Diet Facts for Fibromyalgia

The scientific community remains split over the impact of diet on fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes pain and tender points in the body. But the National Fibromyalgia Association and other experts have identified certain foods fibromyalgia patients should avoid.

Considerations

• According to the National Institute for Health, developing a single effective treatment is difficult because rather than a disease, fibromyalgia is actually a collection of symptoms that occur together, but often vary among individuals.

Symptoms

• Firbromyalgia symptoms include pain, sleep disturbances, headaches, restless leg syndrome, temperature sensitivity, cognitive and memory problems, and other symptoms.

Alternative Treatments

• Although authorities such as the National Institute of Health stress no specific diet has been proven to influence fibromyalgia, some people use alternative therapies such as massage, exercise, acupuncture, herbs and dietary supplements to treat symptoms.

Foods to Eliminate

• In The Fibromyalgia Cookbook, author Mary Moeller urges patients to eliminate chocolate, carbonated drinks, coffee and alcohol, and to avoid fried foods, red meat and certain artificial sweeteners.

Eat Well

• According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, patients can boost their immune system by eating a healthy, balanced diet.