Explore the best diet options for Fibromyalgia, including foods that may help manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
We hear it all the time. Hydration is critical for a healthy body. “Drink more water”. “Are you getting your eight glasses a day?” But what if this was only part of the hydration picture? Instead of asking “Are you drinking enough water?” We need to be asking “Are your cells properly hydrated? “Working in nutrition and as a colon therapist for many years, I still see so many people striving to get their eight glasses a day but not considering how they may be sabotaging their efforts at the same time. My question is always going to be “how many hydrating foods are we ingesting vs. “drying” foods?” Not merely water intake.
This is especially important with a chronic illness like fibromyalgia where excess water retention or bladder issues may cause retention of urine. If you have fibromyalgia, are ingesting too many drying foods and/or food allergens, this can easily cause bloating, indigestion, and the inability to properly absorb critical nutrients.
It’s not the water itself; no, water is good. In fact, water is great; it is after all, the universal solvent!! However, when too many “drying” foods are being ingested at the same time, then we not only defeat the purpose but we may end up “over watered and undernourished”
It’s always a better idea to get as much water as possible from the foods we are eating. This is nature’s way.
Hydrolosis of carbohydrates and proteins plays an important role in our body processes such as assimilation of food and the transmission of nerve impulses.
However, the source of the water used when it is broken down and reconstituted (hydrolyzed) with other available minerals is very important.
Nature’s water is more alkaline and readily used and absorbed by every cell in the body.
When we are eating an abundance of foods naturally high in water, then, we don’t need to ingest as many glasses of water, and our cells will be better nourished from nature’s fluids which are higher in mineral content and therefore better utilized by the body.
This is because ingesting too much water while eating a “drying” diet will not allow the water to properly hydrate our cells anyway. Additional water will simply be trying to create “balance” and unable to do its greater job of hydration.
However, when we eat drying foods such as “heated” grains and oils (some examples include tortilla chips, popcorn, puffed grains, crackers and the like) these will absorb a great deal of water and therefore cause the body to “retain” more water. We surely do not want that. It is not to say that we can never have chips or high heated foods, but it is a good idea to limit these foods and choose more hydrating foods on a regular basis.
Simply due to the systems already affected in fibro and the propensity to retain water or bloating that can occur more commonly during a “flare” or due to IBS or other GI issues. The kidneys and liver actually work very intimately together.
When one organ is compromised, this can affect all digestive organs. The kidneys are responsible for absorbing minerals just like the small intestines are responsible for absorbing and sorting minerals, vitamins and nutrients.
Vegetables naturally high in water content include celery, cucumber, romaine lettuce, and radish. Even carrots and greens have excellent water content when juiced and blended.
Fruitshighest in water content include apple, pineapple, citrus fruits, berries and of course watermelon. Coconut water is also excellent and high in potassium, but not everyone will tolerate the natural sugars. In that case, you can either dilute with water as needed, say 2 oz. water for every 4 oz. coconut water. OR make coconut kefir by using a starter such as the one we use by Body Ecology.
It also bears noting that when we are cleansing or participating in any kind of “detox”, we will of course need more water to cleanse; however, any detox program needs to be supervised if additional health issues are present
Also with fibromyalgia, the body has a more difficult time regulating body temperature and water balance, especially when the body is in a flare or during climate and weather changes. During a flare, we need to stay hydrated and this is a good time to ingest more of the “hydrating” foods and less of the “drying” foods.
It is also important to reduce water intake during meals to avoid diluting our “in house” digestive enzymes. Taking oral enzymes is fine on occasion, but we should not depend on them at every meal.
It may not always be easy because what do we want most during a flare? Most of us want comfort, relief and even an “escape” or distraction of sorts. And this comfort will sometimes come in the form of food. Sometimes comfort in any form will be the over-riding factor and that is ok. We are not striving for perfection. No, as I like to say, “Practice makes progress”
When reaching for a glass of water, choose quality purified water. Add some fresh lemon, lime or a very small amount of apple cider vinegar. NOTE: See the RECIPE page for my favorite liver tonics. These are great for the bile ducts and gallbladder. Drink water at room temperature when possible, as ingesting too hot or cold of liquid is not healthy for the liver and GI tract.
Trigger points around the bladder or lower abdomen due to chronic myofascial pain or due to a previous abdominal surgery can also cause retention of urine in the bladder. Work with your doctor or a trainer therapist. Acupuncture may also be helpful.
Stay hydrated…. just do it the smarter way…nature’s way!!
In recent years, fibromyalgia nutrition has included the paleo (grain free) approach to eating and has become increasingly popular. This way of eating has become a good alternative for those who may want or need to avoid gluten and other non gluten grains. We do however need to be cautious about adopting food plans that are either too extreme or difficult to maintain.
As with any diet plan, extreme measures can create health issues just by mere imbalance.
Remember the low fat craze of the 80’s? Well, it wouldn’t have been nearly as detrimental if people were not unknowingly replacing the fats with sugar laden foods that created a new and greater epidemic of blood sugar issues and syndrome X conditions. Low fat is not so bad if the fats that are being utilized are raw in nature and adapted to each individual’s caloric needs.
The idea is that less can be more, especially when dealing with fibromyalgia nutrition, other chronic illnesses, and the natural progression of aging at the same time.
Why has the Paleo (more protein, less carbs) way of eating become so popular over the last two decades? Mainly because people find that when they reduce sugar and simply carbohydrates, not only do they feel better, but the body becomes more efficient at fat burning.
When sugar is eaten on a regular basis, this makes it much more difficult for the body to burn fat for fuel. If the body is constantly “working on” the sugar, it cannot get to burning fat.
If we can create “treat days“, not cheat days, that allows us to avoid feelings of deprivation. Think of it in a good way, it is not cheating, is simply keeping the sanity. Because the truth is that we have to sometimes change it up anyway, while using consistency most of the time. This also helps with metabolism.
If you feel that you cannot lose weight, no matter what you do, it could be low thyroid. This is more common today, and yet conventional testing does not often find it. If your furnace is running even one degree below normal at say 97, then you are not going to properly burn through your calories.
The other issue with low thyroid or hashimotos (auto immune thyroid) is that it just makes you feel bad. From joint pain to muscle aches to feeling cold all the time.
Read more here regarding the natural ways I like to focus on endocrine health, which means supporting both adrenals and thyroid.
That is the premise behind alternate day fasting and/ or calorie restriction. Research has found that the old myth of needing to take in a high amount of calories to burn calories is not so much the case.
