The Fibromyalgia Cookbook: More than 120 Easy and Delicious Recipes

Roughly 6 to 8 million people in the United States alone are afflicted with fibromyalgia. A widespread muscular-skeletal syndrome, fibromyalgia touches people of all ages, male and female, as an unrelieved aching and burning pain, often accompanied by fatigue, that leaves its victims feeling exhausted.

Fibromyalgia inflicts terrible wounds that leave no scars, and it is very difficult to treat. While drugs and pain suppressants are available, healthy food alternatives, including herbs and other natural foods, also help in combating the pain and exhaustion associated with the syndrome.

The Fibromyalgia Cookbook is designed to help those who suffer from this affliction to find relief from their discomfort. An introduction by Dr. Alison Bested explains the nature of fibromyalgia and the role of diet in finding relief from its symptoms.The rules are few and basic:

• No read meat
• No green peppers
• No eggplant
• Avoid heavy, starchy food
• The diet is low in sodium and low in fat, with no processed sugars. (Natural sweeteners such as honey and fruit are used.)
• No white flour (spelt flour and rice pasta are good substitutes.)
• Soy butter, virgin olive oil, and flaxseed oil are suggested for salads.
• Many other satisfying possibilities are provided!
  

Focusing on natural foods and herbs, the authors emphasize pure foods with no additives, the lowest levels of toxins, and the greatest amount of nutritional value. The Fibromyalgia Cookbook contains a glossary which explains the strengths and dangers of specific foods, and 124 delicious recipes, divided into:

• Soups
• Salads
• Veggies
• Fibro-Fish Dishes
• Dressings
• Sauces and Dips
• Fruit
• Rice and Pasta
• Bread

SHELLEY ANN SMITH is a pharmacy technician who suffers from fibromyalgia and has studied the ways in which proper eating and health habits can provide relief from the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The mother of four children, she lives in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. ALISON BESTED, M.D., is a physician whose practice has focused on fibromyalgia and other hemochromatic diseases. She lives in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.