Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic syndrome that causes fatigue and chronic muscular pain all over the body. Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose and the causes are unknown. Many symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as joint pain and stiffness, tingling in the hand and feet, headaches, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome, can overlap with other illnesses. Fibromyalgia-related pain can occur at 18 different tender points, including the elbows, knees, lower back, ribcage, shoulders and thighs. The syndrome commonly occurs in women between the ages of 20 and 50.
Treatment
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome. Periods of flare-ups can alternate with periods of remission, making the disease unpredictable. Physical therapy, exercise, stress reduction and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help relieve symptoms. Prescription medication may be included in treatment to reduce sleep disturbances, ease depression and limit pain.
Foods to Include
An anti-inflammatory, mostly raw and vegan diet can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms such as joint inflammation and pain. Increased range of motion, increased flexibility and pain reduction can occur with dietary changes. A mostly raw vegan diet consists of uncooked and unprocessed foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, fresh juices and sometimes fish. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, walnuts and flaxseeds can help reduce inflammation in the body. Include pomegranates and green vegetable juices in your diet, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Foods to Limit
Eliminating potential food allergens such as wheat, corn, soy and dairy may help alleviate symptoms. Reducing saturated fat from sources such as meat, dairy products, processed foods and fried foods can help increase circulation and reduce pain. Alcohol, sugar, caffeine and refined carbohydrates may increase symptoms and should be limited. Limit nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, white potatoes, peppers and tomatoes, which contain solanine, because solanine can cause muscle pain and discomfort.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Malabsorption problems, which can cause nutritional deficiencies, are common in people with fibromyalgia. Sublingual vitamins, which are more easily absorbed, may be beneficial. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammation, vitamin C for healthy immune function, and vitamin D for muscle and skeletal health. Additionally, magnesium, l-carnatine, co-enzyme Q-10 and a probiotic supplement may be beneficial.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fibromyalgia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Fibromyalgia Syndrome Improved Using a Mostly Raw Vegetarian Diet: An Observational Study; Michael S. Donaldson, et al.; 2001
- American Diabetes Association: Other Types of Vegetarian Diets
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
