A specific diet for fibromyalgia recommended for every person with fibromyalgia does not exist. However, a common denominator for all fibromyalgia cases is inflammation. Consuming a diet that decreases inflammation in the body is the key. The challenge is that foods behave differently in different people. What is inflammatory for one person may be antiinflammatory for another.
Food Sensitivity Diet
A type of diet to consider if you have fibromyalgia is a diet based on the results of a blood test that measures the degree of inflammation in the body to certain foods and chemicals. Foods that are inflammatory for you are taken out of the diet in order to allow the inflammation to subside. It is hoped when the inflammation subsides, the fibromyalgia symptoms will lessen as well. Registered dietitians create specific elimination diets for their patients based on the results of blood tests, explains "Today's Dietitian."
Foods to Avoid and Foods to Include
Another component of diet that is important in inflammation is the type of fat consumed. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are antiinflammatory, especially in comparison to foods high in saturated fat, according to the website RD411.com. Eliminating or decreasing substantially trans fats and saturated fat from the diet is critical. Some artificial sweeteners used in soft drinks such as aspartame stimulate nerve cells and should be avoided. Water, fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotics and whole grains are foods to include in a diet for fibromyalgia, according to RD411.com. For some people, these foods will reduce inflammation. Taking a multi-vitamin can ensure adequate intake of nutrients. Limit or avoid coffee, alcohol, refined sugars and carbohydrates and foods high in salt.
Studies on Fibromyalgia and Diet
Studies on fibromyalgia are addressing the need for a diet recommendations. A study published in the 2000 "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology" observed 18 patients with fibromyalgia for three months who consumed a strict, low-salt diet consisting of raw vegetables and probiotics. Participants in the study experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, joint stiffness and overall pain.
Study of Vegan Diet for Fibromyalgia
Sometimes, a vegan diet works to reduce pain, as seen in a November 2000 study in the journal "Toxicology." This study utilized a vegan diet consisting of berries, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and roots to improve fibromyalgia symptoms. Plenty of calories, fat and carbohydrate were provided at 1829 calories, 71 g protein, 276 g carbohydrate and 63 g of fat. The diet provided no cholesterol, little saturated fat and plenty of healthy unsaturated fats. Following the diet, joint and pain stiffness decreased for the participants. Researchers believe improvements were likely seen due to the antioxidants in the diet.
References
- "Today's Dietitian"; Get Certified --- Provide a Valuable Service by Adding Allergy Testing to Your Practice
- RD411.com: Fibromyalgia and Diet
- "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
