Fibromyalgia diet recipes for better health. Help stop flairups. (2024)

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

Fibromyalgia diet recipes for better health. Help stop flairups. (1)

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.

Fibromyalgia diet recipes for better health. Help stop flairups. (2)

Soothing Quinoa Cereal (Fibromyalgia Recipe)

This recipe is rich in magnesium, a mineral that can help to relieve pain and tenderness in the body.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

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.

Video

Keyword Fibromyalgia, Quinoa Cereal

Fibromyalgia diet recipes for better health. Help stop flairups. (3)

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.

Fibromyalgia diet recipes for better health. Help stop flairups. (4)

Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lentil Pilaf

Delight in a culinary symphony with our Green Lentil Salmon Stew — a heartwarming blend of protein-rich green lentils, succulent salmon fillets, and an aromatic medley of vegetables and herbs. Immerse yourself in the healthful benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, coupled with the fiber and plant-based protein of green lentils. Crafted with a touch of red wine and an assortment of savory herbs, this wholesome stew not only nourishes the body but also indulges the senses. Elevate your dining experience with this nutritious and flavorsome dish, a testament to the harmonious marriage of taste and well-being.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese, Seafood Stew

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 520 kcal

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.

Video

Notes

Nutrition(per serving: 1½ c lentils and 1 salmon fillet): 43 g protein, 41 g carbs, 19 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 221 mp sodium

258% (1,032 IU) daily vitamin D
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

Keyword lentil pilaf, salmon

What is your tip for creatingthe best diet for fibromyalgia?

Tell us what you’re cooking in the comments below.

Fibromyalgia diet recipes for better health. Help stop flairups. (2024)

FAQs

How do you stop a fibromyalgia flare up? ›

Regular gentle exercise is one of the most effective ways that fibromyalgia flare ups can be avoided or diminished and pain managed. Exercise in moderation may increase pain at first but may help prevent or improve pain over time and build up endurance, muscle strength, avoidance of depression, and boost moods.

What foods help heal fibromyalgia? ›

These are other food choices to emphasize:
  • Almonds, macadamia nuts, and walnuts.
  • Celery, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and onions.
  • Dark green vegetables.
  • Whole grain foods, such as wheat, rice, barley, oats, and quinoa.
  • Fresh or frozen fruit.
  • Flaxseed oil and olive oils.
  • Flaxseeds, tofu, and chia seeds.
Aug 4, 2016

What is a superfood for fibromyalgia? ›

6 Foods to Eat With Fibromyalgia
  • Dark leafy greens. These include spinach, kale, bok choi, swiss chard, arugula, collard greens, mustard greens, watercress, and broccoli.
  • Bananas. ...
  • Sweet potatoes. ...
  • Healthy fats. ...
  • Antioxidants. ...
  • Omega-3s.
Nov 26, 2018

Can you reverse fibromyalgia with diet? ›

The bottom line. There's no cure for fibromyalgia, and there's limited research on the impact that diet has on the disease. However, making changes to your diet may help relieve some of your symptoms. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and be mindful of which foods seem to aggravate your symptoms.

What lessens pain for fibromyalgia flare-ups? ›

Ways to treat fibromyalgia pain
  • Pain relievers. Medication is an option to reduce FM pain. ...
  • Antidepressants. These can help ease pain and fatigue. ...
  • Anticonvulsants. These seizure medications may also help reduce pain. ...
  • Yoga. ...
  • Acupuncture. ...
  • Physical therapy.

How long does a bad fibromyalgia flare-up last? ›

The duration of a fibromyalgia flare can vary significantly from person to person. In some cases, symptoms can last only for a few days, whereas in other cases, they may persist for months or years. The severity of the symptoms during a flare-up can also vary.

What calms fibromyalgia? ›

Yoga and tai chi. These practices combine meditation, slow movements, deep breathing and relaxation. Both have been found to be helpful in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms.

What is the best drink for fibromyalgia? ›

Water. Fibromyalgia sufferers should drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day. A variety of herbal and fruit teas may also be beneficial.

What is the best anti inflammatory diet for fibromyalgia? ›

Research shows that consuming around eight servings of various nutrient-rich colourful fruit and vegetables each and every day, can be very helpful. Try to ensure that some of these are fresh, and if possible, organic. Berries (such as blueberries and raspberries), as well as broccoli, house the most nutrients.

Can I eat eggs with fibromyalgia? ›

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there may be a link between fibromyalgia symptoms and a vitamin D deficiency. Some good dietary sources of vitamin D include: egg yolks. low fat yogurt fortified with vitamin D.

What fruits are not good for fibromyalgia? ›

Nightshade fruits and vegetables

Studies have shown that 74%-90% of people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia experienced increased inflammation and pain after eating nightshade family fruits or vegetables. These include tomatoes, bell peppers, white potatoes, eggplant, chilies and paprika.

What foods are not good for fibromyalgia? ›

Alcohol.
  • Gluten.
  • Red meat.
  • Fruits and vegetables in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, white potatoes, green peppers, and goji berries.
  • Dairy products.
  • Eggs.
  • Caffeine.

Is coffee bad for fibromyalgia? ›

While a moderate amount of daily caffeine may have no negative effects for individuals with fibromyalgia, a high intake can interfere with sleep patterns, which can further perpetuate fatigue, and can also trigger headaches if a person suddenly consumes less than normal.

Is cheese bad for fibromyalgia? ›

Dairy. While dairy products can be helpful for certain conditions, they may be harmful for others such as symptoms of fibromyalgia. This harmful effect includes symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain. diarrhea, and increased mucus production.

What deficiency causes fibromyalgia? ›

Fibromyalgia is associated with low levels of many vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins like vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Many people are also deficient in vitamins A, C, E, and K. Many dietitians recommend getting all your vitamins and minerals through your diet.

What is the number one treatment for fibromyalgia? ›

The most helpful treatment approach for fibromyalgia is a combination of self-care, physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy. But medication may also be needed. Many drugs prescribed for fibromyalgia work to turn down “pain volume” in the central nervous system (CNS).

What is the best painkiller for fibromyalgia? ›

The drugs amitriptyline, duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin can relieve fibromyalgia pain in some people. They may cause side effects such as a dry mouth or nausea. Normal painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) aren't recommended for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

What not to do with fibromyalgia? ›

There are also things that should be avoided with fibromyalgia.
  • Excessive physical activity.
  • Saying “Yes” too often.
  • Ignoring pain.
  • Eating excessive sugar.
  • Not getting enough sleep.

What is the best over the counter medicine for fibromyalgia? ›

Tylenol is recommended for over-the-counter pain relief with fibromyalgia. While Advil and Aleve can also relieve pain, they are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which carry a risk of gastric bleeding and other side effects.

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