Fibromyalgia is a chronic, painful condition that affects the entire body. It’s a musculoskeletal disorder that often affects sleep, memory, energy levels and mood. According to National Institutes of Health, approximately 5 million people – mostly women – have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. There currently is no cure for fibromyalgia; however, many people believe that eating a non-inflammatory diet can help to reduce fibromyalgia flares.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia can cause pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints almost anywhere in the body, including the torso or trunk, neck, shoulders, back and hips. Some people often have pain between the shoulder blades and the lower neck. Pain may be either a normal soreness or an intense ache, and stiffness is often worse in the morning.
Fibromyalgia Diet for Pain Relief
While there is no specific fibromyalgia diet that has been proven to relieve symptoms, many people report that they feel better or worse after eating specific types of foods.
Specific foods affect individuals differently, and a great way to keep track of how different foods affect you is by keeping a food and pain journal.
Foods to Avoid With Fibromyalgia
Before we dive into recipes that you might want to try if you have fibromyalgia, let’s first talk about foods to avoid with fibromyalgia.
Here are a few foods to avoid with fibromyalgia:
- Aspartame: Equal and NutraSweet are examples of this artificial sweetener. Aspartame is used as a no-calorie sugar alternative to sweeten beverages, yogurts, frozen desserts and other foods. While unconfirmed, some people with fibromyalgia have reported a reduction in symptoms after giving up aspartame.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep, which is important for people with fibromyalgia. Not only do fibromyalgia sufferers already experience regular feelings of fatigue, studies suggest that getting enough sleep can actually help to combat other fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Sugar: Consuming sugar frequently can cause weight gain, placing more stress on your body. This can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
- MSG and sodium nitrate: These foods are preservatives that are frequently used in processed foods, such as meats or sauces, to enhance flavor or color. However, they are also full of salt, which can increase pain and swelling for people with fibromyalgia.
Healthy Recipes for Your Fibromyalgia Diet
Soothing quinoa cereal: This recipe is rich in magnesium, a mineral that can help to relieve pain and tenderness in the body. Additionally, it can help to improve energy levels. It is also a great source of fiber, vitamin K, potassium, folate and copper.
Soothing Quinoa Cereal (Fibromyalgia Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or rice milk
- 1/3 cup quinoa flakes
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 pinch sea salt
- maple syrup or raw honey optional, to sweeten
- toasted walnuts, almonds, granola or berries optional
Instructions
- In a small or medium saucepan set to medium-high heat, bring the milk to a boil.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, add the quinoa flakes, pomegranate seeds and a pinch of salt. Turn off the heat and stir a few times.
- Allow cereal to sit for 3 minutes. Stir cereal one last time to make it thicker.
- Scoop cereal into bowl and drizzle with maple syrup or honey. Add desired toppings.
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Pan-roasted salmon with lentil pilaf: Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your brain, and may also help to alleviate pain and stiffness for people with fibromyalgia. This dish is also a great source of vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lentil Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup green lentils
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large carrot diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/2 large onion chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 rib celery diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 4 fillets salmon with skin (about 5 oz each)
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 juice of lemon (1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Bring 5 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan on high heat. Add the lentils and bay leaf, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are cooked through yet still firm to the bite, 20 to 22 minutes. Drain and discard the bay leaf.
- Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the carrot, onion, celery, thyme sprigs, fennel seeds, and rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrot is just tender, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until nearly evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in the lentils and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the remaining 2 tsp of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet on medium-high heat. Season the salmon with ¼ tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the dried thyme between your fingers to crumble and rub over the salmon. Add to the skillet, flesh side down, and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and sear skin, 1 minute. Transfer to the oven and roast until the flesh is opaque in the thickest part, 4 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness. Drizzle with the lemon juice and serve over the lentils. Garnish with the fresh thyme leaves.
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Notes
180% (1,800 mg) daily omega-3s
117% (7mcg) daily vitamin B12
40% (10g) daily fiber
34% (1,199 mg) daily potassium
28% (5 mg) daily iron
What is your tip for creating the best diet for fibromyalgia?
Tell us what you’re cooking in the comments below.