You may not think there's much of a connection between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome at first glance. IBS involves the intestines while fibromyalgia causes chronic pain throughout the body. Yet these two conditions are linked because IBS is commonly found in patients with fibromyalgia. The exact cause of -- or cure for -- either of these conditions is not known. However, there are changes you can make in your diet if you're dealing with one or both of these disorders.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder affecting the muscles and other soft tissues in the body resulting in chronic pain and fatigue. These sensitive, painful spots, called tender points, are spread throughout the body including in the back, neck, shoulders, hips and knees. Consulting a physician is important if you're experiencing these problems because many conditions have similar symptoms, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and lyme disease. You must have chronic pain for at least three months in addition to symptoms affecting at least 11 tender points to receive a fibromyalgia diagnosis, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus.
IBS Link
Irritable bowel syndrome is another common symptom of fibromyalgia. This condition causes cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and pain in the abdomen. The cause is unclear, but having a large intestine that is abnormally sensitive to stress or certain foods may play a role, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. It's also suspected that having an abnormal neurological response to pain causes the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A 2006 study published in "BMC Gastroenterology" provided more evidence of the link between the two conditions. It found that individuals with IBS are 40 to 80 percent more likely to have fribromyalgia, depression and migraines. Migraines and depression are both symptoms of fribromyalgia.
Healthy Food Choices
Making changes in your diet can relieve symptoms of both fribromyalgia and IBS. Removing any foods that cause you to have allergic reactions, such as dairy, can alleviate stomach discomfort. Add lots of antioxidant-rich foods to your diet such as berries, tomatoes and dark, leafy greens as they help reduce cell damage in the body. Many of the foods that contain antioxidants are also high in fiber, which can reduce IBS flare-ups. Avoid foods with high saturated fat content as they can aggravate both fibromyalgia and IBS symptoms. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily supports your body's functioning and is essential in preventing dehydration if you have diarrhea.
Nutritional Supplements
You may need to take nutritional supplements to reduce symptoms and replace missing nutrients from your diet, especially if you have to eliminate certain foods to avoid flare-ups. Taking melatonin may help you sleep better, which is a common problem for fibromyalgia patients. Taking a daily multivitamin provides vitamins with antioxidant benefits such as vitamins C, A and E. A vitamin D/calcium supplement can improve bone and muscle health. Taking a probiotic supplement containing five to 10 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus acidophilus may reduce bloating and improve gastrointestinal function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Always talk with your doctor before taking a supplement as some may interfere with medications or other health conditions.
References
- National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus: Fibromyalgia
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritible Bowel Syndrome
- "BMC Gastroenterology"; Migraine, Fibromyalgia and Depression Among People with IBS: A Cohort Study; JA Cole et al.; Sept 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fribromyalgia
