Fibromyalgia is described as a complex array of symptoms rather that an illness. These symptoms consist of chronic joint and muscle pain, and overwhelming fatigue that is not relieved no matter how much rest the suffer receives. Fibromyalgia affect four per cent of the population. Most of this four per cent is women. Fibromyalgia has no known cause and no universal treatment.
Kent Holtorf M.D. states that diet plays a role in fibromyalgia, but the same diet does not work for everyone – every body is different, so diets must be customized accordingly. Other experts agree that avoidance of certain foods may lessen pain intensity as well as the vicious cycle of fatigue. Making adjustments to your diet can play a big role in relieving fibromyalgia, it just takes a little time to identify which foods trigger fibromyalgia symptoms in your body specifically.
An article on WebMD lists seven foods to avoid.
They are aspartame, MSG and nitrates, sugar especially high fructose corn syrup, caffeine,yeast and gluten, dairy products, especially milk, and foods from the nightshade plants including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and potatoes. Mary Moeller agrees that nitrates, aspartame, sugar, and caffeine should be avoided. She also adds avoiding fried foods, carbonation, alcohol, tobacco, sun exposure, and liquids with meals.
Dr. Neal Barnard, M.D. lists twelve foods to avoid. They are dairy products, chocolate and caffeine, eggs, citrus, all meats including chicken and fish, wheat, nut and peanuts, tomatoes, onions, corn, apples,and bananas. Gary Zeolla, author of “Creationist Diet” purports a combination vegan diet.
All of these experts agree that not all avoidance work for all people. What may be a trigger for one person may not be for another. It is a system of trial and error.
One may ask why certain foods should be avoided. In the following paragraphs this will be discussed.
First, aspartame and nitrates are know as excitotoxins. Both of these substances stimulate pain receptors in the nervous system therefore intensifying pain symptoms of fibromyalgia. Avoidance of these substances would aide the already over stimulated pain receptors.
Sugar should be avoided because feeds the yeast fungus already present in the human body. Carbonation should be avoided because it helps sugar go into the bloodstream faster. The combination of sugar and carbonation is a double blow to the fibromyalgia sufferer. Elimination of sugar also helps control blood sugar levels which helps lessen chronic fatigue. It stops the cycle of elevated blood sugar then the sudden drop when the sugar wears off.
Caffeine should be avoided because it is a stimulant and gives a false burst of energy. When the effects of the caffeine wear off chronic fatigue is worse. Soft drinks which contain sugar or aspartame, caffeine, and carbonation are a triple threat to the fibromyalgia sufferer.
Breads are another triple threat. Many of them contain sugar, yeast, and gluten. A gluten intolerance causes stomach and digestive problems. Eliminating gluten form ones diet has been shown to help fibromyalgia and non-fibromyalgia patients alike.
Dairy products, especially milk, can escalate fibromyalgia symptoms. Two of the three expert agree that dairy should be avoided. the same two also agree that foods from the nightshade plants, such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant should be avoided. The reason for this was not given.
Omega-3 foods such as fish oil, flax seed, walnuts and eggs were encouraged to be added to the diet. These foods seemed to help fibromyalgia sufferers lessen their symptoms.
In conclusion, foods that may help or hurt fibromyalgia sufferers are as different as the symptoms of each person. The best advice is to try elimination of known trigger foods and keep the pattern that works for the individual patient.
Comments
Renee Tannian
July 1st, 2010 - 12:31:23 PM
I'm looking for a daily diet put together for fibromyalgia. I need energy foods to help me combat the fatigue as well. Is there help?
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angela
July 1st, 2010 - 5:58:36 PM
why is it that some days i can run and excercise and others i can bearly walk? i can't even sleep thru the night . especially on my left hip.
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jackie
July 8th, 2010 - 2:57:54 PM
I also have the same symptoms of fibromyalgia as some of you the fatigue and the sleeplesness and the pain in my left hip when trying to sleep on my left sideand swelling of my hands and feet, but somtime i can have a normal day is this normal?
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tee
July 12th, 2010 - 8:29:06 AM
I feel so old and tired because I hurt all the time. Just need some kind of relife, I use to be so active don't like this.
