Fibromyalgia is a painful condition, similar to arthritis, which causes chronic muscle pain in many different parts of the body. People with fibromyalgia are prescribed different treatment regimens, sometimes involving prescription drugs which cause weight gain. A specific diet for fibromyalgia can reduce pain symptoms while helping a person lose weight.
Obesity and Pain
Being obese puts extra weight on the joints and can cause a worsening of pain symptoms. Therefore, dieting and losing weight is a good idea for an overweight or obese person with fibromyalgia because in addition to getting to a healthy weight, losing weight can ameliorate many painful symptoms like muscle pain and headaches.
Decreasing Fats
A diet low in fat may decrease fibromyalgia symptoms and promote weight loss at the same time. Foods which are high in fat, such as whole milk, butter and red meats and usually high in calories and frequent consumption of them leads to weight gain. Replacing high fat foods with low fat versions, such as 1% milk or low calorie margarine spread can facilitate weight loss while improving quality of life for a person living with fibromyalgia.
Less Animal Products
People with fibromyalgia should limit the amount of animal products they eat, as some studies suggest that consumption of meats, especially red meats may have a correlation with an increased pain level. One study recently published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology found that participants of the study who went on a low-fat, low-salt vegan diet, which included no meat, eggs or dairy whatsoever had a reduction of pain, had better quality of sleep and their body mass index decreased as well.
Complex Carbohydrates
Some medications which are used in the management and treatment of fibromyalgia cause intense cravings for carbohydrates. Instead of eating refined carbohydrates with very little nutrients, such as white bread, flour tortillas and white rice, a person with fibromyalgia may relieve many of her symptoms and also promote weight loss by switching to more complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, 100 percent whole wheat bread and whole wheat tortillas. Complex carbohydrates have more fiber so they cause a feeling of fullness and they also do not spike the blood sugar as quickly as refined grains.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and filling. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help people lose weight because they can recognize their fullness cues and get full on fewer calories. A vegan diet, which consists of only fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and tofu has been found to promote weight loss and decrease fibromyalgia pain. Vegan diets are very high in fruits and vegetables. Even if a person with fibromyalgia does not choose to become vegan, he can still reap some of the health benefits of veganism by simply adding more fruits and vegetables in his diet.
