Has anyone experienced any relief of ... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

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Has anyone experienced any relief of symptoms by a change in diet?

paledruid profile image
10 Replies

I have read about some 'miracles' by changing diet, and consumption of some of the so-called super-foods. Some diets can be very expensive; I am existing on JSA at the moment, so if anyone has any affordable ideas I would be interested to hear about them. Thanks.

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paledruid profile image
paledruid
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10 Replies
ladymoth profile image
ladymoth

Hi Paledruid,

There are no studies which show that any special diet would help with fibromyalgia. You do read about miracle diets, but until there is some definite proof, I think you would be best to save your money!

It is true, tho' that a good quality food intake will help your general health and will give you the best chance of a better quality of life. It will also improve the Irritable Bowel Syndrome that bedevils most of us 'fibromites'.

It's not too expensive to eat well. Plenty of fruit and vegetables is the key, plus some milk, cheese or yoghurt - whichever dairy food you prefer. You will also need a little meat and fish, some eggs and beans (any variety) potatoes, wholemeal bread and cereals. There are lots of other healthy foods, of course, but those are your affordable basics.

Try to avoid fatty foods and too much salt, and keep sugar to the minimum. If you find that any particular food upsets you, leave it out for a bit, then try to reintroduce it.

Artificial sweeteners should be avoided if at all possible.

Don't worry about superfoods - most of them are a marketing myth.

Expensive fruit like rasberries, cherries and blueberries are superfoods, but so are beetroot, tomatoes, oranges and cabbage! No one ever tells you about these, 'cos the profits are smaller.

I live on a small pension, but manage to eat really well at low expense. I use the cheaper supermarkets and try to cook everything at home. Ready meals aren't very good for you, and they run away with the budget.

If you can't cook, get a book and learn - it's easy and relaxing! If you are alone, see if you can find a friend or neighbour who will take turns with you to cook the main meal - a social opportunity which saves time and money.

I take cod liver oil, and vitamin B complex supplements - cheap enough from Boots. I do feel that this has helped a bit, but I can't be sure! The improvement in my skin, hair and nails makes them worthwhile, tho!

I do hope this is helpful, please feel free to message if you need any more info.

Regards ... Moffy x

daffodilhappy profile image
daffodilhappy

Hi there,I have been pain free since October just experincing a dull ache through my body,stopped eating food with wheat in, Potatoes which have toxins in and tomatoes plus certain fruit.have a go its brill.more energy sleeping better feel great in my self.

NWG23 profile image
NWG23

Hi, I agree. I limit wheat and cows milk, carbs and starchy veg. I try to drink more water and avoid caffine. I also take a B complex vitamin,Omega3 EPA, a daily probiotic capsule and Evening primrose oil and I have bags more energy and very little pain and stiffness now. I used to drink 12 cups of tea a day but now I only have about 3 and coffee only if I'm out. I think it's all about moderation and listening to your body. If you take prescription drugs you really should check with your GP before taking food/nutritional supplements though just to be on the safe side. Good luck!

Ozzygirl64 profile image
Ozzygirl64

Having IBs myself I find what is good for some is not good for me. If I eat certain fruits and veg, or eat fruit/veg more than twoce a week I find I spend too much time in the loo. Having so many ongoing health problems I could pick a diet but then it would be no good for another problem. I would just say eat a little at atime but often. See how you go and see what works for you, it is trial and error. Please let us know the things you do and if it works or not xxxxx

There are many articles around about Diet and Fibromyalgia, here is some info on some suggestions for sensible foods to eat. Before embarking on any eating plan or diet, please seek the advice of a medical expert to see if this is suitable for you bearing in mind your Fibro, meds and other conditions etc.

realage.com/manage-fibromya...

Thanks Moffy for your contribution to this discussion, helpful as always. Bless you. xxxx

(((hug))) xxx

Libs

paledruid profile image
paledruid

Thank you Moffy and everyone else who has replied. I do have a reasonable diet, although it's difficult at times as I can't get around very well or carry too much shopping. I'm not a bad cook, and enjoy fresh ingredients, rarely eating any ready meals or other convenience 'foods'. I also take B complex, and Calcichew (vitamin D2). I gave up gluten for a couple of weeks, with no benefit, and I'm told if you are sensitive to gluten you notice the benefits of abstaining within 2 or 3 days. I'm probably doing a lot of right things, but I could eat more fruit and veg, and maybe cut down on sugar a little. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions. x

Artmix profile image
Artmix

A friend tested themselves by removing certain foods for a while to see if it helped. He said he kept a food diary and found he needed to avoid certain foods. A work colleague of my brothers also had fibromyalgia and was given a sheet by the dietician. I have an appointment to see them. I will let you know if they suggest anything.

I have been told to avoid root vegetables anything that grows below ground.

I did find coffee effects me more than tea so I dropped that.

There was an article on-line that talked about root vegetables affecting fibro. It was posted on here at some point but I don't have the link. Maybe a search would bring it up.

paledruid profile image
paledruid in reply to Artmix

Apparently it's plants related to Deadly Nightshade! including potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers and chili - well I never! Somehow I can't see me giving up potatoes and chilli. Apparently these foods cause flare-ups in arthritis, so it's thought they may affect FM too, but I haven't found any actual research articles yet.

I don't think there is any super food that can help us, THis is a useful link. Hope its ok to post. Hope it helps x

steadyhealth.com/articles/F...

MALC19 profile image
MALC19

I have found that if you cut veg up fresh veg and put in airtight container in the fridge it lasts a lot longer.

If you can puree some it makes lovely soups.

Stews are good this time of year too and last a long while in the fridge.

😊😊

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