For instance, the amount of calories, fat and protein necessary for a healthy female may be different than for an adult female with a chronic illness.Therefore when aiding an adult female with weight loss or healthy eating patterns, we focus on the “less is more” concept and focus on ingesting more nutrient dense foods.
With extra food intake comes the requirement of energy needed to digest that food, energy that must be taken from the body’s needs to regenerate and heal. Therefore, with fibromyalgia nutrition and any chronic illness, we must put our energies where they will best serve us.
Working as a colon therapist for many years, I often see the benefit of increasing nutrition through high nutrient dense foods and rotating foods while incorporating a scheduled plan of eating.
Intermittent Fasting can be done in a variety of ways but the most important aspect is adhering to the eating and fasting windows. If you happen to be a night eater, then simply following my option 1 fasting schedule from 8pm to 8am can be very helpful.
Then, if you can, calorie restriction will be done 1-2 days per week. So I would choose 1 day or 2 days if you like, where you are able to get in more “rest time” and less digestion, to optimize energy of healing. Try eating about half your normal calorie intake on those 1-2 days per week.
Remember, any hours of fasting are meant to bring that energy to healing rather than always being tied up in digestion. A great way to fast is with organic celery juice OR celery juice powder. Check out this organic celery powder that I love from Koyah.
Although we still need healthy fats for our entire body, GI tract and healthy brain function, the amount and type of fat is still the issue.
Liver and gallbladder disease have become an epidemic these days. And, too many people living without a gallbladder get scared into thinking that fats are bad. However, raw fats are essential for the brain and entire body. So in the case of gallbladder removal, try to get at least 70-80% of your fats in the raw state. This might include extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, soaked and sprouted nuts, avocados, seeds and clarified butter.
If your doctor is not familiar with the connection between chronic pain and liver bile duct disease (more common these days) then there will never be a treatment for the ‘root’ cause and wheels will continue to spin as pain and symptoms only increase.
Did you know that the average female only needs about 10-12 grams of protein at one time for optimal digestion and assimilation? Yet if we look at the label of one serving of protein powder, the amount of protein is generally about 20-25 grams.
The same goes for meat eaters. At any given meal of animal protein, the amount of protein often exceeds 20 grams. This amount of protein is more appropriate for a healthy male of greater mass and/or a growing body with greater caloric needs.
Protein is needed for every organ and to nourish healthy muscle yet too much is not a good idea and can also contribute to a detrimental alkaline to acid ratio in the body and cells. The idea is to be sure we are properly utilizing and synthesizing the protein we take in. If conditions like liver, gallbladder, or bile duct disease are present, this can prevent proper utilization of proteins. Therefore, we can take in less if properly utilized.
If you are a blood type O, you will be more likely to thrive on animal protein. If you are a blood type A, you would want to limit your animal protein sources to fish and lower portions of meat if you have a hard time avoiding it. Type A just doesn’t have the natural enzymes needed to digest animal protein.
Shown here are examples of adequate protein servings .. these all have about 10-12 grams of protein. (2 eggs, 1/2 scoop protein powder, or 2 oz. turkey)
When revising a food plan for the average female, we know that using a half serving of non allergen protein powder is not only optimal but also cost effective at the same time…another key element in ‘living smarter’. Note: For more information regarding non allergen protein powder, blending suggestions and recipes.
If eating paleo, it is best to utilize animal proteins in the first part of the day. This means at breakfast and lunch only. Dinner should be comprised of lighter foods. It is best to avoid concentrated animal proteins at least 8 hours before retiring at night.
This supports the liver and lymphatic system which is all important when dealing with a chronic illness.
A good rule for fat intake is generally one fat serving per meal and one additional fat serving as a midafternoon snack. Some examples:
* ½ an avocado * a serving of 12-16 raw sprouted nuts/seeds * Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews * 1/4 cup Pumpkin seeds * 3-4 Brazil nuts * a Tbsp. of clarified butter, coconut oil, olive oil or any other raw (unheated oils)
Remember that raw fats are easier to digest than heated fats, however with any liver, gallbladder or bile duct congestion, the body’s ability to digest and assimilate fats for energy will be compromised. Yes ..even the naturally saturated fat in oils like coconut oil. In fact, our choice of oils can also benefit our treatment for co-conditions such as Epstein Barr and Mycoplasma infections in the body. Olive oil is the best choice in helping to fight these infections.
Please be aware that although you might hear a lot of benefits from coconut oil these days, it is not right for everyone and every blood type. For instance, if you are a blood type O, you may have a greater need to experiment with rotation of oils to assess that you are metabolizing the oil properly. (see rotation ideas below)
Lipase enzymes may be needed short or long term for better fat digestion, especially if one has bile duct disease or is without a gallbladder. If indigestion still occurs when eating fats, consider taking a safe fiber supplement taken with water (about a half hour) before meals containing fats.
Great for heart health, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral in that it is beneficial for those suffering with CFS/ME and the Epstein Barr virus. We use Extra Virgin Olive oil in our liver tonic recipes due to its benefits and easy assimilation by the liver.
A mono-unsaturated fat with higher amounts of Vitamin E, beta-sitosterol, lutein and CoQ10. More detail on avocados and oil here on the main diet page.
Anti-bacterial, “energy oil“, can be beneficial for thyroid, brain conditions. Be aware of potential allergies to coconut oil, I see more allergies to coconut and coconut oil, and may need to be rotated or limited by some. You can visit our coconut oil pulling method for a mouth rinse.
Super omega GLA. Some people like to utilize hemp oil for more chronic health conditions like cancer and auto immune conditions. I advise using it in its raw state.
High in Omega- 3, great addition for heart health and hormone balance. Great for brain health and easy to use in blender drinks or on salads. Also share with your dogs, it is good for them too.
Aono unsaturated fat that is great for the bladder and prostate gland. A great oil to add into blender drinks. I prefer to eat sprouted pumpkin seeds, either sprouted at home or found in health food stores.
Have you ever found yourself eating the same foods every day only to realize that something is no longer working for you? That is where food rotation comes in. There are some foods that can be eaten on a daily basis, more so in the case of fruits and vegetables.
However with concentrated proteins and fats, we are best to rotate these foods every 2-3 days where possible. I have used the Blood Type Diet for many years with clients and myself and I believe that blood type is part of the total equation when adapting a food plan.
There are many benefits to food rotation, including better assimilation and variety and intake of nutrients. This also creates greater variety in our meal plan making it easier to stay motivated ..As I continue to maintain, there are many food plans out there and many have good points, yet not every food plan works for every person especially when dealing with a chronic illness. That is where we work to really ‘narrow in’ and choose the best concepts to fit our specific fibromyalgia nutrition plan.
