Feeling good when you have fibromyalgia comes and goes. Taking more responsibility for what you eat and how different foods affect you may be key to managing the good feelings. This blog is dedicated to talking about some foods you may consider to ease the pain and make each day more bearable. Dr. Kalidas and the Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine offer  wellness and nutrition  counseling designed to educate patients on food choices to help manage fibromyalgia.

How do digestive Issues influence fibromyalgia sufferers?

When it comes to diet, the probiotic movement has arrived and we are embracing this with enthusiasm. A well-known probiotic, lactobacillus acidophilus, a friendly bacteria, is very advantageous in digestion. Products which contain these “friendly” enzymes will work to break down food and convert the food to allow essential nutrients to be used by the body.

Yogurt, by far, is one of the top choices for fibromyalgia sufferers. For those that are lactose intolerant, yogurt is better tolerated than many milk products because it contains active cultures.  There are some supplements which offer some relief as well.  We offer an array of probiotic supplements available from our E-Commerce shopping cart.

What about “gluten free” foods?

Individuals suffering from Celiac disease, a condition sensitive to proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, often consider a “gluten free” diet. They also find it helpful to avoid large consumption of baked goods containing gluten and yeast. Many patients report to us that muscle and joint pain associated with fibromyalgia seem to be reduced by following a gluten free diet.

The benefits of fiber in the diet:

If you are a fibromyalgia patient and you also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, you may find relief by eating more fiber-rich foods. Vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains are the best natural food choices. To cover this demand, we have noticed an uptick in the amount of new fiber-rich foods available today in the market. Fiber-rich foods are known to reduce the frequency and severity of the discomfort and pain.

Fats and the role they play for fibromyalgia sufferers:

Foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids are recommended to fibromyalgia patients.  These foods include cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseeds. Healthy fats are reported to suppress inflammation by reducing enzyme damage in the cartilage. Fibromyalgia flare-ups which are largely triggered by inflammation, can be controlled by adding more fresh fish and foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids to your diet.  This link is great for those of you just learning to create those great fish dishes suggested for fibromyalgia sufferers.

What about organic foods for fibromyalgia diets?

Recently there has been a growing movement towards adding foods to the diet which are organic, locally grown and contain a minimal amount of chemical and additive exposure (such as those foods exposed to pesticides, herbicides, and hormones). Many organic markets are springing up around the country to cover the growing request for these naturally grown foods. For long-term health, it is certainly the best choice for all of us to embrace eating fresh, wholesome foods.

In conclusion: fibromyalgia trends toward alternative medicine:

The trend in 2013 as it relates to fibromyalgia, is to move away from traditional Western approaches and to consider Alternative Medicine and its many surprising benefits. Contact our office to set up a quick consultation with Dr. Kalidas and staff to learn more about alternative medicine. Please visit often as we post news throughout the year which you may find helpful in managing fibromyalgia.

We hope you all enjoy the fall season and hurry back for more news and views from the Center for Natural and Integrative Medicine.