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

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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

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

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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

What is a good breakfast for fibromyalgia patients? ›

Try having a fruit and spinach smoothie for breakfast or a bowl of whole oats with berries. Instead of packaged snacks or dairy and meat products, reach for options like carrot sticks and hummus, broccoli and cauliflower, and colorful berries, if you want something to munch on.

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 a superfood for fibromyalgia? ›

Foods that are particularly rich in nutrients include broccoli and berries. Choose whole grains: Whole-grain foods include barley, buckwheat, oats, quinoa, brown rice, rye, wheat, and spelt. These foods provide vitamins, protein, and fiber. Choose healthful oils: Olive oil is a good choice.

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.

Is peanut butter good for fibromyalgia? ›

Lean protein: Eating some type of protein at every meal—whether it's chicken, fish, beans, nuts, or peanut butter, gives you energy by fueling your muscles. With fibromyalgia, it's common to feel low on energy, so bulking up on protein is essential.

Is pasta OK with fibromyalgia? ›

We understand this won't gain too many fans, but bread, pasta, crackers, muffins, and boxed cereals will only exacerbate symptoms of fibromyalgia. You can eat carbs, as long as you choose the whole grain variety, such as quinoa, amaranth, and wild or brown rice.

What calms fibromyalgia? ›

The CDC state that reducing stress through yoga, massage, and meditation may help people with fibromyalgia. They also note that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people change the way they think about their pain and stress factors, which may help them manage their symptoms.

What not to drink with fibromyalgia? ›

some people with fibromyalgia report alcohol causes symptoms to flare. Drinking alcohol while taking certain medications prescribed for fibromyalgia—such as anti-convulsants, antidepressants, and acetaminophen (an ingredient in many medications) could cause harmful interactions.

What aggravates fibromyalgia? ›

Possible triggers

Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident. an infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease.

Are salads good for fibromyalgia? ›

Plant-Based Diets

The two-month study involved the balanced intake of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and nutrients using raw fruits, salads, carrot juice, tubers, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dehydrated barley grass juice. Of the 20 participants who made it to the trial's end, 19 achieved a positive result.

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 deficiency causes fibromyalgia? ›

Which vitamin deficiency causes fibromyalgia? It is possible, based on some evidence , that magnesium and vitamin D deficiencies may contribute to fibromyalgia. However, additional studies are needed to show how other factors influence its development.

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).

Does anything make fibromyalgia worse? ›

Too much stress may trigger your fibromyalgia symptoms. Reducing stress may ease depression, anxiety, and fatigue and improve sleep. Make time for yourself every day to decompress and relax. Be sure to do something you love like read, listen to music, or take a walk.

Should I push through fibromyalgia pain? ›

Moderation is the key. If a person with fibromyalgia does too much on days when their symptoms are less, they may end up having more bad days. However, on bad days, individuals should still try to be as active as they can. Keeping activity levels as even as possible provides the best outcome.

Are eggs good for fibromyalgia? ›

Nuts, nut butters, tofu, beans, legumes, egg whites, and vegetarian meat alternatives are excellent, non-meat sources of protein. Desserts: Sugary foods are a common trigger for fibromyalgia flares. Even if they don't directly cause symptoms, enjoy the treats in moderation or opt for fresh fruits instead.

What cereals are good for fibromyalgia? ›

Look out for wheat-free cereals such as corn flakes, millet flakes or rice puffs. These are available in sugar-free versions in many supermarkets and most health stores. Wheat-free pastas made from spelt, rice, corn and other non-wheat grains can also be found in health stores and some supermarkets.

Can you eat bread with fibromyalgia? ›

While there is little evidence linking sugar to fibromyalgia pain, reducing intake of refined carbohydrates such as white rice and bread can help reduce symptoms. Refined carbohydrates can aggravate pain because these foods are digested very quickly, causing blood sugar levels to spike and then drop.

Are potatoes good for fibromyalgia? ›

Other foods and ingredients that may cause symptoms for some people include, but are not limited to: Gluten. Red meat. Fruits and vegetables in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, white potatoes, green peppers, and goji berries.

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