Because every fibro body is so individual, I have always worked to include more than just one way in selecting the best diet for fibromyalgia. That said, there continues to be a lot of negative news around grains these days, but worry not..there are still some ways to ‘salvage’ the grain, at least a few of them anyway. With the right preparation and know how, we can still have some grain and eat it too !!
If we are going to throw around phrases like “our grain today is not like grandma’s grain was 80 years ago” then we must also realize this applies to the entire food chain.
It’s true !! Our soil, our air, our water …nothing is like it used to be, and yet even myself, as a long time proponent of grain free eating, I believe that food quality and preparation can make a big difference in how our bodies process and assimilate nutrients today..
See, the truth is that most people have difficulty in attaining a 100% grain free diet for fibromyalgia, and for many it is just not feasible. As a teacher and promoter of gluten free and grain free eating, I agree and promote eating more grain free meals, yet I also see the need to have flexibility, in a way that can still promote health and keep one’s sanity at the same time. Why flexibility? Because not everyone needs to avoid grains completely in their diet for fibromyalgia, and because eating too many concentrated foods in place of grains can also have a detrimental effect on the body.
Most people will do well to avoid gluten, yet there are other non gluten grains that can be utilized on occasion for greater variety in your diet for fibromyalgia.
The real issue is the difference between grains and grain flours. The problem with grain flours (found in many gluten free packaged foods) is that they are hard to digest, acid forming, and also increase mucous production in the body; that’s especially not good for the vulnerable fibro body or a diet for fibromyalgia.
When grains are soaked, sprouted and eaten raw or cooked properly, they have a completely different effect on digestion and do not create the burden that ‘ground’ flours create through the difficult process of digestion and assimilation. The aflotoxins and enzyme inhibitors can also be effectively removed when prepared this way ..
In the Body Ecology plan, we use a few of the ancient grains such as amaranth and quinoa. However, not in the form of flour. These grains and even a few select legumes are always best soaked and sprouted and then cooked lightly and eaten with non-starchy, cultured vegetables or sea vegetables to create balance.
Just like when eating animal protein, we need to ingest vegetables and greens with meat to ‘balance out’ the acid from the meat itself, we also need the vegetables to counter any additional acid in grains as well.
And what about a protein made from a grain, such as rice protein? We have found that rice protein is not the most digestible form of protein for people with a sensitive GI tract.
Both rice and whey protein powders are not the best option. This is also detailed within the Nutrition Tips article here on the site. The sprouted grain proteins made from quinoa, amaranth, artichoke or cranberry protein have higher digestibility.
Again, the form is most important, so when these grain proteins are sprouted and germinated, they are better tolerated and assimilated to better nourish organs and muscle tissue.
Foods made with grain flours are the foods that many of us grew up with. They are highly addictive. Grains that have been simply ground into flour have no life, no germination, no enzymes to support digestion. It’s rather like chewing on a hard piece of rice and expecting it to digest properly.
Just like in the case of sugar, the more we eat grain flours, the more we crave them. Grain flours should be treated as an occasional food in the goal of achieving more optimal health and mineral balance within the body.
Gotta have some rice with dinner? The best choice is going to be organic and long grain rice, such as a basmatior jasmine rice. Short grain rice is higher in starch, and that’s why it works well around sushi rolls, because it ‘sticks’ more easily. What’s good for the sushi roll is not so good for the intestines!!
Soak the grain overnight with enough water to cover and even a tsp. of ACV (apple cider vinegar) or CCV (coconut cider vinegar) or sea salt. This will also accelerate the cooking process. Cook with some cut vegetables to further enhance digestion.
For those who enjoy quinoa, this can also be soaked for 12 hours and then lightly sprouted for 18-24 hours and eaten raw (the seed becomes tender) or cooked with vegetables. Note: Always rinse quinoa well before use to remove the saponins from the outer seed..
When serving whole grains, always include a greater amountof non starchy or sea vegetables for balance. No longer do we need a ‘mound’ of rice or quinoa as a side dish .. (the adjacent picture shows how we serve our basmati rice with a greater amount of asparagus for balance)
So now we can occasionally have some grain and eat it too!!
It’s all about living smarter … living lighter … while thinking outside the nutritional box so to speak …
We all should…. malic acid is an essential for the fibro body! It works well in producing energy needed in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
Malic acid and Magnesium work synergistically to address cellular energy deficits, reduce muscle and tendon pain and in the metabolizing of carbohydrates. Yet even the malic acid by itself will help us to increase energy while also reducing pain levels within fibromyalgia..
For optimal benefit when taking both malic acid and magnesium, they are best taken with the B-complex family of vitamins, particularly B-6 (Refer to my supplement page for the best ACTIVATED form of B-Complex).
So what are some good ways that we can get more malic acid in our diet?
2. 1/4-1/2 tsp. malic acid powder, mixed in juice or water (This bulk powder can be found online or at various health food stores and is very inexpensive) 1X per day or as directed. Magnesium Malate can also be taken if tolerated, but start very slow with dosage. 200 mg. and go from there to tolerance.
3. Ingest more foods that are NATURALLY high in malic acid, such as green apples. If you read my facebook page, you often see me asking the question “Got Granny’s?” Yes, green apples are a great food source of naturally occuring malic acid and I include many recipes on the RECIPE page using green apples and the best way to prepare them.
NOTE: Some people have an aversion to eating green apples. Therefore food preparation becomes important. When we shred and blend green apples, they are generally much more palatable. If you are just eating them straight, be sure they are fully ripened, as they do take longer to ripen than other apples.
We use green apples in a couple of the liver cleansing recipes on the RECIPE page as well.
If you have a history of gallstones or bile duct disease, ingesting malic acid will be good for you in more ways than one as it helps to increase the solubility within the bile.
Apple Cider Vinegar is also a source of the malic acid, although not everyone tolerates the ‘natural fermentation’ in cider vinegar and more would have to be utilized to accomplish the same result.
If you have any kind of reaction to apple cider vinegar, it could be due to candida in the gut, you can read more here about candidiasis. You could be experiencing a histamine overload and/or a detox reaction. In either case, it is wise to start with a small amount and work up to tolerance. (1/2 tsp. in 12-16 oz. water and work up from there to 1-2 tsp. The vinegar taste should never be too strong)
Bottom line, for INCREASE in energy production and DECREASE in muscle and tendon pain and support of our detoxification pathways, malic acid needs to be an essential for EVERY fibro body.
