Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition that involves chronic, widespread pain in various parts of the body, as well as an increased response to pain. Its symptoms can vary, and the causes are not fully known.
Fibromyalgia is a really serious and overwhelming disease, as it influences the patients’ daily life and almost all activities. Although the causes are unknown, it is possible to identify some factors that facilitate its symptoms and try to eliminate them.
One of the areas that influence almost every aspect of life is diet. It is no surprise that what we eat is important for our overall health and condition. Also, in FM’s case, certain products and ingredients cause this condition to flare up. What products should you avoid if you suffer from fibromyalgia?
What Foods to Avoid with Fibromyalgia?
One of the major symptoms of fibromyalgia concerns sensitivity to pain. However, another common symptom involves sensitivity to certain foods and products. People who suffer from FM should be aware of how food affects their health, and they should be strict with their diets. If you’re not sure about the diagnosis and want to be confident in order to change your diet, you should find out how to test for fibromyalgia.
Ingredients that cause inflammation of fibromyalgia mainly include sugars, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. Products like alcohol and processed foods are best avoided as well.
Sugar is a significant cause of inflammation in many people and is not beneficial for FM patients either. Several medical studies have shown that sugar can cause excessive pain in fibromyalgia.
What can you replace sugar with? You can use some natural sugars, for example, those from fruit, or switch to sweeteners.
Carbohydrates are another ingredient that can be dangerous for people with FM. Carbohydrates are found in many products that we eat daily, such as bread, pasta, or rice, so it’s challenging to eliminate them altogether. However, you can try to limit the amount of carbs in your diet, for example, by increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables that you consume. Choosing whole wheat carbs is also a good idea.
Carbohydrates make the FM symptoms worse, as they increase the sugar level in blood. Moreover, they can cause chronic fatigue, which is already one of the FM symptoms.
Unhealthy oils mainly vegetable oils such as safflower oil, corn oil, or peanut oil, inflames the fibromyalgia symptoms. It might be difficult to eliminate these oils from the diet, but you can do it by choosing light, non-fattening products and avoiding processed products and fast food.
Some other products that are not advised in the FM diet include red meat, eggs, dairy products, and caffeine. Of course, everything is good if it’s consumed with reason – if you like red meat, for example, you don’t have to resign from it altogether. For example, you can consume it once a week or twice a month, if you don’t feel its negative influence on your health.
Fibromyalgia Foods – What to Eat?
Since numerous products can have a destructive influence on the FM patients’ health, their diets need to be planned carefully. What are the products which are safe in the case of this condition?
The diet should be balanced and light. Eating healthily can be difficult, but it’s possible to work out certain habits and make them a part of your daily routine.
For example, you can start by eating more fruit and vegetables. Ideally, you should eat five portions daily – soups, juices, or smoothies do count. If you find it difficult to consume raw fruit and veggies, try preparing some salads.
Another crucial aspect of diet in FM is supplementing with Omega-3 acids. These fatty acids have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which is extremely important in fibromyalgia. Ideally, consult your doctor to create a supplementation plan that will be best for you.
Finally, introduce some new, healthy products to your diet. You should eat, for example, almonds, nuts, tofu, green veggies, oats, and natural, healthy oils. You may find numerous meal ideas and recipes online.
Conclusion
Keeping a balanced diet is challenging to all of us, and it can be even more difficult if you suffer from FM. However, it’s good to remember how important a well-planned diet is and try to keep it light and fresh.
If you have doubts about the foods you should eat and avoid, simply contact your doctor or a dietician to consult your diet plan. Remember to simply listen to your body, be aware of its needs and reactions. Once you learn to recognize your body’s preferences, it will be easier for you to create a diet that can lessen your fibromyalgia symptoms. If you combine it with professional medical therapy, the positive effects could be amplified.