Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness characterized by widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. It also triggers fatigue, sleep, and mood problems. Likewise, chronic fatigue is also a long-term and serious disorder that causes severe fatigue and sleep issues. People with chronic fatigue syndrome are often unable to do their daily chores.

People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often exhibit nutrient deficiencies that can aggravate symptoms and reduce their quality of life.

Treatments aim to ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. However, lifestyle changes such as a good diet can help in disease management.

What to eat?

A balanced diet is the need of the human body to stay healthy and fight various infections and diseases. However, getting the right combination of food and nutrients is particularly important for chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients.

A balanced diet includes lean protein, i.e., fish or chicken, whole grains, healthy fats, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia diet are focused on taking more balanced and nutrient-rich snacks and meals and avoiding foods that could worsen disease symptoms.

Compliant foods for fibromyalgia and CFS

People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can include the following foods in their daily diet to avert disease symptoms and maintain and improve their life quality.

• Legumes or dried beans
• Whole grains
• Seafood (e.g., Fish)
• Soy food (e.g., tempeh or tofu)
• Any Fruit, particularly berries, are beneficial as they are rich in antioxidants.
• Vegetables (e.g., leafy greens- and orange-colored vegetables packed with minerals, vitamins, and fiber)
• Dairy products (e.g., Kefir, yogurt, etc.)
• Fresh or dried herbs and spices
• Dark chocolate (in moderate amounts)
• Good or healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, seeds, nuts, and avocados)

It may take trial and error to pick the best diet combination. Moreover, you can learn with time how and which foods impact and relieve your symptoms.

Interestingly, an antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory diet for fibromyalgia and CFS may help in minimizing musculoskeletal pains and continual and extreme fatigue in patients and give a ‘feel good’ factor.

Foods to avoid with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue condition

People with fibromyalgia and CFS should avoid foods with low nutritional value as they may negatively impact their health. Here is the list of foods to avoid with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome:

• Processed food
• Packaged and frozen meals
• Fried and fast food
• Alcohol
• Soft drinks
• Caffeine
• Oils containing omega-6 fatty acids
• Snacks (packaged)
• Foods containing white flour or any added sugar or salts

Benefits

Specific fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue diets can provide energy and diminish nutrient deficiencies in patients.

• Provide energy

CFS and fibromyalgia make you feel worn out. Thus, eating certain foods may help you get sufficient energy to effectively get through the day.

You may combine carbohydrates with fat and proteins to slow down their absorption and gain energy for more extended periods. High-fiber whole foods with no or low amounts of added sugars can be used, such as seeds and nuts, i.e., almonds, beans, oatmeal, broccoli, and tofu. However, avoid sweets that cause a quick rise in sugar levels and then burn through your body.

• Nutrient deficiencies

Vitamin, mineral, and crucial fatty acid deficiencies are commonly found in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome patients. A healthy and balanced diet can help overcome underlying deficiencies that contribute to symptoms associated with these conditions.