Working as a colon therapist for many years, I like to say that holistic nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s really more about getting back to our roots while naturally supporting our detoxification pathways.
When iron levels are low, and/or anemia is present, this can really affect our well-being, especially when living with fibromyalgia. We need to consider making iron rich foods part of our weekly menu plan.
What’s low iron got to do with it? Iron levels fluctuate in the body and it is certainly not the only predictor of low energy, fatigue or malaise. However, it can be a contributor when a real deficiency occurs. Low blood iron depletes oxygen levels and this in turn can create a cycle of deficiency and fatigue..
Many years ago, vitamin manufacturers started creating iron-free multi-vitamins because they found that iron in the form of supplementation was not the safest or most effective way to obtain iron.
There will however be occasions where an iron supplement is needed. If you and your doctor agree, then seek out a safe brand such as Metagenics.
If your iron is not tested extremely low, then you may want to seek out natural iron in the form of iron rich foods. And, because CFS/ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is often the instigator of extreme fatigue, check out our article on CFS linked at bottom of this article.
Vegetable sources include beets, dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli and artichokes. Concentrated protein sources with iron include organ meats, egg yolks and turkey.
It is good to get a variety of iron rich foods and ROTATE them to create balance and variety.
To better absorb naturally occurring iron, it is helpful to eat them with foods high in VITAMIN C, such as citrus fruits.
The food preparation is also key as I often talk about. When we shred, cut, blend and sufficiently break down the cells of the whole food, we are better able to absorb and utilize the nutrients.
However, please note that some foods are better shredded while others are better in a blended drink and some can be done either way.
In some of my recipes for instance, I specifically say to shred OR to blend depending on the palatability and form of each recipe. In my shredded beet salad, it is best to use a box shredder. I have often been asked if it is ok to just throw the beets in a food processor, yet the consistency of the salad is not the same and palatability will suffer.
That said, we should always experiment to find what works best for each of us.
The beet salad shown here is an excellent example of the synergybetween a naturally occurring iron rich food AND the citrus food high in vitamin C to compliment absorption.
If you have been tested low for iron, consider making these iron rich foods part of your weekly menu plan.
NOTE : If you are a vegan, it is important to get your iron and B-12 levels checked as needed. Although my plan includes many vegan meals and recipes, certain blood and body types perform best on a paleo type diet (meat eater) and it is essential to know this before adopting one diet over another.
Now, back to the beet salad; although I have a few different versions, (some listed on the recipe page) for the sake of this article, I will note the beet/orange salad recipe. Beets are an amazing food for regenerating the blood, but only SMALL amounts are needed at one time for better tolerance. Again, it is the SYNERGY of the ingredients that makes this iron rich salad effective. And yes, the taste is amazing too !!
Beet/Orange Salad : (3-4 srvgs) 2 small beets, peeled and shredded finely 1 medium orange (including about 1/4 of the rind) 1 small granny smith apple, peeled and shredded finely 1 tsp. organic olive oil 1/8 tsp. sea salt (optional)
After finely shredding the beets and apple in a bowl, cut the entire orange into very small pieces, including about a quarter of the outer rind (if desired)
(The rind is great for breaking down and removing mucous from the digestive tract)
Add the olive oil and salt and blend well with a fork. This recipe is good for about 4 servings.
How about some turkey and artichoke hearts on a bed of leafy greens? That would be another iron rich meal combination using a concentrated animal protein source. So much variety in creating healthy iron rich and nutrient rich food combinations.
More people today have thyroid imbalance, and often in the form of an underactive thyroid or auto immune thyroid, as in thyroiditis or hashimotos. Symptoms of low thyroid or AI thyroid include increased pain, tendon or joint pain, brain fog, food intolerances, bloating, temperature intolerance, inability to get regenerative sleep and more.
The problem is that not everyone is reaching optimal thyroid health because the treating doctor is merely prescribing a thyroid hormone, whether it is synthetic or natural hormone, and this is still not getting to the ROOT of the thyroid issue. Getting to the root would be asking WHY the thyroid hormone levels are low in the body, and then addressing the cause.
As a colon therapist, practitioner and working in holistic nutrition for many years, I believe we need to address two common causes: The liver and the small intestine. The liver is responsible for neutralizing toxins and metabolizing hormones. Yes, we need a healthy liver to neutralize toxins that will otherwise put an extra burden on the thyroid and adrenals.
And, the small intestine is responsible for assimilation of precious nutrients. The VERY nutrients we need for a healthy functioning thyroid. Yet, you can be taking the very best quality supplements and not be absorbing them if the small intestine is congested from years of improper diet.
Antioxidants are very important when living with any auto immune condition. On the main supplement page, we offer suggestions like Glutathione that will support the immune system in conditions like auto immune thyroid. Because remember, we cannot treat the thyroid and adrenals, without treating the immune system, which you can read more about here, or refer to link at bottom of this article.
In some cases, there is need for hormones, but not in all cases. The bigger issue concerns the conversion of T4/T3. According to Nora Gedgaudas, author of “Primal Body, Primal Mind“ having an under active thyroid is not merely “fixed” by taking thyroid hormones, natural or otherwise.
Again, the question is why and working to achieve an optimal balance. If thyroid hormones are low due to ongoing stress and adrenal disease, then that is not a good thing and we have to address the adrenal/pituitary/hypothalamus issue.
If we have a slightly underactive thyroid, but are living a healthy lifestyle that supports thyroid naturally and are eating a diet that eliminates most grains and sugars and foods containing gmo’s (genetically modified organisms) Our bodies can then function at more optimal levels naturally.
If thyroid medications have not worked well for you, ask your doctor about compounding T3, slow release into the system. This is more feasible for anyone with adrenal conditions.
It is important to remember that thyroid hormones alone are not the answer and synthetic thyroid like Synthroid should not be used. Even Armour or Naturethroid can contain additives. Overuse of these hormones can cause the body to fluctuate from low to high and lead to thyroid and adrenal burnout.
Allowing the body to attain a mode of ‘ketosis’ (lower carbohydrate diet) will naturally accelerate metabolism, fat burning and support auto immune illness through taking extra burden from the immune system. And again, with proper conversion through adequate absorption and reduction of toxins in the delicate endocrine system, medication may be able to be reduced or eliminated.
In the case of auto immune thyroid conditions, it is important to check blood levels and work with a doctor who has treated Hashimotos or AI thyroid because the body could be resistant to even the most natural thyroid hormone, especially in the case of ongoing adrenal stress. In that case, a thyroid glandular and essential nutrients can be considered as a core of thyroid support.
