Diet and Lifestyle Modifications for Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, widespread pain disorder characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental fog, mood swings, and headaches. Currently, there are only three FDA-approved medications for FM patients: duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin, with outcomes frequently being inadequate. This research team aims to investigate the effects of diet and lifestyle modifications on FM, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory diet, antioxidants, and gluten-free diets, as well as supplementation with Magnesium, CQ10, and Vitamin D, microbiome, sleep, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy. We reviewed the pathophysiology of certain foods that can be proinflammatory with the release of cytokines leading to activation of pain, fatigue and aggravation of the majority of Fibromyalgia symptoms. A literature review was performed by identifying FM articles published between 1994 and 2022 via PubMed and EMBASE databases, with particular emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and evidence-based treatment guidelines. This review article was completed by a comprehensive narrative review process, in which our team systematically examined relevant scientific literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant role that diet and other lifestyle modifications play in mediating symptoms of Fibromyalgia. We propose that diet modifications and lifestyle changes, such as sleep, exercise, and weight loss, can be important steps in managing FM.

Online Questionnaire with Fibromyalgia Patients Shows Negative Correlations between Disease Severity and Adherence to Mediterranean Diet

“…A personalized balanced nutritional plan represents the best way to ensure the adequate intake of macro-and micro-nutrients as well as microbiota-gut-brain axis signaling. Thus, besides an active lifestyle and appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, diet represents a promising, powerful approach to alleviating FM symptoms [70]. According to one of our previous questionnaire studies, dietary interventions account for the highest patient satisfaction among non-pharmacological therapies [6].…”