In fibromyalgia patients, going gluten-free may be a potential dietary intervention: Study

In fibromyalgia patients, going gluten-free may be a potential dietary intervention. Fibromyalgia currently does not have a cure, but treatments are available to ease symptoms for improving the quality of life.

The researchers conducted a review of studies based on fibromyalgia and nutrition. Current treatment guidelines consist of a multidisciplinary approach of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions.

According to the review, fibromyalgia patients would benefit from a specific dietary regime and supplementation, as many patients were found to have nutritional insufficiencies. Weight management, too, may be very helpful in fibromyalgia management, as many patients are found to be overweight or obese, and those experiencing worsened symptoms tend to be more obese than those with less severe symptoms.

The findings also suggest that patients should eliminate certain foods from their diet, including gluten.

Fibromyalgia and diet: Specific dietary interventions for fibromyalgia patients

Diet has been found to play a role in many health conditions, fibromyalgia included. Here are some tips and suggestions you may wish to try when managing fibromyalgia.

Pay attention to how food makes you feel: It may be wise to keep a food journal where you document what you eat and then report on your symptoms. Some patients have sensitivities to dairy, MSG flavor enhancer, eggs, gluten, or certain preservatives, but because these vary from patient to patient, keeping track of your own triggers can help you narrow down on what you should avoid.

Try eliminating certain foods: Irritable bowel syndrome and IBS-like symptoms are commonly seen in fibromyalgia, so avoiding certain foods that are known IBS triggers may help improve your condition. To embark on an elimination diet, go without a trigger food for six to eight weeks, and then reintroduce it back into your diet and see how you feel. Dairy and gluten products are usually the most common triggers.

Make it easier to eat healthy: If you stock your cupboards and refrigerator with unhealthy food, it is easy to eat unhealthy. Therefore, ensure you keep healthy food options in your home, so that you have no other choice. A well-balanced diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods provide you with essential nutrients and boost energy.

Use food to boost energy: Fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyalgia, so food should be used as a means to promote energy. A good way to tackle it is by consuming smaller, more frequent meals, as opposed to larger ones. You should always eat breakfast packed with protein and whole grains, too.

Check your supplements: Have you doctor check you for any nutritional deficiencies and discuss with them if supplementation is a route you should be taking in case you have one.

Focus on overall wellbeing: Along with making diet changes, you should also focus on overall wellbeing, like regular exercise, stress-reducing habits, and pain management strategies.

These dietary tips can help you narrow down on the right diet for you to offer relief from your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Fibromyalgia and diet: Specific dietary interventions for fibromyalgia patients

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