There could also be an underlying “histamine” overload in the body and this can contribute to both auto immune thyroid conditions and fibromyalgia symptoms. You can have your histamine levels checked.
If you are high in histamine (you have intolerance to fermented foods, alcohol, citrus, egg whites, nitrates, yogurt, cheese, kefir, kombucha) then you may also consider an elimination diet and taking a DAO enzyme supplement.
Thyroid glandular is an alternative to hormones and can be purchased through health food stores OR online and essential thyroid nutrients include the B-complex family, selenium, zinc, and adaptogens (especially Ashwagandha) for reducing stress on the adrenals and thyroid.
f you are looking for a combination, additive free thyroid supplement, this is an excellent choice. I always recommend starting with half of the recommended dose. This thyroid complex contains thyroid supporting nutrients like ashwagandha, tyrosine, selenium, zinc, and more.
Bladderwrack is the only safe low dose iodine supplement that we recommend. Liquid iodine should not be used unless working closely with a doctor or practitioner. Always be sure to be taking adequate amounts of selenium and zinc.
Vitamin C is essential for the immune system as well, however taking high doses can work against the thyroid, so be sure to consult with a doctor on dosages and consider staying below 5 grams daily unless warranted.
While referencing the best diet for fibromyalgia throughout these pages, we are also talking about the best diet for the endocrine system, which of course, means the best diet for an underactive thyroid.
This is the type of diet that I have been teaching and advocating for almost 20 years now. It works by eliminating the causes and allowing the body to function as intended.
Keys to the right approach are whole foods, avoiding gmo’s (genetically modified organisms) in food and supplements, ingesting more cultured foods, avoidance of food allergens, and elimination of eating habits and/or patterns that are sabotaging the best of efforts and affecting our well-being and greater levels of healing. If we are putting in the effort, we surely want to get better results.
Finally, be sure to eliminate thyroid ‘offenders‘ as in gluten, dairy protein, and soy. Fermented soy is generally ok as in miso, and dairy fat is also fine in small quantities such as raw cream and clarified butter.
Clarified butter is good for leaky gut issues which in turn supports the thyroid through better assimilation of nutrients.
If you are concerned about the cabbage family, you can cook them or ferment them and make your own cultured vegetables to support nutrient uptake. However, fermented foods like kimchi and Kombucha may not be right for you if you have high histamine levels. And, with IBS or any digestive condition, or if bloating occurs after eating cabbage, then limit them and eat more cooked than raw.
The goitrogen issue with cruciferous vegetables will generally affect those with autoimmune thyroid but not everyone with low thyroid. The sulfur, chlorophyll and other nutrients in things like kale and cabbage are needed for a healthy endocrine system.
However, avoid too much intake of cooked spinach or kale, as this can create higher levels of oxalic acids.Refer to our Best Diet page on the navigation bar and Recipes article page.
One of the most common endocrine disruptors is tap water. Be sure to avoid drinking tap water as it contains flouride waste, chlorine and other toxins that disrupt the balance of our endocrine system. Using a shower filter is also advisable as our skin absorbs the toxins in bath and shower water.
Aside from other forms of stress relief like meditation and breathing techniques, we sometimes find it more effective to use toning first. Why? Because it can more effectively reduce those adrenaline surges that make it difficult to even engage in deep breathing or meditation.
Use your vowels through toning. Start with the letter “A” Say the letter “a” and then hold it so you are creating a tone with it. Then move on to the letter “E” You can certainly use all of the 5 vowels, as in A-E-I-O-U. I do find that that the letters A-E and O work best, so I mostly focus on those three when toning. Try to hold each letter for about 10 seconds before going on to the next. Practice this for about 5 minutes per session to reduce stress and increase endorphins.
Digestiveissues and GI diseases such as leaky gut are on the rise these days. With most of the immune system located within our gut and GI tract, it is no wonder that auto immune illnesses such as celiac disease are so prevalent. However, you don’t have to be celiac to have this problem.
And, as a colon therapist, I have seen and worked with many different illnesses within the GI tract. A leaky gut is not the cause in itself offibromyalgia, but it can surely exacerbate symptoms and needs to be addressed if symptoms are present.
When the body becomes intolerant to certain foods such as grain and dairy proteins and other allergen foods these can cause microscopic tears within the gut lining. Think of it like a colander, but with smaller holes. These tiny holes are responsible for bacteria, food particles and other body fluids ‘leaking’ out of the GI tract and INTO the bloodstream.
Thyroid and adrenal health can then be compromised when the GI tract is not properly sorting and absorbing key nutrients. Also this leaking of toxins can cause inflammation in the delicate thyroid tissue and lead to everything from low thyroid function to auto immune thyroid or thyroiditis.
Toxins, medications and even ongoing stress can also be common culprits in developing a leaky gut. GMO’s, pesticides and herbicides are also suspect in the rise of both leaky gut and bacterial overgrowth in the intestinal tract.
Symptoms of a leaky gut include bloating, fatigue, allergies, skin conditions, liver disease, intolerance to foods and environment, weight gain or loss, and more. These symptoms also correlate with Candidiasis.
With fibromyalgia, it is important that we not create more challenges within the fibro body. We want to support and strengthen our immune system.
If you suspect that you might have a leaky gut, your doctor can test you for this, and as well, your specific food allergens. Eliminating the offending foods and managing stress will then be the first step to attaining a stronger ‘core’ health.
For almost 20 years, I have used and advocated a high probiotic diet, one that includes healthy bacteria for a heal-thy gut. I use The Body Ecology Diet as a foundation and then modify the plan where needed for each individual. Creating a healthy terrain is essential in every body, but especially for those with any kind of chronic illness.
Two easy to take supplements for healing a leaky gut include Glutamineamino acid powder and DGL. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice(yes, long word) comes in easy to chew tablets. (Click on “Nutrition Tips” at the end of this page for the best way to get both glutamine and allergen-free protein, Original Plantfusion)
NOTE: When using glutamine, I suggest using the powder, not capsules, which are not high enough in potency. Taking 1 gram of powder 2X a day is generally very safe and even under the recommendation of up to 5 grams per day. (Plantfusion also supplies glutamine so be sure to account for that when taking it with other amino acids.)