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S Chilcutt
July 21st, 2010 - 4:43:11 AM
I wake up totally worn out,each and every day. I actually have to force myself to do my very physical job,every day. This is harder for me than the continual pain.
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Sharon Crane
July 21st, 2010 - 9:02:01 PM
I would like more information on post-traumatic experiences may enhance chances of fibromyalgia. I suffer from that as well as very high anxiety! Please comment!!
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tina
July 23rd, 2010 - 6:00:57 AM
mornings are unbearable, i started taking lyrica does this medication help anyone? i waitress and it is so painfull to get going in the am i have to get up 2 hours before my shift just to get moving . is there any thing i can do to relieve the stiffness in my hips and feet and legs?
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jamie lang
July 27th, 2010 - 10:08:18 AM
I recently was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. My rhumatologist put me on relafen and lyrica. After just a few days, the pain has improved greatly. I still have the occasional day where I am stiff and have pain, but it is not as severe. Yeah lyrica!
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Jo Ann Raney
July 29th, 2010 - 5:41:33 PM
I have had fibromyalgia for some time now and have been on Lyrica, along with naproxen for pain. I have found that the humidity is really debilitating for me as is the extreme cold. I am going to experiment with some diet changes and would appreciate any advice as to what I could try.
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shirley joratz
July 29th, 2010 - 7:18:42 PM
I can't take any of the drugs on the market, my scalp itchs so bad, I scratch so much along with the pain all over. Help!!!
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Diane R
August 5th, 2010 - 2:31:02 AM
I have fibro as well for many years..I tried all different medicines right now I take neurotin 600mg. along with a low dose of trazadone..it's working for right now..eventually it won't and will have to search for something new..I want to say to each and everyone of you it takes alot for me to motivate go do somethng I'm only 48 and this fibromylagia only gets worse for me every year. My legs are the WORST! RLS they say..I used to be at the gym everyday before this now I'm lucky I go to the gym once a week..good luck everyone I understand each and everyone of you.. Trust God.
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LA Fincannon
August 8th, 2010 - 5:43:53 AM
I'm not alone!! I too have been on serveral medications which I have had a bad reaction to..the lyrica is working, however not like I thought it would. The pain physically and emotionally is horrible, each day is like choosing door 1, 2 or 3. There just has to be a diet plan, I am still searching. The constant I have found is "FLAX SEED OIL". I will post anything more when and if I find it. So far, every website regarding fibromyalgia has their own opinion on diet.
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Tammy
August 17th, 2010 - 3:46:48 PM
I have not been diagnosed yet but I know this is what I have. I am currently looking for a diet that might help with the pain. I noticed that a couple of people said they had trouble sleeping on their left hip. I also have trouble with this hip and I wake up durring the night with this pain.
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Open Source Food Tea
August 17th, 2010 - 3:51:24 PM
Tammy I would def. go see a doctor as this is just a blog offering suggestions and tips on diet for those with fibromyalgia. Thank you.
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Barb
September 4th, 2010 - 10:13:00 PM
I was diagnosed about 12 years ago and have had the usual ups and downs. I also happen to be a Registered Dietician and I have eliminated some foods that cause inflammation for me, red meats (especially beef), potatoes, tomatoes (how I miss them), but still there were issues. By chance I started eliminating wheat and gluten and I think for me this was the culprit. I had tried being vegan for a while, but alot of the protein comes from wheat gluten. Naturally that didn't help matters. Dairy doesn't seem to bother me, but I have tried various soy milks, yogurt, flour. I can only take ibuprofen for the pain and inflammation and I have cut this down also. I also try to avoid additives, preservatives, and overly processed items--I don't even know what some of them are, and I am a professional. Never give up hope.....
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Sue
September 9th, 2010 - 6:48:21 PM
Wow, me too with the left hip pain! I thought it was the dancing I did at the Santana concert 7 weeks ago! I still feel it when I get up from sitting a long time. I try to work-out 2-3 times a week but sometimes its easier not too. I'm trying to watch my diet...can't even enjoy cocktail anymore..it knocks me out! I started to take some B-complex vitamins and some D-ribose and have cut down on sugar and starches.These things have helped but I miss my old(young) self!
