^

Diet for fibromyalgia

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Diet for fibromyalgia is one of the auxiliary methods that not only helps to achieve results in treatment, but also significantly improves the quality of life of the sick person.

It is not that difficult to create a diet that will promote if not a complete recovery, then a significant relief of general symptoms; it is enough to strictly adhere to the diet for a long time. There is no single recommended scheme that would be approved by doctors in many countries, but a diet for fibromyalgia involves eating healthy food, which is similar to various popular methods of losing or normalizing weight.

trusted-source[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Diet for fibromyalgia is also being studied by domestic scientists and doctors

Russian rheumatologists have established that increased doses of magnesium and B vitamins have a positive effect on the therapeutic process. In addition, thanks to the research of European colleagues, it was proven that the condition of 75-80% of all patients with fibromyalgia is characterized by a low level of magnesium (deficiency of magnesium in the composition of red blood cells), therefore, the inclusion of foods containing this valuable microelement in the diet contributes to the fastest possible recovery and normalization of many processes. Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function, the functioning of the nervous system and activates the fermentation of food elements, which in turn helps form ATP. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is one of the sources of energy resources of the human body. Magnesium activates an enzyme that controls the sodium-potassium cellular balance so that sodium remains in the cells, and potassium protects the cells from the outside. This is the only way the cell can reproduce energy resources constantly. The diet for fibromyalgia should include not only the required amount of magnesium, but also a specially selected increased dose. Magnesium should be combined with calcium, since this synthesis is considered harmonious for the functioning of the human body (magnesium controls excess calcium).

List of products containing magnesium:

  • Broccoli.
  • Spinach.
  • All types of beans.
  • Pumpkin seeds.
  • Buckwheat groats (unroasted).
  • Pumpkin.
  • Artichoke.
  • Milk.
  • Hazelnuts.
  • Sprouted wheat.
  • Bran.
  • Sesame seeds.
  • Millet.
  • Dates.
  • Prunes.
  • Raisin.

Quite recently, Israeli clinics successfully conducted dietary "tests" that included a special oxidative diet. Patients were prescribed to eat foods containing natural antioxidants for three months. The results impressed not only the patients, who felt a significant improvement and a decrease in pain symptoms, but also the doctors. The patients' menu included fruits and berries - cranberries, plums, currants, prunes, sour apples. The diet also included vegetables, beans, spices and greens - beans, radishes, asparagus, cauliflower and broccoli, parsley and celery, cinnamon, turmeric, oregano and cloves. Only rye bread or bread with added bran and nuts was consumed. Green tea with honey and lemon, measured portions of red wine, compotes from fresh fruits, rosehip fruit drinks and still mineral water were offered as drinks.

A diet for fibromyalgia involves following the rules and a diet prescribed by a nutritionist for a long time. In fact, in order to reduce the manifestations of fibromyalgia, a person needs to radically change their lifestyle, including their diet.

trusted-source[ 4 ]

Recommendations of American rheumatologists of the Chicago clinic

  1. The menu should include dishes made from whole grains - whole grain bread, unpolished rice, buckwheat, dishes with bran, etc. This diet helps to improve digestive processes and promotes regular removal of waste products and toxins from the body.
  2. You should avoid tomatoes and products containing tomato paste (ketchups, sauces). Tomatoes can cause allergies or provoke a reaction in the body similar to an allergic reaction.
  3. It is necessary to give up sweet products, minimize sugar consumption. Sugar is excluded almost completely, at least for one month. In the future, strict restrictions should be followed regarding sweet dishes.
  4. It is necessary to limit the consumption of meat products. You should not exclude meat completely, but you will have to follow the norms - no more than 2 times a week, maximum 250 grams per day. Limiting protein helps to release the necessary energy, which is so lacking in patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
  5. When limiting sugar, you will also have to give up sugar substitutes, which are considered quite toxic to the nervous system. It has been found that sugar substitutes negatively affect NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) bonds and receptors, which significantly increases sensitivity to pain.
  6. You should also avoid products containing flavor additives and synthetic dyes. This primarily concerns the infamous sodium glutamate, which is widely included in food production. Sodium glutamate increases the sensitivity of pain receptors, and gradually disrupts transmitter connections and reduces the already reduced level of serotonin. In addition, this component can cause so-called oxidative stress and have a hepatotoxic effect.
  7. Any products containing nitrates are excluded. Vegetables and fruits should be chosen taking this rule into account, or subjected to special treatment - at least soaking in water for about half an hour.
  8. Any drinks containing gas, be it mineral water or champagne, are excluded from the menu. The fibromyalgia diet does not accept carbonated water in principle, especially made from powder concentrate.
  9. The invigorating effect of coffee for people suffering from fibromyalgia is an immediate increase in activity and equally rapid fatigue, a decline in energy. Therefore, you should minimize coffee and coffee-containing drinks and give preference to green tea without sugar, which is an excellent soft adaptogen and a stimulant of vivacity. Clinical studies by American and European doctors have shown that a week's refusal of coffee gives amazing results in terms of restoring vital activity.
  10. A diet for fibromyalgia involves limiting the consumption of bakery products, especially those made with yeast. In addition to the negative impact of yeast fungi on the sick organism, bread contains gluten, which can become an allergy-provoking factor.
  11. Patients with fibromyalgia should make a schedule of milk and dairy products. It is believed that complete refusal of milk in fibromyalgia is unacceptable, since dairy products are a source of calcium, but milk can be a factor that provokes allergies. In addition, milk, or rather the myristic acid contained in it, affects the level of low-density lipoproteins, which provoke atherosclerosis. The maximum amount that the diet allows for fibromyalgia is no more than 300 ml of milk or dairy products per day.
  12. Fibromyalgia patients should review their diet and limit the consumption of vegetables from the nightshade family. In addition to tomatoes, this group includes potatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and eggplants.
  13. All citrus fruits should be consumed with caution in order to minimize the risk of developing allergic reactions.
  14. Soy and soy products are strictly prohibited for fibromyalgia patients, since soy is the leader in terms of the content of genetically modified components. It has been proven that 98-99% of all soy produced in the world is GMO soy.
  15. It is extremely useful and important to include in the diet all products containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega acids). These are almost all types of sea fish, flax oil, walnuts, vegetable oils and eggs.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.