Fibromyalgia causes muscle pain, tenderness and fatigue, but the underlying etiology of the condition itself remains unknown. Some fibromyalgia patients find relief through dietary measures, including diets that tackle food sensitivities or nutrient deficiencies. Because different people have different fibromyalgia symptoms and react differently to potential interventions, what works for one patient may be useless for another. If you have fibromyalgia, you should work with your doctor and a dietitian to determine the best food choices for you.
Food Sensitivities
Hidden food sensitivities might be a cause or trigger for fibromyalgia in some people, so you should have your doctor test for allergies to foods that tend to be allergenic, such as eggs, dairy, soy, corn and the wheat protein gluten. However, even if your allergen test comes back negative, an undiagnosed intolerance might still be to blame. Intolerances differ from allergies in that the body doesn't respond to the allergen with an immune response but instead simply has a difficult time digesting certain foods.
Healthy Eating
A diet high in antioxidants, primarily from fresh fruits and vegetables, might benefit some fibromyalgia sufferers. Berries, cherries, citrus fruits, kiwis, broccoli and tomatoes are particularly high in antioxidants. Because obesity puts added pressure on bones, joints and muscles, a weight-loss diet might improve fibromyalgia symptoms over time. People with fibromyalgia might want to avoid eating a lot of high-fat or fried food. Foods with added salt or sugars and refined foods should also be kept out of a fibromyalgia diet. You should aim to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
Nutrients
While the results remain mixed, some studies have found a link between fibromyalgia and certain nutritional deficiencies. In particular, vitamin D and magnesium have both been linked to fibromyalgia symptoms, so it's a good idea to include foods high in these nutrients in your diet. Vitamin D can be found in fortified dairy products, fatty fish and egg yolks. Good sources of magnesium include dark green, leafy vegetables, soybeans and nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, seafood, flax seed and walnuts, can ease inflammation.
Herbs and Spices
Some herbs and spices might contribute to a reduction in fibromyalgia symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Turmeric, a yellow spice used in curries, can be sprinkled over food or added to cooked dishes. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, might help ease pain and inflammation. Drink antioxidant-rich green tea as an accompaniment to meals or on its own throughout the day.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- "Rheumatology International"; Fibromyalgia and Nutrition, What Do We Know?; L.I. Arranz, et al.; Sep 2010
- "Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association"; Vitamin D Deficiency in Fibromyalgia; S.A. Bhatty, et al.; Nov 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fibromyalgia
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