Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes diffuse muscular discomfort and sensitivity to pain in a myriad of other areas of the body. According to an article published the Podell medical practice, primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include muscle pain, frequent headaches and migraines, difficulty sleeping, profound fatigue, irritability and in some, anxiety and clinical depression. However, though debate continues as to whether the origin of fibromyalgia is depression, rather than a physical condition, there is no one recommended diet for fibromyalgia. Mostly anecdotal evidence supports dietary guidelines, promoting a healthy, well-balanced diet for people living with fibromyalgia; more controlled medical studies are necessary to establish the best diet for people living with the condition.
Increased Energy
According to ProHealth Library, it is recommended that people living with fibromyalgia eat a diet low in fat, high in antioxidants, which boost the immune system, and avoid fried foods, salt, preservatives, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin, carbonated beverages, caffeine and red meat. They should not drink liquids with meals and avoid alcohol. Instead, those with fibromyalgia should carefully consume fresh foods, including five or more fruits and vegetables per day, as well as other sources of protein. Though this is a very restrictive diet, Black-Brown believes that it has the benefit of promoting increased energy to fibromyalgia patients, easing the associated fatigue that often comes with this condition.
Decreased Pain Sensitivity
Avoiding MSG, or monosodium glutamate, and NutraSweet, or aspartame, is another way that one may lessen the effects of fibromyalgia, according to Dr Podell, clinical professor at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. Podell, who runs the New Jersey Fibromyalgia Clinic, and headed one of the 10 FDA medical research teams studying fibromyalgia, believes that both MSG and aspartame over-stimulate pain receptors in the spinal cord. By decreasing these two food additives, it is possible to decrease sensitivity to pain. Podell also suggests that moderate meals without sugar, fats and simple carbohydrates are helpful in diminishing pain for these patients. Additionally, he suggests some patients may benefit from diets free of gluten and wheat products, milk and yeast.
Alleviate Headaches
According to an online article published by Anne Collins, clinical nutritionist and weight loss specialist, it is possible to alleviate headaches related to fibromyalgia by avoiding some simple, common foods that have been associated with the promotion of headaches. Collins believes that avoiding chocolate and caffeine, which may act as stimulants, cheese, red wine, citrus fruit, the sugar substitute aspartame, as well as ice cream, is important to prevention of headaches associated with fibromyalgia.
