Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by a set of symptoms related to pain at tender points in all four quadrants of the body that persist over months at a time. There isn't a test you can take or a definitive way of diagnosing fibromyalgia beyond assessing tender points. Fibryomyalgia can be very painful and alters the lives of many people. A certain diet for fibromyalgia hasn't been developed as symptoms vary widely among sufferers. What we do know is inflammation exists in fibromyalgia. Inflammation can be further provoked by diet choices and even eased with diet choices. The trick is to identify foods that provoke inflammation.
Foos Sensitivity Test
Food sensitivities play a role in fibromyalgia. Nutritionists create specific elimination diets for their patients based on the results of a blood test. The blood test measures the degree of immune reaction to various foods and chemicals. Removing the foods that cause the greatest degree of inflammation helps to reduce symptoms associated with pain from fibromyalgia. More people with significant pain are making dietary changes to address their symptoms, explains "Today's Dietitian."
Finding a Fibromyalgia Diet
A study published in the 2000 "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology" found that 18 patients with fibromyalgia consumed a strict, low-salt diet comprised of raw vegetables and probiotics for three months. The group experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, joint stiffness and overall pain. Another study published in the 2000 journal "Toxicology" showed a vegan diet consisting of berries, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and roots to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia. The daily intake of nutrients consisted of 1829 calories, 71 g protein, 276 g carbohydrate and 63 g of fat with no cholesterol. There was a decrease in joint stiffness and pain for the study participants. Researchers believe improvements were likely seen due to the antioxidants in the diet.
Treatment Diet Recommendations
The website RD411 recommends eating foods high in healthy fats, such as omega-fatty acids and decreasing or eliminating foods such as saturated and trans fat, which may contribute to inflammation rather than improve it. Healthy fats have an anti-flammatory effect. Avoiding aspartame, an artificial sweetener common in diet soft drinks, is recommended since it appears to stimulate nerve cells, and since soda leeches much needed calcium from the body it should be avoided, as well.
More Diet Recommendations
Additionally, RD411 recommends including lots of water, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and probiotics in the diet. Avoid refined carbohydrates, coffee, alcohol and high sodium foods. A multi-vitamin is also recommended to replace any loss of vitamins or minerals and to maintain optimal metabolic function within the body.
References
- "Today's Dietitian"; Get Certified --- Provide a Valuable Service by Adding Allergy Testing to Your Practice
- "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology"; Vegan Diet Alleviates Fibromyalgia Symptoms; Kaartinen, et al.; 2000
- "Toxicology"; Antioxidants in Vegan Diet and Rheumatic Disorders; O. Hänninen, et al.; 2000
- RD411.com: Fibromyalgia and Diet