There are many probiotic supplements on the market today. As a colon therapist working with clients for many years in the field of gut health, I have found good success with Flora Udo’s Advanced Adult Probiotic which is a great multi strain formula. I recommend Udo’s Flora brand of probiotics because it is a good quality, multi strain, highly effective probiotic at the best cost we have found as well. (This probiotic also contains a good amount of the strains that I prefer to have included such as plantarum, bifidum, and casei)
Garden Of Life Primal Defense is also excellent and I have personally used and recommended this product. A probiotic with HSO’s (homeostatic soil organisms) can help to balance gut flora and aid in both absorption and assimilation of nutrients.
Even if you make cultured foods at home, you will benefit from the addition of HSO’s that you cannot get elsewhere. With either product you will reduce bloating/indigestion and increase well-being.
We all share the need for a stronger inner ecology. One that ‘feeds’ the good guys while eliminating the bad guys. I prepare high probiotic foods at home. These include kefir, cultured vegetables and fermented drinks such as rejuvelac and kombucha. (If you’re unfamiliar with these, you can check online for videos or check in your area for classes on how to make cultured foods at home.) However, please know that not everyone will tolerate cultured foods in the beginning. If you feel gassy or bloated after ingesting any kind of cultured or fermented food, avoid them until you have established a healthier terrain with the digestive system.
Also check out my basic cultured vegetables on the RECIPE page. Probiotic capsules can be helpful but quality is essential and they still do not produce the amounts of beneficial bacteria that cultured foods can. However, it can be a good place to start.
Clarified butter or ghee, is another excellent remedy for a leaky gut, and can simply be taken every morning with or without food. (a tsp. is fine)
For helpful meal planning, refer to my Fibromyalgia Diet pages and the suggestions for food combining. There is endless variety when planning meals and being creative is essential to success with any food plan.
Also consider histamine intolerance if having reactions to foods and drinks on a more regular basis.
My plan is merely a guide to show which foods are best eaten at specific times of day and which foods are best combined and rotated. These suggestions will help to aid in reducing fibro symptoms AND help in healing any gut issues.
As a colon therapist, my goal is to not only help you promote a stronger and more resilient core, but to make any plan workable, attainable.
As a fellow fibrosufferer, I want you to know that you are not alone and that putting these suggestions and my protocol into action when you’re not functioning well may not be easy in the beginning.
I get it, I’ve been there, and still work on my own health and well-being every day. Yet, I cannot stress enough the empowerment that comes from preparing our own food, from putting love and care into it. That is a priceless gift that we give to ourselves every time we make the choice to ‘Live Smarter’.
We need to avoid malabsorption which depletes precious nutrients from our fibro bodies. This is essential. How exactly are nutrients depleted? Would you believe that adhering to the conventional ‘food groups model’ can be dangerous to your health and proper nutrientabsorption?
It is important to understand that through the process of digesting foods like acid forming grains, grain flours, processed foods and sugars, our system attempts to ‘buffer’ these acids and must ‘draw’ from the body and skeletal system to do this.
Fibromyalgia is complexin that it affects SO MANY systems in the body and all of these (brain, endocrine, nervous, GI tract, musculo-skeletal, etc.) depend on adequate vitamin and mineral uptake.
For example, the musculo-skeletal system is dependent on a proper ratio of calcium, magnesium and vitamin K for healthy muscle contraction and bone health.
The endocrine system depends on the vitamin B family, as well as antioxidants like vitamin C and selenium.
In order to keep and maintain healthy nutrient balance on a daily basis, we want to choose more whole foods in their natural and unadulterated state. Start by avoiding the ‘cereal’ aisle while shopping at the grocery store.
This is one of the most over-rated yet most unhealthy aisles in the grocery store. Remember that grain manufacturers and producers have done a good job advertising in the name of brainwashing and profit. It doesn’t matter how many vitamins they claim to put in their cereal, if the body cannot absorb it properly. The convenience of a cereal bar today, will lead to inconvenience later on when our health is adversely affected.
Nature’s nutrients are properly manufactured and assimilated in the way that the body recognizes and utilizes. Getting the proper ratio and absorption of nutrients through whole foods allows for greater satisfaction as well. The body WILL start to crave more real foods when given the chance and not swayed by foods that only create cravings and malabsorption.
Some additional tools to aid in proper digestion and absorption also include digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, cider vinegar, proper food combining (avoid combining proteins and sugars especially), avoiding too much fluid intake with meals AND eating foods that are compatible with our individual body type. NOTE : Digestive enzymes are helpful but should not be relied on long term. Instead focus on eating more RAW and living foods AND if there is any difficulty in digesting raw foods, be sure to combine raw and cooked to ease digestion of raw fibers.
Giving the fibro body what it needs is the first step to attaining greater levels of well-being. Not a cure, something better. A chance to live better and smarter and positively affect ALL parts of a heal-thy body and mind. See, if it wasn’t fibromyalgia, it would be something else. So, let’s do the best we can to feed and assimilate the very best nutrients into our cells consistently and allow our bodies the best thriving chance at wellness.
The adjacent picture shows a natural pancreatin enzyme made from vegetable source. This also includes broad spectrum enzymes protease, lipase, amylase and cellulase. For better digestion and assimilation of protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Reducing toxicity is essential whenever illness manifests in the body, because illness is often a sign of two things:Deficiency and Toxicity. The toxic load becomes too much for the body to handle. The fibro body begins to rebel with increased pain and symptoms.
Although many of us with fibromyalgia symptoms initially had a propensity toward the illness itself, how we live and the amount of toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis through the environment, household products, the workplace and foods can impact us greatly. I advise living as naturally and chemical free as possible. And, utilizing a diet that is low in processed foods and eliminates toxic additives, preservatives and food allergens.
When we consistently choose whole, organic foods in their unadulterated state, we are making a choice to support our wellness without additional toxicity within our bodies. Packaged foods need to be kept to a minimum, but avoid deprivation which can lead to greater stress.
Especially avoid toxic preservatives that are damaging to the thyroid and entire endocrine system. BHT, MSG, corn starch, corn oils, artificial colors and other additives should never be a part of our diet. When you choose to have packaged foods, always check for preservatives and avoid these at all cost.
Each fibro body might react differently to various toxins, so be aware that it might be easy to detect an initial reaction, yet there could also be a delayed reaction to food additives and this could make it harder to detect. However these delayed reactions could be very debilitating with symptoms such as migraine, muscle pain and brain fog.
For instance, exposure to a toxic environment can exhibit symptoms within the next 24-48 hours. Sometimes these symptoms will come on in the middle of the night. Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with congested sinuses yet you felt fine when you went to bed. This can be due to an exposure within the previous day that created a delayed reaction. Again, we must not limit our enjoyment of life, but we must limit time with toxic exposures. A shopping mall is one of those “toxic” places that off gasses everything from new clothing formaldehyde to various body products and synthetic fragrances that waft through the entire mall.
