Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition, which involves pain in specific trigger points throughout the body. The condition is widely misunderstood, because there is no definite way to test for it and no cure. Yet many people who suffer from fibromyalgia end up taking pain medications or other prescription medications to deal with the symptoms. Diet and nutrition can also affect pain levels. Eating a diet with the right foods and avoiding certain unhealthy foods can help to decrease the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain, extreme fatigue, headaches and trouble sleeping. Many people with fibromyalgia also have additional medical conditions such as hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome and osteoarthritis. Luckily, most of these symptoms can be reduced by eating a proper diet.
Raw Foods
Though it is not mandatory for people with fibromyalgia to eat a raw food diet, such a diet can improve some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as joint swelling and pain. Colleen Brown of the fibromyalgia support group FMOnline states that raw foods have enzymes that promote healing qualities. The more raw fruits and vegetables a person with fibromyalgia eats, the better he is likely to feel.
Foods to Eat
The best foods for people with fibromyalgia are natural foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, according to FMOnline. The organization explains that eating more natural foods, instead of processed foods, can decrease pain levels. Additionally, foods rich in protein, such as chicken and turkey, can help people with fibromyalgia stabilize blood sugar levels, Brown writes.
Foods to Avoid
Some of the foods that people with fibromyalgia eat every day may actually be hurting them. FMOnline states that foods high in fat, such as red meat and fried foods, can increase pain and inflammation. They also state that foods with white flour, such as pasta and white bread, as well as foods with sugar, such as donuts, can cause blood sugar levels to rise and worsen pain levels.
Food Additives
Another thing people with fibromyalgia should avoid as much as possible is food additives. FMOnline states that food additives such as salt, preservatives and MSG can cause headaches and can worsen fibromyalgia pain. It also suggests that artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharine, can make fibromyalgia worse and should be limited or avoided.
