Fibromyalgia

Please note that the following does not replace medical or nutritional advice from a healthcare professional.

What is fibromyalgia and what can help?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-term) condition. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue and other conditions (comorbidities) such as emotional and gastrointestinal disorders, among others. Its cause is unknown. It is important to conduct a thorough clinical evaluation and rule out other causes of pain to achieve an accurate diagnosis and provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Scientific evidence shows that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of various chronic diseases, as well as with cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits. An anti-inflammatory plant-based diet may help reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial (more below). It is important to also avoid consuming ultra-processed foods and drinking caffeinated/stimulating beverages.

Currently, it is recommended to take a broad approach that may include, depending on your individual fibromyalgia case, medication, psychological therapies, support to help understand the condition and strengthen self-care, physical therapy, a healthy, balanced diet, stress management, physical activity, adequate sleep, and the promotion of habits that support metabolic health. These strategies should be tailored to each person and monitored by a medical professional, to evaluate an individual’s response.

Do I need to eat anything in particular or take supplements if I have fibromyalgia?

There are no firm guidelines for specific beneficial nutrients or regular supplementation in cases of fibromyalgia, except in cases of existing deficiencies. While some studies have observed an improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with a plant-based diet, the evidence is still limited and continues to evolve.

Anti-inflammatory foods

Foods that help fight inflammation are called anti-inflammatory foods. Anti-inflammatory foods are typically plant-based foods that are rich in antioxidants and natural polyphenols.

So a plant-based diet may help reduce inflammation, a factor that is considered relevant for fibromyalgia. For this reason, a plant-based diet can be a useful tool as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Some examples of anti-inflammatory foods are:

• Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
• Tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts
• Fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries, apples, and oranges
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, ground flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds, can also help fight inflammation

When making changes to your diet, it’s always important to consult with a medical professional. The above advice does not replace medical or nutritional advice from a healthcare professional.