Fibromyalgia (FM) affects approximately 2% of the U.S. population. The condition is a chronic pain disorder, which affects women more often than men. The most common symptoms of Fibromyalgia include, but are not limited to:
Pain often radiates outwards from the spine, with lower back and arms being some of the worst areas. Fibromyalgia and Diet The correlation between Fibromyalgia and diet has been examined for many years, but research has recently uncovered some key factors. According to the American Academy of Pain Management, several factors have been shown to help regulate FM symptoms. One study, done in Finland, assessed the effects of a vegan diet pain, sleep, and wellness in those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Their diet consisted of fruits, legumes, seeds, nuts, and vegetables. They were not allowed to consume animal products, coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar, or salt. Symptoms improved during the three months of the diet, but returned to baseline when this diet was discontinued. Food sensitivities may contribute to Fibromyalgia, and a diet which eliminates those foods which are exacerbating symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or mood should at least be tried for a period of time. Another substance which has shown to have a correlation between Fibromyalgia and diet is monosodium glutamate ( MSG ). MSG is metabolized in the body into glutamate and aspartame ( which is then converted to aspartate ), and eliminating this from the diet has been shown to partially resolve some symptoms of Fibromyalgia. There is a theory that mitochondrial dysfunction is at least part of the problem with FM patients. The mitochondria is a part of the cell that is responsible for producing energy in the body, and it is thought that in patients with Fibromyalgia this part of the cell does not function properly. One study examined introducing D-Ribose ( a complex carbohydrate ) into the diet of individuals with Fibromyalgia. Another supplement which helps metabolize food into energy is L-carnitine. A recent study using a dose of 1500 mg/day of acetyl L-carnitine showed improvement in pain, tender points, and depression after 10 weeks of treatment in people with Fibromyalgia. There is evidence that those suffering from FM are deficient in the nutrient magnesium. Magnesium and malate, are needed for ATP formation ( in cellular energy ) and may be recommended, although limited data on their effectiveness is limited at this point. Dietary Supplements and Fibromyalgia It is definitely worth adding some supplements to your diet, as several have been shown to help those with Fibromyalgia. These are:
Vitamin D, in particular, seems to show a great deal of promise for those suffering with Fibromyalgia. According to a family physician in Temecula, California, 100% of his FM patients are deficient in Vitamin D. He recommends supplementing with between 4,000- 8,000 IU’s of D3, depending on ones current levels of the vitamin. Read more at:
The pain is sometimes a twitching type, or an intense burning. Tenderness around the joints and other areas of the body is the most common complaint.
The most common offending foods such as sugar, alcohol, dairy products, wheat, eggs, citrus, soy, chocolate, coffee, and artificial sweeteners, are removed for at least 3 weeks, then added back one at a time every 4 days. Even if the elimination diet proves too challenging for Fibromyalgia patients to maintain, it is helpful to note which substances contribute most to symptoms.
To increase cellular energy, patients were given 5 grams of D-Ribose, three times per day in order to combat muscle fatigue. Sixty six percent of patients showed significant improvement in energy, sleep, mental clarity, pain, and well-being.
Fibromyalgia, Nutrition, and Diet
March 15th, 2011 § 0