Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease primarily characterized by musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, tender points, fatigue, insomnia, and disrupted sleep. Other common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, though theories abound, attributing this chronic condition to low levels of serotonin in the brain that affect sleep and mood, altered stress hormone regulation, altered pain perception, and/or genetics.
Treatment
Though fibromyalgia is not a degenerative or progressive disorder, and it is not life-threatening, the symptoms are quite challenging to those who live with this condition. According to oprah.com, treatment is generally focused on decreasing or eliminating painful, distressing symptoms; and often includes regulation of sleep patterns, thyroid hormone therapy, promotion of immune system health, exercise and a high-protein, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet.
Foods to Avoid
The high-protein fibromyalgia diet is designed to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, thereby lowering the stress and discomfort experienced by those living with fibromyalgia. According to the University of Maryland, fibromyalgia patients are encouraged to avoid all processed foods, foods with dairy, white sugar and flour, soy, corn and wheat products, as they may potentially contain food allergens that provoke their condition. It is also recommended that people living with fibromyalgia should avoid trans fatty acids, alcohol and caffeine.
Additional Foods to Avoid
According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, chocolate, fried foods, carbonated drinks and red meat are also added to the list of foods to avoid when treating fibromyalgia, suggesting that "it makes good sense to try a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet as it can decrease craving, increase energy, promote weight loss and help with hypoglycemia." This diet helps to alleviate frequent cravings reportedly experienced by people with fibromyalgia, and the associated hypoglycemia that comes from high carbohydrate, high sugar intake.
Foods to Eat
With the high-protein fibromyalgia diet, it is extremely important to eat four to five small meals per day, rather than three meals per day, to promote digestion and metabolism. These small meals allow for the maximal absorption of nutrients and vitamins and can help prevent low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, from carbohydrate overload. It is important to eat a lot protein combined with vegetables and fruits for fiber, and to get the nutrients needed for good health. Particularly of interest to fibromyalgia patients considering this diet is the recommendation for fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, and poultry, as the omega-3 fatty acids are vital to a well-balanced diet.
Daily Fluid Intake
Avoid things like sugar, caffeine and alcohol, as they can over-stimulate muscles, stress the system, disrupt sleep patterns, and significantly contribute to fatigue. It is also recommended to include fruit juice and eight glasses of water per day to flush the body of toxins and stay well-hydrated for optimum health and functioning.
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