Fibromyalgia is an idiopathic condition, meaning that there is no specific known cause, according to Dr. James Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures." Several symptoms are common among people with this syndrome, and certain dietary choices may affect these symptoms.
Talk to your doctor before altering your diet to address fibromyalgia symptoms. Diet should not replace traditional medical treatment for this condition.
Symptoms
Each person with fibromyalgia experiences different symptoms, and these symptoms may occur in varying degrees of severity. Muscle pain, weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of fibromyalgia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You may experience sensitivity to touch in multiple points of your body. Fibromyalgia may produce physical symptoms such as bowel disorders, joint stiffness, sensitivity to noise and light, dizziness and headaches. You may also experience mental and emotional symptoms such as depression, loss of mental focus and memory problems.
Beneficial Foods
Raw fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber that may help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, according to Balch and Stengler. Lean protein sources, such as turkey, chicken, fish, raw nuts, tofu, soy milk and beans may help boost your energy, reducing the effects of fatigue and muscle weakness. Fish, flax seeds and flax oil are abundant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which may increase your body's production of prostaglandin, a hormone that reduces inflammation of muscle tissues and joints.
Foods to Avoid
Foods high in saturated fat, which include dairy products, eggs and red meats, may aggravate pain and increase muscle and joint inflammation associated with fibromyalgia, according to Balch and Stengler. Refined sugars, found in commercially-packaged fruit juices, pastries, packaged snack foods and candy, may increase inflammation and suppress your immune system, which may worsen fibromyalgia symptoms. Refined sugars may also facilitate the growth of candida, a fungus that may accelerate the progression of fibromyalgia. Coffee, chocolate and other products containing caffeine may interfere with your body's absorption of minerals necessary for proper muscle and joint health, and may also contribute to sleep problems.
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures;" James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
