Anti-inflammatory Diets for Chronic Pain Disorders With a Focus on Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Integrative medicine and nutritional science.
• Exploration of the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia (FM).

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition with widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep issues.
• Emerging evidence suggests inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis contribute to FM pathophysiology, moving beyond the traditional non-inflammatory view.
• Dietary interventions are being explored as complementary treatments for FM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of various dietary patterns and supplements on fibromyalgia symptoms.
• To explore the proposed mechanisms through which diet may influence FM.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on dietary interventions for FM.
• Analysis of studies on Mediterranean, plant-based, low-FODMAP, elimination, and ketogenic diets.
• Inclusion of research on omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant supplements.

Main Results:

• Dietary patterns and supplements may modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduce neuroinflammation, enhance mitochondrial function, and regulate gut microbiota.
• Preliminary findings suggest potential benefits for FM symptoms.
• Evidence is limited by small sample sizes and varied study methodologies.

Conclusions:

• Dietary interventions offer a promising avenue for managing fibromyalgia.
• Mechanisms involve reducing inflammation, neuroinflammation, and improving gut health.
• Larger, well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate these findings and establish efficacy.