Affecting mostly women, fibromyalgia is a commonly misunderstood, complex syndrome that causes often severe pain in many different parts of the body, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fibrous tissues. No cure for fibromyalgia exists, but you can try certain dietary restrictions or changes to help reduce your bouts of pain. Don't start any dietary regiment for fibromyalgia without first talking with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Vegan Foods
Following a vegan diet that eliminates all meats and animal-derived foods like dairy could help reduce your fibromyalgia-associated pain, depression and morning sickness, says the University of Michigan Health System. A clinical trial found that a vegan diet helped reduce symptoms in women with fibromyalgia, according to a 2000 issue of Rheumatology. Dairy in particular can be a food allergen, which can contribute to your fibromyalgia symptoms, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can replace animal-derived proteins with beans or soy. If you can't stick to a vegan diet, at least eat leaner proteins like lean meats and cold-water fish instead of red meats. In fact, consuming more fish in your diet can provide you with important omega-3 fatty acids that could help to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Low-Salt/No-MSG Foods
Following a low-salt diet and avoiding all foods containing monosodium glutamate or MSG may help in treating fibromyalgia, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eliminating MSG from the diets of people with fibromyalgia greatly reduced or completely relieved symptoms in a 2001 preliminary study published in the "Annals of Pharmacotherapy," according to the University of Michigan Health System. You should also avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods.
Raw Foods
Consuming a diet comprised of mostly or all raw foods may also reduce your fibromyalgia symptoms, notes the University of Michigan Health System. A raw-food diet typically consists of raw fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes, nuts and seeds. Avoiding refined or processed foods like white breads and pastas, as well as cookies, cakes, crackers and donuts can also help, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Only anecdotal evidence exists supporting the idea that eliminating processed foods can relieve fibromyalgia pain, notes MayoClinic.com
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, tomatoes, spinach and bell peppers can help your body fight cell-damaging free radicals, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. You could also take certain antioxidant supplements like vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10. Ask your physician before taking any supplements to help treat fibromyalgia, however.
