Living With Fibro

After reading the title of today’s blog, you probably stopped reading, but in the event that you are still reading today’s post, please consider what I have to say with an open mind.

You’ve heard it said before that dairy products are fattening, and create all sorts of problems. In people with auto immune disorders as well as people suffering from diseases like Fibromyalgia, GERD, and Esophagitis, dairy products can be the difference between no sleep and a good night’s sleep.

I am a huge fan of dairy products. Give me cheese on my hamburgers, milk with my cereal, a carton of milk with my donuts, and a double scoop ice cream cone over a dairy free diet anyday. Dairy products however don’t agree with Fibromyalgia, and consuming dairy products can actually increase your Fibromyalgia pain. Also, if you are unlucky enough to suffer from other disorders such as GERD and Esophagitis like I am, dairy products can also increase the production of mucus in your body, making sleep nearly impossible and giving you the constant feeling like you are drowning in mucus.

So, what are the alternatives? You love dairy products and don’t want to give them up all together. Here are just a few alternatives that you can consider.

Instead of ice cream, consider popsicles and Slurpees. Popsicles made of real fruit juice will boost your immune system and caffeine free Slurpees will provide a “cooling treat” when you crave it the most.

Instead of whole or percentage milk, consider soy milk. If you can tolerate soy milk, try it. If you can’t stand the flavor, look for a natural alternative like Coconut, Cashew, or Pistachio Milk. Remember to look for milks prepared using cooked or roasted nuts as raw nuts can cause even more problems in Fibromyalgia sufferers.

Next time you reach for a slice of cheese for your hamburger, add instead extra ketchup or mustard, or your other favorite topping.

The next time you reach for butter to butter your toast, reach instead for jam or jelly, or even maple syrup. Do the same with pancakes and waffles, don’t forget the fresh fruit!

Instead of a milkshake made with whole or percentage milk, make your own milkshake at home using Coconut, Cashew, or Pistachio Milk.

If you stay away from dairy products, using these alternatives, or others you come up with, you will miss dairy products at first, but you will get used to the alternatives, and after awhile you won’t miss dairy products at all.

Keep in mind that for many people dairy products is their only daily source of Calcium and Vitamin D. Make sure that you take a supplement that contains a high amount of both of these vitamins, so that you do not develop a deficiency. Soon after you lay off the dairy products, you will notice a decrease in pain, in your body weight, and in the amount of mucus that you produce (if you suffer from GERD or Esophagitis). Give it a try for one week, and see the difference for yourself!

As always, a reminder that I am not a doctor, just a sufferer from Fibromyalgia, GERD, Esophagitis, and other disorders. Talk to your doctor before making any diet changes, or before starting a daily supplement

Hugs to all!

2.)     Add the maple syrup, honey, or agave and blend for 3 seconds.
3.)     Refrigerate for 2 hours before using which will make the milk creamier.

Important Notes:
You can substitute raw cashews for the cooked or roasted ones, but keep in mind that raw nuts inhibit enzymes in Fibromyalgia sufferers.

This milk stores the best in a glass container with a lid.

This milk can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator, and can also be frozen for later use. Do not freeze glass containers as they will shatter.

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