There are currently no scientifically proven recommendations on fibromyalgia nutrition. However, many patients report that their symptoms have improved thanks to a special diet. In particular, there is evidence that a strong herbal diet could help. Read here what may possibly help you as a person affected in their diet!
Influence of nutrition
Fibromyalgia is a disease that is often difficult to treat. Many sufferers hope to improve their symptoms with appropriate nutrition. However, a specific and scientifically proven fibromyalgia diet does not yet exist. However, it is suspected that in fibromyalgia the so-called oxidative stress is increased. Increasingly, aggressive oxygen atoms, so-called free radicals in the body, are circulating. Many fibromyalgia patients therefore rely on a diet with many antioxidant ingredients, such as vitamin C. These are mainly in fruits and vegetables.
Fibromyalgia diet: lots of fruits and vegetables
In fact, there are initial indications that a predominantly vegetable-based diet, especially a vegan diet, could positively affect the course of the disease. In some studies, fibromyalgia sufferers who ate vegan had higher levels of antioxidant substances in their blood. Her complaints also improved. However, the data base is not enough to fully recommend such a vegan fibromyalgia diet.
Fibromyalgia diet: light whole foods
Currently, patients are advised to use a light, predominantly vegetable-based mixed diet based on the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society. Among other things, she recommends eating a portion of fruit or vegetables at least five times a day. Fat and sugar but also meat should only be eaten in moderation. Among other things, meat is rich in arachidonic acid, which promotes inflammatory processes. Instead, protein needs can be met by alternative protein-rich foods such as dairy, better still vegetable protein sources such as soy and other legumes.
Alcohol, chocolate and coffee can increase muscular restlessness and tendon irritation. For this reason, they should not be over-consumed. Instead, green tea is recommended, which has a strong anti-oxidative effect.
Fibromyalgia diet: Dietary supplement
Food supplements are not yet recommended in the medical guidelines as part of the fibromyalgia diet. Although there are studies that suggest a positive effect, the data is not yet sufficient. In principle, dietary supplements should, however, be considered critically and taken only in consultation with the doctor. As a rule, it is preferable to include them through appropriate diets.
As helpful with fibromyalgia could be Tryptophan (5-HTP) prove. These are precursors of an important messenger substance, serotonin. The so-called happiness hormone also plays a role in pain perception and evaluation, which are disturbed in fibromyalgia patients. Tryptophan does not have to be taken in tablet form, larger amounts are also found in many foods such as soy, oatmeal and nuts. But also veal and beef, tuna and whey contain much tryptophan.
To improve muscle function may be part of the fibromyalgia diet magnesium be taken in addition. This may possibly relieve muscle pain. Whole grains and legumes as well as nuts and sunflower seeds are also rich in magnesium.
People with fibromyalgia are more often overweight than the rest of the population. In that case, losing weight can alleviate the discomfort. The calorie-reduced fibromyalgia diet can of course contribute to that. However, the relationship between overweight and fibromyalgia is still unclear.
Fibromyalgia diet for the intestine
A large proportion of fibromyalgia patients also suffer from an irritable bowel. It manifests itself in the form of pain, bloating, diarrhea, and sometimes constipation. In that case, patients should avoid foods rich in fat, pulses, strong spices and if possible avoid coffee, alcohol or nicotine. It is also important to eat slowly and at regular times. Out of uncertainty about what they tolerate, some people leave many foods away. Then there may be bottlenecks in the nutrient and vitamin balance.
This also applies to patients who express the pain mainly in the jaw region. For them, the food intake is very unpleasant and they eat too little, especially firmer food.
In a disease such as fibromyalgia, which is sometimes difficult to treat, the affected people often talk actively, for example, in appropriate discussion forums. Such experiences may be helpful to one or the other, but should not be too one-sided. It is best to clarify a special one Fibromyalgia diet in consultation with the attending physician.