Fibromyalgia diet

Those suffering from fibromyalgia may be able to make some simple changes to their diet in order to help them cope with this syndrome. Some medical professionals say that diet doesn't play a role with fibrhomyalgia whereas research has proven the complete opposite.

Contents 1 Suggested fibromyalgia diet 1.1 Eat foods that are high in antioxidants 2 Controversial foods 2.1 Consume plenty of fluids throughout the day 2.2 Eliminate red meats and go for the lean meats 2.3 Embrace healthy cooking oils 3 Foods to avoid 4 How fibromyalgia affects one's digestive system 5 Studies on the effect of certain foods on fibromyalgia

[edit] Suggested fibromyalgia diet

There are varying opinions from medical professionals that range from not being able to pinpoint the exact cause of fibromyalgia to one's diet being the main contributing cause. ^[1] However, there's been scientific studies done to confirm that one's diet can provide improve their chance of effectively fighting fibromyalgia. Even though there are varying opinions from medical professionals on what can truly help fibromyalgia, one can still implement certain foods in their diet that are suggested for those suffering from fibromyalgia.^[2]

[edit] Eat foods that are high in antioxidants

Antioxidants are known for providing one with essential nutrients that the body needs in order to combat certain ailments. The foods listed below have high levels of antioxidants which have been recommended as an addition to fibromyalgia diets by the University of Maryland Medical Center.^[2]

• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Kale
• Spinach

[edit] Controversial foods

• Tomatoes are shown to be high in antioxidants, but some^[3] doctors say that nightshade vegetables should be avoided.
• Bell Peppers have the same issue as tomatoes.

[edit] Consume plenty of fluids throughout the day

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential for anyone who wants to be healthy. It's even more important for those dealing with fibromyalgia as it can help normal body functions that are sometimes limited by this syndrome. One should make sure that they drink 6 to 8 cups (8 ounces each) of purified water per day.

[edit] Eliminate red meats and go for the lean meats

One common mistake in one's diet is eating red meats. However, this type of meat does come with rather unhealthy effects which could worsen fibromyalgia. Lean meats such as fish and poultry are a healthier alternative to red meats.

[edit] Embrace healthy cooking oils

While it's recommended to limit the consumption of foods that contain cooking oils, there are some alternatives that you can try out and still maintain a healthy diet. This includes olive oil and vegetable oil.

[edit] Foods to avoid

Research still continues to reveal foods and how a proper diet can help with fibromyalgia, but it has already produced some significant discoveries that can be used to develop a diet that will help more then it will harm.

• Any foods that may cause an allergic reaction
• Caffeine
• Fried foods (containing transitional fats)
• Pasta
• Red Meats
• Sugar
• White Bread
• Aspartame (NutraSweet)^[3]
• Food additives including MSG (monosodium glutamate) and nitrates^[3]
• Sugar, fructose, and simple carbohydrates^[3]
• Caffeine -- including coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate^[3]
• Yeast and gluten^[3]
• Dairy^[3]
• Nightshade Plants: Tomatoes, chili and bell peppers, potatoes, and eggplant^[3]

[edit] How fibromyalgia affects one's digestive system

Fibromyalgia is known to cause one to have trouble swallowing, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.^[4] All of these symptoms actually link to improper food digestion.The main cause of this seems to be from one eating an unbalanced diet that doesn't incorporate the essential nutrients that the body requires in order to digest food properly.

[edit] Studies on the effect of certain foods on fibromyalgia

There was a research study study done by the Hallelujah Acres Foundation that showed that most participants found a raw vegetable diet helped them with their fibromyalgia symptoms.^[5]

References:

1. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-the-diet-connection
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/fibromyalgia-000061.htm
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7} http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-the-diet-connection?page=2
4. ↑ http://www.baptistonline.org/health/health_library/bjm3177f.asp
5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11602026

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