We must be very diligent about the environment that we reside in. Laundry detergents, air fresheners, synthetic fragrances in body products and even the clothing that we wear. All of these toxins can increase theTOXIC LOADon the body and make it harder to attain greater levels of wellness. This creates challenges in both cellular regeneration and damage to the mitochondria (powerhouse of our cells)
‘New car smell’ ….many people relish in this smell because owning and driving a NEW car makes people feel good !!!! There is even a ‘new car’ scent designed for car air fresheners .. Yet, what exactly is that new car smell ? Formaldehyde ….A known toxin and carcinogen. New carpet is also full of toxic formaldehyde. Avoid being exposed to new carpet at all cost. A new car is a luxury, no doubt ..yet be sure to sufficiently air out OR ozonate your new car before spending extended periods of time there … NEVER allow a car detaling service to ‘detail’ your car. They use highly toxic cleaners both inside the car and outside as well .. Yes ..even the tire cleaner used on the tires will permeate inside the car and this is a very potent toxin that we should not be exposed to.
New clothing is also of concern due to the ‘formaldehyde’ sheeting that is often used in manufacturing. Before wearing new clothes, always wash in unscented non toxic soap and one cup of white vinegar. (Don’t worry, you won’t smell the vinegar) If you have ever felt ill while clothes shopping or perusing the mall, that is why… there is just an enormous amount of toxins in most retail stores.
So what can we do AFTER a toxic exposure to minimize a potential flare or after effects? Extra fluids, movement to stimulate lymphatic flow (oral glutathione, sweating, deep breathing and early to bed to support adrenal health).
For more information on how to reduce toxicity, refer to the ‘Environmental Toxins‘ link on the navigation bar.
I do believe that the best fibromyalgia diet addresses inflammation, toxicity and nutrient absorption. You see, It is not really about one particular diet. It is more about adhering to some basic dietary principles.
There are many resources about “best diet for fibromyalgia” and yet, as a gut health expert, working in holistic health and nutrition, and as a colon therapist, what I have done is to really narrow in on what works for most people to decrease symptoms and pain levels through effective fibromyalgia nutrition.
Fibromyalgia is complex so it is more about creating a stronger foundation and greater resilience.
You may read that lectins in grains and some fruits are causing much disease in our world today, and that is true, yet there are ways to salvage many of these suspect foods in ways you have never heard of before.
Adopting a gluten free or lower grain plan is a great place to start for your best diet for fibromyalgia.
Whether one has gluten sensitivity or any digestive disease (not just celiac) removing gluten is helpful but it doesn’t have to be 100% for many. We use fermented grains in some of our recipes.
Gluten from the wheat protein can be a perpetuating factor in many diseases, from a leaky gut to osteoporosis to fibromyalgia. However, never try to eliminate foods too quickly (unless there is a severe digestive illness) because this can cause undue stress on the fibro body and can even perpetuate symptoms.
There is much drama and controversy out there regarding gluten. I will tell you this, not everyone will need to avoid gluten 100%.
However, if you have celiac or auto immune thyroid disease or any digestive illness such as colitis or diverticulitis, then it will be imperative to avoid not only gluten, but corn starch, rice flour, additives, and other allergens.
Rice flour is not a better choice as it is higher glycemic and hard to digest.
It is not only the hard to digest grain, but the glyphosate and other chemicals that are added to wheat crops that are contributing to chronic pain, digestive disease, auto immune conditions, and cancer.
Many people play around with gluten because it is hard to eliminate and very addictive. Part of my point is … do not beat yourself up if you have a difficult time removing gluten. Get additional help if needed. This is a big undertaking for many people who have lived on gluten their entire lives.
As a colon therapist, I work very closely with people and their digestion, closer than doctors or other health care workers and I also see much controversy and mistruth which can sometimes lead to sabotage and people feeling like they cannot attain a certain diet.
What we have to ask ourselves is “what is our reason for reducing grains in the first place?” It is to retain more nutrients and reduce symptoms like inflammation. So going gluten free is good, but it must be done the right way.
On the journey of going gluten free, and reducing lectins, we can also go another step and address all or most grains. Grains are acid forming and often create more toxicity and deficiency in the body through the very process of digestion. (Although sprouting grains is an exception)
By working to eliminate more gluten and even more of the packaged gluten free foods, we are supporting our bodies and minds by absorbing MORE nutrients and reducing fibromyalgia symptoms such as brain fog that are often perpetuated by these foods and additives.
By the way, rice flour should be right up there with gluten. Too many gluten free products contain rice flour, this is high glycemic and hard to digest. However, having some whole grain rice once in awhile is fine, soak it, cook it, and that is better than rice flour, just on occasion.
Osteoporosis has become a great issue these days as the body attempts to steal nutrients from the skeletal system to simply process and digest grain foods. Osteo issues are also a great concern within fibromyalgia. The very best diet for fibromyalgia is a whole foods based diet – nature’s diet.
The focus of this page is the best diet for fibromyalgia; however, it works for other health issues as well. For instance, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center published an article in May 2012, “Do Nutritional Supplements Help Prevent Cancer?” (Click on the link to read).
On page 2 under “Nutrients in foods“, the article recommends essentially the same approach to whole foods that I advocate here on my website. Overall, I liked the article; but, like many articles on diet, the focus is quite narrow.
In this case it’s cancer as you would expect. My focus on this website differs from their’s. My focus is not only fibromyalgia and whole foods, it’s the whole you. Let me show you what I mean.
The article states that whole foods are more beneficial than vitamin supplements because whole foods contain many nutrients that work synergistically to protect against cancer. They go on to say that salmon is superior to salmon oil supplements because it provides vitamins D and B, amino acids, calcium, and selenium in addition to the fatty acids. Now, here’s where we differ.
Although what they say is technically true, it is not realistic if we focus on the Whole You. No one I know would be willing to eat salmon every day or on any schedule that would provide the fatty acids and other nutrients mentioned in the amounts required. Also, some folks just can’t tolerate the taste of salmon.
That is why I take into consideration the whole you in my best diet for fibromyalgia on this page and also provide my recommendations for supplements on my Fibromyalgia Supplements page. Sure, I focus on fibro with my “best diet for fibromyalgia”, but I realize we all differ in our lifestyles in terms of the size of family, pace of life, ability to pay and other factors.
I try to provide enough flexibility that you can find a path to success. In reading the article perhaps you can be reassured that my “best diet for fibromyalgia” has synergistic benefits to other health issues as well even though I don’t talk about them here.
