Nutrition and fibromyalgia
What you eat can affect symptoms of fibromyalgia. Some research suggests certain diets can help reduce symptoms through avoiding foods that can trigger inflammation, eating more foods that are high in antioxidants, vitimans and minerals such as magnesium, selenium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. It can also be helpful for some people to avoid certain food additives that they may be more sensitive to, to eat fewer fried foods which can worsen symptoms, and have less caffeine.
A 2022 review of nutritional approaches to fibromyalgia found that while there is no specific diet therapy to treat fibromyalgia, studies overall indicate that weight control, modified high-antioxidant diets, and nutritional supplementation can all offer benefits in alleviating symptoms.
How can a nutritionist help with fibromyalgia?
Working with a registered nutrition professional such as a nutritionist or dietitian can support you in making informed choices about your dietary needs that may help with symptom management.
The experts listed on our directory all have the relevant qualifications and experience to offer professional nutritional support, advice and guidance. You can find a therapist near you who has experience with fibromyalgia by using the advanced search tool and filtering the condition on the A-Z health tab. Once you’ve found someone who resonates with you, simply pop them an email.
Fibromyalgia diet
Although there isn’t a specific diet medically approved to treat fibromyalgia, you can follow general dietary guidelines that may help improve your quality of life. Firstly, experts advise that maintaining a nourishing, balanced diet is key to keeping both your mind and body healthy which can help you manage ongoing symptoms and fibromyalgia flare-ups. A balanced diet means:
- getting your 5-a-day
- eating plenty of protein in the form of fish, eggs, dairy, meat, nuts and beans
- drinking plenty of water
- eating whole grains like brown rice, pasta and bread to keep energy levels up
- eating 'good fats' which are unsaturated and found in oily fish and nuts
I find if I don’t eat enough food, or just stick to low fat, no carbs etc. I get the shakes, feel sick and get really bad migraines. So really trying to keep it balanced is key.
- Read Laura’s story of managing her fibromyalgia with dietary support.
Fibromyalgia causes extreme fatigue, brain fog and concentration problems. It can be helpful to eat foods that provide a slow release of energy to keep your blood sugar level throughout the day. Choose a variety of proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates such as:
- eggs
- sweet potatoes
- nuts
- salmon
- whole grains
- avocado
Everyone is an individual and your experience with fibromyalgia will be unique from that of another patient. It's important to note that, while research suggests the following diets are beneficial for managing this condition, they may not be suitable for you. It’s best to consult your GP or nutrition professional before making dietary changes.
A vegan or vegetarian diet
A 2021 systemic review of vegetarian and vegan diets for fibromyalgia revealed that mainly plant-based diets seem to reduce symptoms and improve life quality. When following vegetarian or vegan diets, people saw an improvement in sleep quality, depression, body inflammation, and body composition.
A vegan or vegetarian diet which is high in plant-based foods and plant antioxidants, but low in sugar, made a significant difference to participants' pain, sleep quality and weight (for those overweight). Processed red meat can also be linked to the occurrence of migraine which is often common in people with fibromyalgia.
A raw vegan or vegetarian diet can be restrictive so it may not suit you and should be adopted under the guidance of a health professional.
The anti-inflammatory/Mediterranean diet
Fibromyalgia isn’t considered an inflammatory illness, but some experts suggest it is an inflammation of the nervous system. These experts suggest that neuroinflammation (inflammation of the nervous tissue) may be part of the condition.
In this case, it can be helpful to consider adopting a Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities and unlikeliness to trigger systemic inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet generally consists of whole grains, fish, healthy oils, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
The Mediterranean diet is low in trans and saturated fats, but high in monounsaturated fats (think olive oil and nuts) which studies show may be beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the inclusion of oily fish twice per week can give us extra help in getting the omega-3 fatty acids that we need for optimal brain and eye health.
- Alex Allan BSc (Hons) NT, mBANT, rCNHC in 'The Mediterranean diet made simple'.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, pronounced 'fybro-my-aljya', is a long-term condition that causes widespread chronic muscular pain throughout the body and extreme fatigue.
