Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects specific trigger points throughout the body. Symptoms such as depression, headaches, fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome are also common with fibromyalgia. It is unclear what causes fibromyalgia, although the University of Maryland Medical Center explains that it may be genetic or even related to an injury or infection. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but diet may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Carbohydrate Cravings
Carbohydrates are a macronutrient that provide the body with energy. Bread, pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables, candy and desserts are all carbohydrates. Dr. Paul St. Amand, assistant clinical professor of endocrinology at UCLA, explains in his book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia" that people with fibromyalgia tend to crave carbohydrates instead of protein or fat, more than those without fibromyalgia. These cravings can lead to weight gain if the patient eats high-calorie and sugary foods too frequently.
Hypoglycemia
The problem with carbohydrate cravings is that they can be a symptom of an underlying problem related to fibromyalgia: hypoglycemia. Similar to diabetes, hypoglycemia is an inability of the body to use energy from carbohydrates effectively. Therefore, when a person with hypoglycemia eats too many carbohydrates, the blood sugar spikes up quickly and then drops too low, leading to health problems.
Fibromyalgia and Hypoglycemia
Since fibromyalgia has so many different symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose. To complicate matters, some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia may overlap with fibromyalgia. Fatigue, depression, headaches and digestion problems like gas and diarrhea can all be symptoms of hypoglycemia, according to the Fibromyalgia Treatment Center. Therefore, treating fibromyalgia and treating hypoglycemia should go hand-in-hand with a balanced diet as well as with any medications or alternative treatments as recommended by a physician.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet for fibromyalgia does need to include some carbohydrates, but it's important that people with fibromyalgia choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables instead of refined grains like white bread and pasta. Dr. St Amand recommends eating only small portions of complex carbohydrates, such as up to 15 g in one sitting, and eating them with high-protein foods. The Fibromyalgia Network suggests eating fresh fruits and vegetables several times a day and limiting processed and packaged foods in order to reduce pain levels. It's important to talk to your doctor before making any major changes in your diet.
References
- Fibromyalgia Treatment Center: Hypoglycemia
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia" Dr. Paul St. Amand, 1999
- Fibromyalgia Network: Diet and Exercise
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
