The South Beach diet was originally created by Dr. Arthur Agatston to support the health of heart disease patients. It is also commonly used for weight loss in the United States. This diet focuses on the consumption of lean proteins and the restriction of carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates such as white breads, pastas and baked goods. Although the South Beach diet was not designed for fibromyalgia, several components of this diet may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Talk to your doctor before adopting the South Beach diet to treat fibromyalgia.
Protein
The South Beach diet focuses on protein, rather than carbohydrates, as an energy source. Protein serves as a fuel for cognitive function and physical activity. This can help to reduce physical fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. It can also help to reduce "fibro fog," or mental confusion that commonly accompanies this condition. Opt for lean proteins, such as tofu and white-meat poultry, instead of pork, beef and dark-meat turkey and chicken to reduce saturated fat intake. Saturated fats can interfere with blood circulation, which may worsen fatigue symptoms.
Vegetables
Most vegetables, with the exception of starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn, are permissible under the South Beach diet. Vegetables such as artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and spinach provide antioxidant vitamins and minerals that may prevent free radical damage to muscles and connective tissues, thereby alleviating muscle and joint pain. These vegetables also provide dietary fiber, which may reduce levels of artery-clogging triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, in your bloodstream.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are found in tofu, fish, walnuts, avocados and flax seeds, all of which are appropriate for the South Beach diet. These fatty acids may elevate high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, in your bloodstream. HDL may help lower LDL and clear fatty arterial deposits that can deprive your muscles and brain of oxygen, vitamins and minerals necessary for proper function. Essential fatty acids may also help reduce inflammation, which may ease muscle and joint aches.
Considerations
Although the South Beach diet may offer benefits that help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, some elements of this diet may worsen symptoms. Fruits are not permitted during the initial phase of this diet, and are restricted throughout the duration of the diet. Eliminating these foods may reduce your consumption of vitamin C, which provides immune system enhancement and anti-inflammatory benefits. The South Beach diet also focuses on the consumption of dairy products, which add fatigue-promoting saturated fats to your diet.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
- "The South Beach Diet"; Dr. Arthur Agatston; 2003
- "Reversing Fibromyalgia"; Dr. Joe M. Elrod; 2002
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