It’s important for everyone to pay close attention to their diet and to be aware of the nutritional value of what they are eating. This becomes all the more important for people with chronic illnesses, or ‘spoonies’ as they are informally known, as their choice of foods and drinks could make the illness considerably easier to bear or much more difficult than it already is.
If you suffer from a chronic illness such as CRPS, lupus or fibromyalgia, there are certain ‘superfoods’ you could try that should quell the impact of the condition on your body. Foods such as ginger, turmeric, garlic and salmon contain antioxidant properties to reduce muscle pain and can be vital in fighting against diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. They can be enjoyed whole or as part of a healthy recipe; either way, they will help substantially with alleviating the effects of chronic illnesses.
Of course, just as important as knowing what you should eat is knowing what you need to avoid. The exact nature of foods to consume and avoid will vary depending on the condition that you have, but generally you will need to steer clear of fat-rich foods that are high in cholesterol. Red meat is off the agenda, while it’s time to forget about sugary snacks, no matter how appetizing they may seem. It will take self-discipline to ward off tasty treats, but if you can endure the agony of a chronic illness, resisting the temptation of cakes and chocolates will be straightforward in comparison.
This infographic from Burning Nights (http://www.burningnightscrps.org/crpsrsd/diagnosis-prognosis) outlines the superfoods that people with chronic illnesses should include in their diet and contains more specific guidelines for the most common chronic illnesses.
