Fibromyalgia is a condition that directly affects the muscles and soft tissues. It is reportedly caused by a glitch in the perception of pain by the body. Symptoms of this syndrome are fatigue, chronic muscle pain, painful trigger and tender points, anxiety and sleep trouble. Common treatments for fibromyalgia include lifestyle changes, stress management and medication.

Studies have found that certain foods can also be eaten to help make the syndrome’s symptoms more tolerable. Sufferers should try these dietary options:

1. Plant-based diets

A few reports have shown that about 70% of fibromyalgia sufferers who have tried this type of diet have reaped benefits such as lower pain levels and felt better overall. It’s very important that any newcomers understand that this is a plant focused therapy. It is not a nutrient-poor vegetarian diet that includes primarily processed plant-based food. Examples of the correct foods that should be eaten during this diet are:

• Beans and nuts
• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Veggies

All of the energizing foods listed above are nutrient rich. They have minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Additionally, you can get your carbs, fats, and protein from these same plant sources. Even though vegans and vegetarians both eat a plant-based diet, vegetarians also eat eggs, dairy, honey, and even fish. Vegans stay away from all animal-sourced consumption. Fibromyalgia is reportedly a result of high oxidation where which oxidants cause damage to tissues. That’s why antioxidants are important to eat. They will protect the body and neutralize oxidants. Researchers believe that a diet rich in antioxidants could possibly give patients reduced symptoms.

2. Low-FODMAP diet

This diet is reportedly the most effective plan to manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Patients suffering from IBS tend to deal with nausea, bloating, and various bowel movement fluctuations. This low fodmap diet will get rid of lethargy, fatigue, and improve concentration. Patients who have tried this diet noted a huge reduction in pain, a better quality of life, and less gastrointestinal symptoms. Probiotic and dietary research on a small group of people suggests there is a connection between our gut and our brain. Patients suffering from IBS or other gastrointestinal issues and fibromyalgia should try this diet to reduce pain and manage your digestive issues. The name FODMAP is for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. In order to keep consumption low, patients should know what foods have FODMAPS which include the following:

• garlic
• onions
• apples
• lentils
• mushrooms
• rye
• wheat
• milk

There’s no guarantee that every item on the list will trigger everyone. The FODMAP diet aims for success by eliminating all the FODMAPs from your diet. Once all items are completely gone they are re-introduced one at a time so you can single out the ones that trigger a bad reaction. Any of the identified triggers are permanently removed from the diet.

3. Gluten-free diet

As making gluten-free choices becomes more popular it has also been brought to light that not all people who avoid gluten are suffering from celiac disease. Gluten sensitivity has become more common and gives patients similar symptoms of celiac disease but the actual features are not present for celiac diagnosis. Some of the symptoms of the sensitivity might be bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, painful joints and muscles, chronic fatigue, and brain fog. Researchers have found cases where the elimination of gluten for half a year has improved some patients immune activity and repair cell damage in the intestines. Fibromyalgia patients have also reported an improvement in symptoms after switching to a gluten-free diet. Patients who are considering going gluten free can start with an elimination diet similar to the FODMAPs. Once they are eliminated start a food log of the intake and any symptoms you experience daily. Start reintroducing gluten and make a note of how you feel. Your gluten elimination diet might also include stopping this short list:

• corn
• citrus
• dairy
• sugar
• wheat

Patients who think gluten is worsening their fibromyalgia should meet with their doctor to rule out celiac disease first.