Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes fatigue and pain in the tendons, ligaments and muscles in the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports fibromyalgia affects more women than men and is often tied to other health issues, such as depression, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Fibromyalgia symptoms often come and go and can be quite debilitating, however, it is not life threatening. When an individual experiences fibromyalgia symptoms, incorporating some simple dietary changes can manage the discomfort and pain.
Protein
Eating an adequate amount of protein is very important to a fibromyalgia sufferer. Lynne Matallana, founder and president of the National Fibromyalgia Association, states that protein can help offset chronic fatigue, one the most common symptoms of this condition. She recommends that protein be incorporated in small amounts throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels balanced. It would also be helpful to reduce carbohydrate consumption so blood sugar spikes are kept to a minimum. According to the website Fibromyalgia Symptoms, insufficient amounts of protein may be the cause of the degenerative changes seen from this medical problem. Therefore, increasing lean proteins in the diet could help relieve the stiffness and pain that is often found in the joints of fibromyalgia sufferers.
Raw Foods
Eating raw foods rich in antioxidants and enzymes, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests every individual suffering from fibromyalgia should incorporate foods such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, spinach, kale and bell peppers into their diet daily. In a study published in the November 2000 issue of the "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology," K. Kaartinen and colleagues found that eating a low-salt, raw food vegan diet was very beneficial to fibromyalgia sufferers. Just after three months of following this type of diet, participants experienced less joint pain, better sleep and overall relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms. In addition to these results, they even lost some weight and lowered their cholesterol levels.
Foods That Contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Another way to combat fibromyalgia pain is to eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to reduce inflammation.The University of Maryland Medical Center claims that 1 to 2 tbsp. of fish oil daily or eating two to three servings of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, flax seeds, flax oil and walnuts, could help offset the symptoms of this condition. In fact, in a study published in the February 2010 issue of the "Clinical Journal of Pain," Gordon Ko, M.D., and colleagues concluded that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil could manage the pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Participants were given between 2,400 and 7,200 mg of fish oil per day and were followed for more than 19 months. Their results included significant reduction in overall pain and increased mobility in their joints.
References
- FM/CFS/ME Resources: Foods That Fight Fibromyalgia & CFS/ME
- BioMedSearch.com: Vegan diet alleviates fibromyalgia symptoms.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia Network: Non-Drug, Trigger Point, and Alternative Fibromyalgia Treatments
- The Clinical Journal of Pain: Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Neuropathic Pain: Case Series
- Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Eat Healthier
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