Fibromyalgia And A Low Carb Diet

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of Americans, particularly women. Though widespread muscular pain is the most common symptom, sleeping troubles, depression and fatigue are also common with fibromyalgia. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are often used to treat the condition, though dietary changes may also help. Low carbohydrate diets, also called low carb diets, may reduce pain and fatigue in some people with fibromyalgia.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrient in foods that provide the body with energy. Bread, pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables and sweets all contain carbohydrates. Dr. Paul St Amand, author of the book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia" says that people with fibromyalgia tend to have more frequent carbohydrate cravings, especially for sweet foods, than healthy individuals. Eating too many carbohydrates can lead to health problems such as weight gain.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia and fibromyalgia are two disorders that often overlap and are similar in symptoms. The Fibromyalgia Treatment Center explains that hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, happens when a person cannot process carbohydrates effectively, so their blood sugar spikes and then crashes after eating carbohydrates. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, fatigue and headaches. Dr. St Amand states that many people with fibromyalgia also have hypoglycemia. The most effective way to manage hypoglycemia is through diet.

Low Carbohydrate Diet

Low carbohydrate diets reduce a person's intake of carbohydrates and increase the intake of protein and fats. Low carbohydrate diets may even promote weight loss, since reducing carbohydrate intake prevents insulin from spiking and inhibits the storage of extra carbohydrates as fat. Low carbohydrate diets are full of meats like chicken, beef, turkey and fish and also include eggs, cheese, vegetables and certain whole grains. The book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia" explains that low carbohydrate diets may reduce pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients.

Hidden Carbohydrates

In order to be on a low carbohydrate diet, it is important to watch for hidden sources of carbs in foods and beverages. In addition to bread and rice, alcohol, fruit juice, potatoes and beans are also high in carbohydrates. Even meats like turkey deli slices can contain carbohydrates, since they often have sugar and starches as preservatives. The Fibromyalgia Treatment Center recommends avoiding all sugar in any form, whether it be honey, sucrose, fructose or dextrose in packaged products.