Fibromyalgia Diet Ideas

While there has been a lot of studies in terms of the effects of diet on Fibromyalgia, there have not been a lot of concrete discoveries made.  But there have been some findings that have been adopted as recommendations for a diet plan as outlined below.

Healthy Diet

It comes as no surprise that a healthy diet is recommended for those people suffering from Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS).  It is recommended that patients follow a diet that is high in antioxidants and low in fat, which is typical advice from any nutritionist.  Higher fat foods have been shown to increase fatigue in people suffering from FMS which in turn worsens the condition of the person.

Some other foods that have been recommended to avoid are red meats, refined carbohydrates and it is even suggested that avoiding gluten might help to relieve symptoms.  Special care must also be taken in terms of consumption of chocolate, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.  In fact, if you can avoid them altogether, it is better for you.

It has also been shown that the sugar in carbonated beverages can cause memory loss and increased fatigue.  Also, stay away from sugary treats, as they will also increase your fatigue as your body tries to cope with the increased sugar levels in the blood stream.

Tobacco is another substance that should be avoided.  The increased toxins in the blood stream due to smoking only aggravate the FMS more and it is recommended that you don’t smoke if you have Fibromyalgia.  But, if you do discover that you have FMS and you are a smoker, it is recommended that you don’t suddenly quit, but rather wean yourself off of cigarettes.  That way, you don’t further shock your body and cause more damage.

High Protein Diet

A diet that is high in protein helps you to better cope with FMS.  The protein helps to maintain muscle tissue and aids in the repair of the body, which in turn should decrease the intensity of chronic pain (should you be experiencing any).

Some examples of high protein, low fat foods include skinless chicken, turkey, fish, and egg whites.  It is also important to consume a good quantity of milk provided that it is low fat or skim milk.

Preservatives

Preservatives are found in many foods and can cause aggravation of your Fibromyalgia symptoms.  If you have the opportunity, avoid them whenever possible and make healthier choices such as fresh fruit and vegetables as well as organic food.

When you are looking to create a Fibromyalgia friendly diet, be sure to consult a doctor or nutritionist.  They will be able to help you craft a diet that not only helps you stay healthy, but that is tailored for your needs and situation.