A number of studies have been conducted to specifically answer the question of whether a vegan diet will be helpful to those with fibromyalgia. However, most of these studies have focused on raw vegan diets. Let’s make some brief distinctions before moving forward in order to avoid confusion. A vegetarian diet is plant-based, but also includes the consumption of animal products such as milk, cheese, and eggs, while excluding the consumption of any flesh whatsoever. A vegan diet is entirely plant-based and excludes all animals and animal products. A raw vegan diet is the same as vegan, only the food is typically fresh, whole, and uncooked.
So what’s the answer to the question? Does a vegan diet help fight against fibromyalgia? While the scientific community is always hesitant to state the obvious, their research shows the answer is a rather definitive yes. One study that featured a raw vegan diet showed significant improvement in shoulder pain, flexibility, and a 6-minute walk. In fact, after four months, patients reported a 46% improvement. The study participants ate raw fruits, nuts, grain products, salads, carrot juice, and more. A similar raw vegan diet study found that fibromyalgia patients significantly improved in the areas of pain, joint stiffness, quality of sleep, weight, and overall health.
It is no secret that corporate agriculture whose products dominate your local grocer, spray an array of chemicals over their crops which are almost exclusively genetically modified. A random search for the effects that these chemicals have on the workers who use them is horrifying. Symptoms run the gamut from nausea and dizziness to cancer, genetic mutations, and death. Think about that for a moment… and then imagine the effects of these chemicals on you who suffer from fibromyalgia with a heightened sensitivity to pain, medications, and chemicals. So if you can’t or won’t give up meat, then at least consider upgrading to organic and non-GMO produce and products as often as possible. You may notice a significant difference in some of your symptoms from that alone.
Author of The Autoimmune Solution, Dr. Amy Myers, says that, “Dairy is one of the most inflammatory foods in our modern diet, second only to gluten,” resulting in bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea to name just a few symptoms. These factors matter to those suffering from the debilitating effects of fibromyalgia because it’s like feeding your problem. Specifically, rapid growth hormones coupled with high fat content consumed by someone who can’t be very active due to pain and fatigue leads to rapid weight gain. This makes the pain worse, sluggishness increase, and often compounds depression. Additionally, inflammation can be a fibromyalgia patient’s worst nightmare.
Don’t stress about this. You have enough to deal with. But think for a moment about all the foods you already eat that are vegan: fruits, vegetables, hummus, salad, salsa and pico de gallo, seeds, nuts, and many breads. It’s easier than you think. Do your research and figure out what works best for your body. Try something for a few months and keep a journal or notebook of your progress. This will help determine what is most beneficial for you.
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