Increase Magnesium rich foods in your diet, these include almonds, cashews, molasses, parsnips, wholegrain cereals. Calcium rich foods are almonds, dairy products, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, molasses and sardines
• Reduce acidic foods which contribute to inflammation such as red meat, sugar, alcohol, preserved and processed foods
• Alkalize the body by increasing foods which recorrect pH levels such as water, lemon juice, green barley powder, miso soup, sprouts, nuts and seeds, fish and alive food.

Natural remedies for pain and inflammation

• Flax seed oil or fish oil contain essential fatty acids that dampen inflammation pathways
• Bromelain - a natural anti inflammatory sourced from pineapples
• Magnesium formula foe muscle relaxation which may help to ease the aches and pains
• Anti-inflammatory herbs such as Boswellia, Turmeric, Ginger, Jamaican Dogwood, Devil's Claw - relieve pain and inflammation
• MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) - sulfur rich supplement that may help to ease muscle pain
• Ubiquinol is a supplement which increases oxygen, energy production and circulation to the muscles
• Green lipped muscles capsules are a potent natural anti-inflammatory.

Lifestyle factors for pain and inflammation

• Gentle exercise such as walking and swimming
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and massage
• The healing power of a bath with some Epsom salts

Three months later, the pain and morning stiffness had gone, his weight stabilized and he started work full time again.