In seeking the best diet for fibromyalgiawe must remember that when we awake in the morning, our bodies are in a more acidic state. With any chronic illness, we are striving for balance. In this case, we are focusing on the balance of acid and alkalinity. We want to avoid extremes to better support digestion and metabolism. A certain amount of acidity is needed to properly digest food as well a good amount of alkalinity will support metabolism and the musculoskeletal system.
In the article called “Nutrition Tips” we talk about the importance of an alkaline breakfast also free of excess sugars and grains. This will help balance that first-morning acidity.
The body is always striving for balance. It is possible to be overly acidic or overly alkaline. Yet it can be confusing as to how to support this balance that we want. Staying close to nature in diet and lifestyle is the best way to attain balance in health and well-being.
When we select the best diet for fibromyalgia it must be abundant in whole foods. Then, we are automatically supporting balance because these foods are in their natural unadulterated state. This is the basis of the best diet for fibromyalgia.
A healthy fibromyalgia diet can be attained whether one is vegetarian or meat eater. When eating vegan, be sure that whole foods, raw fats and oils, and sproutedbeans, nuts and seeds and fruits are the primary foods relied upon. Avoid excess eating of grains, gluten-free or otherwise.
By the way, below is an excellent grain free, low calorie option to pasta. Have you tried Palmini? It is a great alternative to pasta. Easy to use. Excellent for keto or paleo plans.
When eating animal protein, choose smaller portions of meat and balance with greens, raw and/or cooked vegetables. If you are a type “O” like me, then you likely thrive on a meat/vegetable/fruit diet with additions of sproutedbeans, nuts and seeds as well.
We are the hunter/gatherer and our bodies are built for optimal digestion of animal protein. Type A will do better as a vegan. Other blood types vary as well.
What about potatoes? Let me say that when we avoid the russet potatoes, we are not just stuck with sweet potatoes, I find that you can also utilize organic red potatoes on occasion and many do fine.
Organic potatoes not only taste better, but we want to avoid common pesticides and herbicides. I also add some yukon, sweet and purple potatoes on occasion for variety. Note however, that sweet potatoes are not well combined with animal protein. Below we made a delicious organic red potato salad with coconut vinegar and spices.
Cooked beans are not recommended as they are high in starch and therefore HIGH GLYCEMIC. Shown are Mung Beans, both in their original state and their “soaked and sprouted” state. After soaking, their “jackets” are easily removed. This removes the enzyme inhibitor thereby aiding digestion and assimilation of raw nutrients.
For grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, remember that first soaking and sprouting (at least soaking) removes the enzyme inhibitor, allows for better digestion and retention of minerals, and reduces the acid effects. When grains, nuts, seeds are not soaked, they deplete minerals through the process of digestion.
You can also purchase packaged, sprouted items. I’m including the following link to one such item for your convenience Go Raw’s Organic, Sprouted Watermelon Seeds. You can also find Go Raw’s pumpkin and a seed mix on Amazon.
For optimal digestion and health benefit, soak raw almonds in pure water about 6-8 hours. Jackets will release easily as well and this effectively removes the enzyme inhibitor. (Even the garbage disposal doesn’t like the almond jackets, so that should tell you something!!)
Dairy products are acid forming. Avoid low fat dairy as this contributes to osteo issues, as without the natural dairy fat, we cannot absorb any calcium anyway. Choose organic greens, vegetable juices and blended raw foods for easy to assimilate calcium and minerals.
When eating eggs, always ingest whole eggs, not egg whites alone. Egg whites are VERY acid-forming, and the egg yolk is one of nature’s finest fats, rich in biotin, choline and other minerals. It is comparable to mothers milk. It is the egg white that is hardest to digest.
Yes, for most people with egg allergy, it’s the white, not the yolk. I like to say …”Eat your yolks, folks“. Again, nature does not want us dissecting our food; this creates imbalance.
Use the best organic and/or pastured eggs whenever possible.
Many bodybuilders/dieters, etc. go to extremes to reduce fat, only to later on have thyroid/adrenal issues due to extreme dieting and ingestion of proteins that are sometimes foreign to the body.
RAW fats burn fat hence the obesity epidemic from low fat eating. Choose best quality in meats, eggs, etc. Free range is best as well as grass fed when you can obtain it.
Avocadoes, the healthy raw fat of champions everywhere!! We use them in blender drinks, raw dishes and even great for breakfast.
Healthy raw fats are a great way to control cravings for sugars and excess carbohydrates . Also, use Avocado Oil for cooking, salad dressing, homemade mayo., etc.
You can substitute Coconut Oil depending on price and taste. It can be used for for food preparation as well as hair and skin care. Although I do see more coconut allergies these days, so be sure it is not an allergen for you.
Yes, fermented or cultured foods/drinks can be acid-forming. However this again supports balance and when eaten in combination with greens and other alkaline foods they are truly valuable, whether it is cultured vegetables, kefir, kombucha, etc. Also, take better control of cravings with cultured vegetables.
For over 15 years I have been experimenting with different variations. I use the Body Ecology starter and add extra Plantarum which is a more beneficial healthy bacteria for the large intestine.
We can all benefit from cultured vegetables, especially good for those with any GI issues, IBS, recovery from celiac, etc.
Remember that cabbage is best fermented for thyroid issues. It will cause problems only when eaten raw in some individuals. In my basic recipe I use organic cabbage, carrot, ginger and garlic, cultures and extra plantarum.
This feeds our beneficial bacteria, controls infections, increases immunity and reduces cravings for sugar.
Organic Winter Squash ..My favorites are spaghetti squash and delicata. A great alternative to grains and so much variety ..
In order to increase metabolism, reduce overall symptoms and support well-being in chronic illness, we must work to CREATE balance. This is the necessary goal of the best diet for fibromyalgia.
We get out what we put in! Whatever plan works best for YOUR body and blood type, be sure to make it count. Be consistent. There are many flawed studies on why one food plan is better than another. Check out my Food Planner And Nutrition Tips by clicking on the link below.
Preparing food at home becomes essential if we are to control what truly goes in our bodies. Creating non allergen recipes may take some time, effort and trial and error yet the rewards are great. Refer to my suggestions and resources at these links: Gluten Free Recipes; Blending and Juicing; Fibro Kitchen Tools.
So, you see there’s not one best diet for fibromyalgia. It depends on your situation and especially any co-conditions. You can find additional details on specific versions of my Best Diet For Fibromyalgia that have been tailored for several conditions that often accompany fibromyalgia.
