Fibromyalgia causes ongoing pain and fatigue. There is currently no cure, but some medications and lifestyle remedies can help relieve the symptoms. Dietary choices may also make a difference. Doctors do not yet know what causes fibromyalgia. One theory is that changes in a person’s pain pathways cause them to feel pain more intensely than other people do. Health professionals do not consider fibromyalgia an inflammatory disease, but some believe that it may involve inflammation of the nerves. Some experts suggest using a multimodal approach to manage symptoms. This can involve medication, exercise, complementary therapies, and appropriate dietary choices. In this article, learn more about how making certain dietary changes can affect fibromyalgia.

How might diet impact fibromyalgia? Share on Pinterest A person may reduce fibromyalgia symptoms by eating a plant based diet. Dietary changes are not part of the standard treatment for fibromyalgia. However, favoring some foods over others may help manage the symptoms. For example, there is evidence to suggest that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help people with chronic pain. An anti-inflammatory diet is not a specific eating plan, but its guidelines can help people make suitable choices. A plant based diet may also be helpful for reducing fibromyalgia symptoms. This is because many plant based foods contain antioxidants, which help the body dispose of “free radicals.” These are waste products that the body produces naturally. High levels of free radicals in the body can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this article, learn more about foods that are rich in antioxidants. Many people with fibromyalgia also have obesity. Excess weight may increase the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress. If fibromyalgia does involve inflammation, adopting a diet that encourages a person to reach or maintain a healthy weight may help. The DASH diet can help control blood sugar, but it also has overall health benefits. Learn more here.

Foods to avoid A number of additives and ingredients may worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia. We cover these in more detail in the sections below. Meat and dairy products For people with fibromyalgia, it may help to limit excess dairy intake. This is because many dairy products contain saturated fat. People should try to opt for low fat versions or dairy alternatives such as soy milk. It may also help to limit the consumption of red meat. Instead of eating red meat every day, opt for turkey, fish, and vegetable based substitutes. Why is it best to limit red meat? Find out here. Additives According to the Arthritis Foundation, food additives called excitotoxins may worsen some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Examples of these include monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is a flavor enhancer, and aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener. Research from 2012 found that people with fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who stopped using MSG and aspartame saw a 30% reduction in symptoms. However, the symptoms returned when they started consuming these additives again. Gluten People with celiac disease must avoid gluten, or they may become very sick. However, recent research suggests that gluten might also affect the outlook for various inflammatory conditions. A 2014 study looked at what happened when 20 people with fibromyalgia avoided gluten for between 5 and 31 months. Fifteen people stopped having widespread, chronic pain, and three were able to stop using opioids altogether. None of the participants had celiac disease, but some had other conditions, such as IBS. Also, research from 2017 revealed that people with signs of both fibromyalgia and gluten sensitivity responded well to a gluten free diet. In 2018, scientists proposed that there may be a link between fibromyalgia and nonceliac gluten sensitivity. People should always speak to their doctor before eliminating a major food type, such as gluten, from their diet. Cutting out gluten, for example, can lead to a low intake of whole grains. This can result in a low intake of fiber and other nutrients. What are the possible benefits and risks of adopting a gluten free diet? Learn more here. Other ingredients Other ingredients that may trigger inflammation include: saturated fats and trans fats

refined starches

foods with added sugar It may help to keep a food journal and record any symptoms that occur after eating particular food items. If any patterns emerge, it may be worth considering avoiding those foods for a while to see how this affects symptoms. It is important to remember that avoiding any or all of these foods is unlikely to eliminate all fibromyalgia symptoms. Also, when cutting out foods, people should ensure that they are getting the nutrients that those items provide from other foods or supplements.

Supplements Some researchers have looked at whether the following may help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia: soy

s-adenosyl-L-methionine

creatine There is not yet enough evidence to confirm that these will help with fibromyalgia, however. It is important to talk to a doctor before starting to take any supplements, even the “natural” ones. Some supplements can have adverse effects, while others can interact with medications the person may be taking. For example, some people with fibromyalgia use antidepressants, such as sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac). St. John’s wort can interact with these types of drug. Which supplements have an anti-inflammatory effect? Find out here.

Other lifestyle measures There is some evidence to suggest that other complementary methods help with fibromyalgia. These include: Exercise According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, engaging in aerobic exercise for 20–30 minutes per day on 2–3 days per week may help reduce symptoms and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia. Other physical activities that may help include: tai chi

weightlifting

yoga People with fibromyalgia may also wish to speak to a yoga instructor about adapting poses to suit their physical needs and abilities. This may include the use of a cushion to support the body in some activities. Learn more here about yoga for fibromyalgia. Sleep hygiene Getting regular, quality sleep can also help people manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Tips for good sleep include: waking up and going to sleep at the same time each day

building a relaxing activity into the bedtime routine, such as reading a book, listening to music, or meditating

maintaining a cool, dark, and comfortable sleep environment

leaving cell phones and other devices outside the bedroom Alternative therapies Share on Pinterest Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that may help ease fibromyalgia symptoms. Other stress relieving activities that may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms include: acupuncture

massage therapy

meditation

relaxation training

balneotherapy

homeopathy

magnetic therapies

reiki

counseling or therapy Most of these are safe to try, even if scientific evidence to support them is currently lacking. For treatments such as homeopathy and acupuncture, people should check that the provider they choose has approved qualifications. Can essential oils help relieve fibromyalgia? Find out here.