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Terri
September 11th, 2010 - 2:59:04 PM
I was diagnosed about 3 years ago and think its been way before now that the problems occured the pain the swelling, stiffness I don't seem to feel good at all and the fatigue is horrible the pain is also attrocious taking pain killers on a daily basis and whould like other ideas I suffer from headaches everyday also dont have the energy to go out and do anything need some help please
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sunshine
September 18th, 2010 - 8:31:27 PM
I have read the reviews, but no one has mentioned severe sweats. I have read other websites, where this symptom was mentioned. I have all of the above symptoms but very severe sweats, like I've just had a cardiac event like severe tachycardia, get very hot, then have cold sweats sometimes am sweaty for several hrs. Any others having this symptom? This has been the worst of the symptoms although pain has been intense but more controlled by meds.
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Arvel Culler
October 18th, 2010 - 4:59:34 PM
I pray for all us because people really do not understand. I am interested in the Yoga and will go forward finding an instructor. I also found interesst in the food intake. Thank you, Arvel
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Arvel Culler
October 18th, 2010 - 5:00:36 PM
I pray for all us because people really do not understand. I am interested in the Yoga and will go forward finding an instructor. I also found interesst in the food intake. Thank you, Arvel This is the first post I have made.
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trish
October 18th, 2010 - 8:58:40 PM
I have had migranes which went away when I stopped drinking milk. So thats a plus, but what about the chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, depression, etc. etc. I have it all, the swelling is getting bad in my feet and ankles, elbows just started causing me trouble all the time now... please any Diet plans Posted would be greatly appreciated.
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Brenda
January 11th, 2011 - 8:51:32 PM
I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia today. I have researched it found a little info but im really into the changing of the diet if anyone has any suggestions that would be great
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Kay
March 25th, 2011 - 8:53:59 AM
I was diagnosed 03/23/11 with this condition. While I was in the neurologist's office I had the severe sweats!! There are days where I change my clothes so often because I can't get comfortable! I am also looking for a diet that will help with the symptoms and prevent gaining too much weight. the doctor put me on Lyrica and i have only been on it for 2 days. I haven't found any relief yet but I am keeping an open mind. I can't get comfortable! I am looking into doing Tai Chi exercise to see if it helps. Somethings got to give!!!
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roberta josephine dewey
April 6th, 2011 - 5:33:26 PM
I have found Lyrica helps but weight gain is a problem. The pain is pain only a fibro person knows. I crave foods that are healthy but are not good for me. Tai Chi makes life bearable.
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Rebecca
April 19th, 2011 - 4:03:42 PM
I have had this toxic disease for 13 years now, I take Advil. I refuse to be drugged. I am seeking natural remedies. I work, I am 56, it is a real struggle to keep going dialy. The symptoms are not always the same, I have no energy, and I hurt all the time. I pray for all of you fellow sufferers. Hang in there, we can only hope fro a breakthrough!
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sharon
May 4th, 2011 - 7:46:36 AM
i too have this fibro..been dealing with it for many years..i take naproxen for the pain in my spine..no one mentioned that..i take cymbalta and tramadol..the tramadol helps the most.. well the combination of them all really..and try towatch what i eat and nver stop excercise if you dont do anything but walk do that...and still sometimesi still have pain but not as bad as it was when i first started with it..God bless us all..
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Gail Fowler
May 9th, 2011 - 10:35:44 AM
I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH FIBRO FOW OVER 17 YRS. AND HAVE HAD ALOT OF FLAIR-UPS THIS YEAR. NOTHING SEEMS TO REALLY TAKE CARE OF IT. WHEN IT HITS, I AM REALLY DOWN FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE DAYS.
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Carolyn
May 18th, 2011 - 4:10:11 PM
I would like to find a well balanced daily diet for fibromyalgia. Any one have any ideas where to find one on the internet?
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Roxy
May 29th, 2011 - 7:45:08 AM
I haven't be diagnosed yet; I guess I'm in denial. My body aches most days like I have the flu. I try to ignore it and run anyway, but it gets so bad (along with the dizziness) that I worry about falling/fainting. The "fog" is the worst! I'm a police officer, so it's scary to be "foggy." Guess I need to go to the doc.
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