Fibromyalgia & Nutrition

The causes of fibromyalgia are not fully understood by doctors. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person, but almost always include pain and fatigue. Reducing inflammation is critical to pain management. Fatigue can result from dehydration, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and toxins in the body. For these reasons, the fibromyalgia sufferer should focus their diet on foods that are anti-inflammatory in nature, and high in fiber, to promote excretion of toxins from the body. Antioxidants are also crucial to the diet of the fibromyalgia sufferer. Some studies, such as the 1980s study of 6500 people living in China discussed in the controversial book, "The China Study," by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell, have shown a connection between diets high in animal protein and low in antioxidants, and the onset of chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• Reducing inflammation reduces pain. Anyone who has taken over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (such as those containing naproxen) has witnessed the connection between pain and the reduction of inflammation. Most "Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods" lists, including the list found at dLife.com (a website for diabetics) include these foods: grass-fed beef, salmon, olive oil, salads, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, cherries, blueberries, turmeric, garlic, ginger and green tea. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts (especially walnuts and pistachio nuts) are also excellent sources of anti-inflammatory properties.

High-Fiber Foods

• For the proper functioning of the digestive system, which moves nutrients throughout the body and eliminates toxins, a diet rich in high-fiber foods is essential. To prevent constipation, high-fiber foods must be accompanied by adequate quantities of water. As with anti-inflammatory foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts top the list when it comes to foods that are high in fiber. Excellent sources of fiber include raspberries, whole-wheat spaghetti, cooked barley, split peas, black beans, artichokes and cooked peas.

Antioxidants

• Attaching themselves to free radicals that damage the cells of our body and promote disease, antioxidants are truly an invaluable addition to the diet of the fibromyalgia sufferer. Once again, many of the same foods found on the anti-inflammatory and high-fiber lists are also those rich in antioxidants. Top 10 lists of foods rich in antioxidants include broccoli, tomatoes, spinach and carrots in the vegetable family. Topping the list for fruits are berries and grapes. Whole grains, tea, soy and garlic are also excellent sources for antioxidants.

Foods to Avoid

• Alcohol, sugar, caffeine, processed and refined foods, saturated and hydrogenated fats, dairy and red meat have all been shown to increase fatigue, muscle pain and inflammation. Seemingly healthy fruits such as citrus, pineapple and coconut should be eaten sparingly due to their high sugar content. If you must have dairy, make it low fat, and stick to poultry or fish whenever possible.

It All Makes Sense

• Even though doctors may not understand what causes fibromyalgia, they do know what fibromyalgia does to the body. It causes stress, a weakened immune system, a build-up of toxins that lead to fatigue and muscle pain, and the inability to properly absorb the vitamins and other nutrients essential for good health. Eating a healthy diet, and taking vitamins and other supplements as prescribed, can greatly reduce the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia syndrome.