According to Sharon Ostalecki, Ph.D., founder of the nonprofit H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Pain and Exhaustion, Inc.), whose mission it is to promote a greater understanding of fibromyalgia, sufferers of fibromyalgia should add more protein-rich foods to their diets. Proteins such as fish/seafood, milk, lean beef, pork, eggs and chicken contain essential amino acids that are important for good muscle health. Vegetable proteins have fewer essential amino acids, making them less helpful to the fibromyalgia patient. The ideal recipe for combating the symptoms of this disease is a combination of vegetable and animal proteins.
Protein and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects around 6 million Americans. Following a high protein diet may help fibromyalgia sufferers maintain more normal cells and tissues in the body, resulting in less muscle pain and joint stiffness.
Protein, one of the many nutrients needed to maintain healthy cells, organs and tissues, makes up 10 to 20 percent of the human body. A failure to maintain the much needed protein in the body's tissues and muscles (the areas most affected by fibromyalgia), will lead to more pain for the fibromyalgia sufferer
Drawbacks of a High Protein Diet
A high protein diet may result in a loss of calcium through the urine. Those on a high protein diet should take calcium supplements.
High amounts of protein in people with kidney problems may result in a loss of kidney function. If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor before starting a high protein diet.
Keep a check on the amount of fat in proteins such as beef, pork, and dairy products to prevent high cholesterol, a factor in any diet.
How Much is Enough?
Thirty to 50 percent of total caloric intake should come from proteins. Consider incorporating these meat products into your diet:
Fish and Seafood
Any type of seafood is a good source of protein, particularly for fibromyalgia patients. Seafood is low in fat and contains omega-3 fatty acids that are great for the heart.
Beef
Choose lean cuts of beef to limit the amount of cholesterol and fat.
Pork
Center-cut pork chops and pork tenderloins, work well for those on a high protein diet. Stay away from high fat pork like ribs and bacon.
Eggs and Chicken
Eggs are high in protein, but limit how many you eat to cut down on cholesterol. Chicken is another source of protein. Choose white meat instead of dark meat and remove the skin to reduce fat.
Can You Get Enough Protein Without Eating Meat?
These foods also contain a significant amount of protein and can be helpful in easing the symptoms of fibromyalgia:
Soy Products
Products made from soybeans are high in protein. Adding tofu to stir fries is a good delivery system for protein.
Beans
Beans are high in protein. Incorporate beans into your diet, but don't add fat (such as bacon) for flavoring.
Dairy Products
Low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese, and skim milk are good additions to the high protein diet.
