Blueberries and fibromyalgia

We’ve got good new for individuals with fibromyalgia. Blueberries! This super food was ranked number-one in antioxidant activity over 40 other fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants are natural substances found in fruits and vegetables that neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can attack human cells and damage their DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and mitochondria. They protect the body against damage from “oxidative stress,” one of several biological processes that cause aging. 

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and test high in their ability to subdue molecules of oxygen free radicals.  Merely ½ cup of blueberries delivers as much antioxidant power as 5 servings of other fruits and vegetables, according to Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., USDA.                             

There are more than 1000 phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables.  Several of these important phytochemicals possess anti-oxidant activity. Blueberries, in addition to anti-oxidant activity, may have properties that increase cell membrane fluidity, allowing important nutrients and chemical signals to pass in and out of cell, thereby reducing inflammation. Over 75% of fibros report morning stiffness. Therefore it’s very important to keep snoyvial and other fluids moving in and around joints and tendons to keep from feeling stiff. Another great way to accomplish this is not only the foods you eat but to stretch. And stretch everyday.  One theory as to the cause of fibromyalgia (FM) is that it is a biochemical disorder and anything you can do to help the nutrients and chemical signals pass in and out of cells will help improve your conditions.

             A study from Tufts University suggested that antioxidant rich foods such as blueberries might be a means of improving CNS function.  Since the cause of FM may be tied to the CNS, it may be prudent (and it certainly can do no harm) to include several servings of blueberries in your weekly diet.  Pick blueberries in season and then freeze them without washing or cleaning.  Take then out from your freezer, wash them off and serve them all year long.  Freezing does not lose the nutritive value in blueberries.

The United States Department of Agriculture says besides fighting cancer, blueberries may also be good for eyesight, heart and short term memory.  Blueberries may also improve balance and coordination, reverse short-term memory loss and motor coordination, and they may help protect the body against neurodegenerative diseases. Rutgers State University also suggested that the proanthocyanidins from blueberries might be responsible for preventing urinary tract infections.

Various scientific studies have linked blueberries to:

1. Cancer fighting (USDA)
2. Reversal of memory loss (USDA)

Journal of Neuroscience, Sept. 15, 1999,19(18):8114-8121

1. Treatment of urinary tract infections

Rutgers State University Chattsworth Research Station

1. Improvement of night vision (Europe)
2. Treatment for vision of computer users

(Japan, Osami Kajimoto)

1. Protection against oxidative stress

Dr. James Joseph at Tufts University and Dr. Paula Bickford at University of Colorado in Denver

These small velvety fruits that broke headlines in research this past year also broke records in our household!  I handpicked 32 gallons of juicy plump blueberries this summer for my husband!  When I was carrying in my last 2 gallons the clerk at our local blueberry farm looked at me and said, “You picked all those blueberries for your husband, you must really love him.” And love him I do.

This man ate 30 gallons by himself last year and I think he needs to be written up in the Guinness Book of World Records. Talk about building up one’s immune system, this man’s bionic!