A holistic, personalised approach to fibromyalgia

A functional nutritionist adopts a comprehensive, tailored approach to support individuals with fibromyalgia, focusing on addressing the root causes of symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Individualised Assessment

During a consultation, the practitioner evaluates:

  • Diet: Reviews nutrient intake, potential deficiencies, and food sensitivities.

  • Lifestyle: Assesses factors like stress, sleep patterns, and physical activity.

  • Medical History: Considers gut health, hormonal balance, inflammation, and other co-existing conditions.

2. Specific Nutrition Strategies

  • Anti-inflammatory Foods: Encourages a diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and whole foods (e.g., fatty fish, leafy greens) while avoiding processed foods and sugars.

  • Elimination Diets: Identifies potential triggers like gluten or dairy by eliminating and reintroducing them.

  • Supplements: Suggests nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, B-complex, and CoQ10 to manage pain, inflammation, and energy levels.

3. Gut Health Improvement

  • Focuses on balancing gut bacteria through probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich foods.

  • Addresses issues such as leaky gut, which may exacerbate inflammation.

4. Stress and Sleep Management

  • Recommends natural remedies like adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha, rhodiola) and magnesium for stress relief and better sleep.

  • Suggests mindfulness techniques, yoga, or meditation to promote relaxation.

5. Boosting Energy Metabolism

  • Supports blood sugar regulation through balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

  • Includes nutrients like L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid to enhance mitochondrial function.

6. Minimising Toxin Exposure

  • Encourages hydration and detox-supportive foods like cruciferous vegetables and citrus.

  • Advises reducing exposure to environmental toxins found in household and personal care products.

7. Sustainable Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Focuses on developing consistent healthy habits and making long-term dietary and lifestyle changes.

  • Provides ongoing guidance to adjust the plan as needs evolve.

Understanding the root causes, addressing the imbalances that are identified and alleviating to symptoms

Individuals with Fibromyalgia have many questions that reflect the complexity of living with the condition and the desire for understanding, effective management, and validation of their experiences.

Frequently asked questions by our clients

  • Traditionally, fibromyalgia has been considered a non-inflammatory condition because it does not show the classic signs of inflammation, such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, however, emerging research suggests that certain types of inflammation, particularly low-grade or neuroinflammation, may play a role in fibromyalgia. Studies using brain imaging techniques, such as PET scans, have shown signs of neuroinflammation in individuals with fibromyalgia. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activated glial cells (immune cells in the central nervous system) have been observed in the brain, particularly in areas involved in pain processing, like the thalamus and cortex.

    This neuroinflammation may contribute to heightened pain sensitivity (central sensitisation) and other symptoms like fatigue and cognitive difficulties.

  • There is substantial evidence supporting an association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia. Both conditions are considered part of a broader group of disorders known as central sensitivity syndromes, which are thought to share common underlying mechanisms.

    A significant percentage of people with fibromyalgia (32–70%) also meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS.

    The gut-brain axis, which links the central nervous system with the gastrointestinal system, is dysregulated in both conditions. Altered communication between these systems may contribute to pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

    Dietary modifications, such as a low FODMAP diet, have been shown to improve IBS symptoms and may also alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms in fibromyalgia.

    Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and yoga, have demonstrated benefits for both conditions.

  • Yes, other health issues such as thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune diseases and chronic infections could contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms or coexist with the condition, complicating its diagnosis and management. While fibromyalgia itself is not classified as an autoimmune or inflammatory disease, it shares overlapping symptoms with many other disorders, making it essential to evaluate these potential contributing factors

    Hypothyroidism, can lead to symptoms of fatigue, muscle pain, brain fog, and depression are common to both conditions.

    If thyroid dysfunction goes untreated, it can intensify symptoms typically associated with fibromyalgia.

    Chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases may sensitise the central nervous system, contributing to central sensitisation—a key mechanism in fibromyalgia.

    Autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia may share genetic or environmental triggers.

    Viral or bacterial infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Lyme disease, can lead to post-infectious fatigue and pain syndromes that overlap with fibromyalgia.

    Misdiagnosis can occur if one condition masks the other.

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch or book in a free call by clicking the link below.