The precise cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, however, it is generally thought to be related to certain hormone and chemical changes in the body. One theory suggests fibromyalgia disturbs pain pathways transmitted in the central nervous system, linking the brain and spinal cord.
Although there isn’t a definitive cure for the condition, doctors suggest some medication, lifestyle and dietary changes can help manage and reduce the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Alongside wide-spread pain which is often the determining factor in diagnosing fibromyalgia, a person suffering from the condition can also have:
- heightened sensitivity to touch, light, sound and temperature
- stiffness and muscle spasms
- extreme fatigue that can come on very suddenly
- insomnia due to pain and muscle spasms
- cognitive problems such as memory, concentration and speech
- headaches ranging from mild aching to severe migraines
- irritable bowel syndrome
Less common symptoms include:
- depression and anxiety
- tinnitus
- restless leg syndrome
- abnormally painful periods
Common food triggers
Fibromyalgia can cause extreme sensitivity in the body which can extend to food tolerance as well, so it can be useful to identify any foods that trigger a flare-up by a process of elimination.
FODMAPs
Commonly, people who suffer from fibromyalgia will also develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a long-term condition causing abdominal discomfort and unbalance in the gut. A recommended treatment for IBS is a low-FODMAP diet, an elimination diet designed to specifically identify what food triggers your symptoms.
FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols - short-chain carbohydrates such as onions, garlic, cashews, peaches etc. that are difficult to digest and ferment in the large intestine, causing IBS symptoms. Countless studies have shown that the low-FODMAP diet is the most effective in treating IBS.
Gluten intolerance
Research released in 2023 into the efficacy of a gluten-free diet in reducing the widespread pain index and symptom severity scale in patients affected by fibromyalgia found that a gluten-free diet saw a reduction in widespread pain and symptom severity.
Food additive sensitivity
Recorded in the journal Pain Management from a one-month study eliminating food additives, a diet that restricts monosodium glutamate (MSG), altered proteins and aspartame, can significantly improve pain symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. Sensitivity to food additives can present in headaches, diarrhoea, insomnia, nausea, etc.
Vitamin D deficiency
According to a recent study, there may be a link between vitamin D deficiency and fibromyalgia, suggesting that supplementation to control the severity of pain may help manage the illness.
Alternative treatments for fibromyalgia
The type of treatment available will depend on a balance between what you feel comfortable with and what your GP considers appropriate. Due to the wide range of symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, no one treatment will ever be suitable for everyone. A patient may also be referred to a specialist health professional in severe cases, such as:
- A rheumatologist - specialising in conditions that affect the muscles and joints.
- A neurologist - specialising in conditions that affect the central nervous system.
Available treatment for pain management:
- Painkillers - to help manage pain.
- Antidepressants - to curb low moods.
- Muscle relaxants - to prevent muscle spasms.
- Anticonvulsants - usually used for epilepsy, this type of medication has been known to treat fibromyalgia.
- Antipsychotics - otherwise known as neuroleptics, are sometimes used to treat chronic pain due to their neuromuscular effects.
- Alternative medicine - such as acupuncture and massage.
Treatment for fibromyalgia can go beyond taking medication or receiving massages; it can become a part of your daily routine.
Exercise
Fibromyalgia-related fatigue can make physical activity difficult. However, a tailored exercise programme may help to reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Exercise has numerous benefits, including:
- Increasing the flow of oxygen through the body, making you feel awake and enlivened.
- Releasing 'feel-good hormones' to combat depression.
- Stretching and exercising can ease pain and strengthen muscles.
- Helping you lose weight, reducing the strain on joints and bones.
- Lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease and heart failure.
Effective, low-impact physical activity could include:
- walking
- cycling
- swimming
- cross-trainer
Relaxation
Relaxation is just as important as exercise for treating fibromyalgia. Relaxing can help ease stress and reduce the chances of symptoms flaring up. Mindfulness meditation and hypnotherapy have also been studied in connection with fibromyalgia and have been proven to help reduce pain and discomfort.