Fibromyalgia

Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Fibromyalgia causes only minor aches and pains.

Fact: Fibro is excruciatingly painful. The condition magnifies pain signals, making the skin, muscles, bones and joints extremely sensitive to touch and movement.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Fibromyalgia is very rare.

Fact: Experts disagree on the prevalence of fibromyalgia, but some studies show it affects 2 to 4 of every 100 adults in the U.S.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Fibromyalgia is all in your head.

Fact: Fibromyalgia is a physiological condition diagnosed according to physical symptoms.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Doctors know what causes fibro.

Fact: The exact cause of fibromyalgia still isn't known. Research shows that genetics, brain chemistry, hormones, stress and reaction to trauma may all play a role.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Fibromyalgia is a younger woman's problem.

Fact: Fibro can ocurr at any age, though it's most common among women in their 40s.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Fibro causes constant pain.

Fact: Fibromyalgia pain comes and goes. The pain associated with fibromyalgia waxes and wanes depending on other factors, such as stress and overall health.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: You can't exercise if you have fibromyalgia.

Fact: Actually, exercise is one way to reduce fibromyalgia pain. Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you, as some high-impact activities, such as running, may make you hurt more. The key is to start low and go slow. 

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Depression and fibro are unrelated.

Fact: Depression goes hand in hand with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can cause depression, and, conversely, depression can make fibromyalgia worse.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Fibromyalgia makes you fat.

Fact: While being overweight is often associated with fibromyalgia, it's lifestyle choices that cause the weight gain, not the condition itself.

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Fibro Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Fibro does not cause memory problems.

Fact: If you think fibromyalgia is making you foggy and forgetful, you're likely right. Memory problems and confusion are common with fibromyalgia.
 

The Fibromyalgia Diet

We've gathered the evidence on foods that may help tame the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Changing your diet may not work for you, but trying it can't hurt. It might even help.

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Fruits and Veggies

Fresh produce is full of antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, a cell-damaging process thought to play a role in fibro. In a few studies, a high-produce diet reduced fibro pain.

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Eat More Fish

Ask your doctor whether a fish oil supplement is worth trying for your fibro pain -- and at what dose. You can also add more coldwater fish to your diet, such as salmon and tuna.

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Limit Caffeine

There's no evidence that caffeine aggravates fibro, but too much of the stuff can cause energy highs and lows throughout the day, give you the jitters, worsen stomach troubles and make it hard to sleep.

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Cut Back on Sugar

Limiting sweets may help you avoid hypoglycemia. That's extra important if you have fibro, since some studies suggest that people with fibro may not be able to produce the hormones needed to stabilize blood sugar.

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Read Food Labels

More research is needed, but in small studies, nixing aspartame (an artificial sweetener) improved fibro pain and fatigue. Some experts suggest that certain food additives, such as MSG or the nitrates in processed meat, may make fibro symptoms worse.

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Food Allergies and Fibro

Food allergies can lead to nausea, fatigue and depression, making your fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Ask your doctor about allergy testing or elimination diets.