Fibromyalgia is defined as a disease of painful (non-joint) condition involving the musculature. It is the most common cause of chronic, widespread muscle pain.
That is its main characteristic, it presents generalized and chronic pain (more than 3 months of duration). In addition, in order to diagnose it, there must be pain when finger pressure is applied to approximately 11 of the 18 key points of the body.
Most common alterations
It has been scientifically proven that there are alterations in pain neurotransmitters. The most important is found in serotonin, which intervenes in the inhibition of painful sensations and is very diminished in people with fibromyalgia. Although there may also be alterations in dopamine and endorphins, among others.
The symptoms that appear most frequently are:
- Sleep rhythm disturbances
- Psychological alterations
- Decreased strength
- Pain in the locomotor system
- Extreme fatigue
Treatment of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease and therefore has no cure. The treatment should be focused on improving the symptoms suffered by the person and improving their quality of life.
The most advisable is to perform a multidisciplinary action involving various treatments:
- Pharmacological (analgesics, anti-inflammatory, antidepressants…).
- Physiotherapy
- Psychotherapy
- Sports
- Nutritional
Nutrition in fibromyalgia
Generally, in the body of people with fibromyalgia there is a chronic loss of calcium and magnesium. In addition, it is also common to find a deficit of Selenium, Zinc, Iodine, Iron and Vitamin D.
Proteins should provide 15% of the energy consumed throughout the day and most of them should be of vegetable origin. The recommended foods are fish, legumes and eggs. In the case of carbohydrates, sugars should represent 45% of the energy consumed throughout the day. Tubers, vegetables, fruit and, to a lesser extent, cereals are recommended. Finally, fats (mostly monounsaturated fatty acids) should represent 35% of the energy consumed.
One of the main nutritional objectives for treating autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia is to boost the immune system through a good intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins.
The main dietary recommendations for fibromyalgia are:
- To make a basifying diet, that is, rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium, and low in sodium (salt).
- Make a good intake of antioxidants: vitamin C, A, E, Selenium, Zinc and phytochemicals such as flavonoids or quercetin.
- Make a correct intake of vitamin D to ensure the absorption of calcium at intestinal level.
- Consume Omega-3 for its anti-inflammatory effect and improvement of depressive states.
- To consume raw vegetables in the main meals to increase the contribution of antioxidant vitamins.
- To ensure a good supply of energy and nutrients, it is recommended to divide the food into 5 meals a day.