Can a Keto Diet Help Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

Understanding Fibromyalgia and the Potential Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects an estimated 2-6% of the population. Symptoms include widespread muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, memory issues and mood disorders.

While there is no known cure, certain lifestyle changes may help manage symptoms. Recently, more people with fibromyalgia have explored using a ketogenic or "keto" diet to find relief.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is classified as a rheumatic condition but differs from arthritis conditions because it does not cause damage to muscles or joints. Instead, it seems to largely involve nerve and brain signaling problems that heighten pain perception.

In addition to pain and stiffness, common fibromyalgia symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Insomnia or sleep disruptions
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Headaches or migraines
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Urinary problems like urgency or frequency
• Anxiety or depression
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Fibromyalgia often co-occurs with other inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Symptoms tend to flare up during stress.

The exact causes of fibromyalgia remain unclear but likely involve genetics, infections or physical trauma that alter pain signaling pathways in the nervous system and brain.

Standard Fibromyalgia Treatments

Since the underlying mechanisms behind fibromyalgia are still being unraveled, treatment focuses on symptom management. Common recommendations include:

• Medications - Antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs and pain medications are often prescribed.
• Exercise - Low impact activities like walking, swimming and stretching are encouraged to improve pain and fatigue.
• Stress reduction - Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, massage therapy and sufficient sleep are key.
• Balanced nutrition - Eating a fibroid-friendly anti-inflammatory diet can ease symptoms.

No single diet has been shown to significantly or consistently improve fibromyalgia, but many sufferers try eliminating foods that seem to trigger flare ups. A ketogenic diet is one example of a dietary approach some people find useful.

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

The ketogenic or "keto" diet is a very low carbohydrate, high fat and moderate protein eating pattern focused on achieving a metabolic state called ketosis. This sets it apart from general low carb diets.

Reaching a State of Ketosis

Ketosis occurs when carb restriction (usually under 50g/day) causes the body to switch from using glucose as its main fuel source to using fats and ketones instead.

Ketone bodies are produced in the liver from fatty acids. They can pass the blood-brain barrier and act as an alternative energy source for the brain when blood sugar levels get very low due to a lack of carb intake.

Some of the proposed benefits of achieving nutritional ketosis include appetite suppression, weight loss, improved mental focus and decreased inflammation. These potential positives have sparked interest in using a ketogenic diet for fibromyalgia.

Typical Ketogenic Diet Foods

Here are the basic nutritional goals when following a standard ketogenic diet:

• Carbs - Restricted to only non-starchy fibrous vegetables. 5-10% of total daily calories.
• Protein - Moderate amounts recommended. Roughly 0.6 - 1.2 grams per pound of lean body mass. 20-30% calories.
• Fat - Makes up the rest of the calories. Ideal sources include coconut, olive and avocado oils, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. Roughly 60-75% of total daily calories come from fats.

Since this is such a drastic shift from the standard American diet, most aim to slowly ease into this macro ratio over 2-3 weeks while monitoring symptoms and adjusting as needed.

The Potential of a Keto Diet for Fibromyalgia

Could the physiological shifts associated with ketosis help improve some root causes and symptoms of fibromyalgia? There is limited research but some indications that ketogenic dieting may be worth exploring for those with fibromyalgia.

Possible Links Between Fibromyalgia and Metabolic Syndrome

Interestingly, some research shows a higher correlation of metabolic syndrome conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia in those suffering from fibromyalgia versus the general population.

It has been hypothesized that inflammation related to obesity and blood sugar imbalance may contribute to or exacerbate some fibromyalgia symptoms like widespread pain, fatigue and poor sleep quality.

A ketogenic diet has been shown in some studies to reduce markers of inflammation and improve chronic pain conditions, obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome indicators like insulin resistance. Perhaps through these mechanisms it may also provide fibromyalgia relief for some.

The Brain and Nervous System Connection

Many experts suspect that the root of fibromyalgia involves abnormal nervous system processing and functioning. Some research points to neurotransmitter imbalances, spinal cord sensitization, inadequate pain modulation pathways and overactive pain signaling from the brain.

In theory, the ketones produced during ketosis provide an alternative brain and nervous system fuel source that may help correct certain neurological abnormalities and pathways tied to fibromyalgia pain signaling. But more studies are still needed.

Anecdotally, some people report mental clarity improvements on keto diets so this aspect also requires further exploration for potential effects on fibro-fog concentration/memory issues.

Documented Cases of Fibro Improvement on Keto Diets

While formal clinical trials are still limited, there are plenty of real-world instances and antidotal evidence of positive fibromyalgia symptom changes with adherence to well-formulated ketogenic diets.

Kate Sisk's Keto Success Story

Kate Sisk was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago. Like many, she experienced constant pain, extreme fatigue and brain fog that disrupted her life and work. Exhausted by ineffective medical treatments, she decided to give the keto diet a try.

Within months of starting this low carb, high fat regime focused on nutritional ketosis she noticed remarkable improvements in energy levels and pain reduction allowing her to function again. She reports still feeling 75% better overall to this day.

Her case demonstrates that this non-traditional dietary approach may hold promise as an additional fibromyalgia management tool for certain individuals. Seeing first-hand examples can further motivate others suffering from fibromyalgia to experiment with the eating pattern.

More Keto and Fibromyalgia Success Stories

In addition to Kate, there are many other inspiring online testimonies of those finding fibromyalgia relief from ketogenic diets. For example, Vicky describes substantially lower pain scores and reduced medication needs within 6 months of adopting a keto eating regime.

Ryan explains how eliminating inflammatory foods and entering ketosis calmed his fibromyalgia symptoms significantly including bowel problems, sinus issues and fatigue.

Jenny experienced far fewer headaches and ability to engage in activities without flares after making the switch. Though formal research is still ongoing, clearly this diet resonates with certain fibromyalgia sufferers.

Adopting a Fibro-Friendly Ketogenic Diet

Since ketosis thresholds vary, those with fibromyalgia interested in pursuing this route should start by consulting with a knowledgeable functional medicine practitioner to devise an individualized keto diet and supplement plan.

Fine-tuning based on personal tolerances and symptom monitoring will be key to discerning if and to what extent ketogenic dieting can impact fibromyalgia. Testing blood ketone levels is recommended to gauge ketosis and make appropriate tweaks.

The extent of carb restriction needed to reach ketosis and experience positive impacts likely differs based on the individual. Remaining nimble and avoiding a rigid one-size-fits-all mindset facilitates finding the personal sweet spot.

Potential Diet Modifications

Some modifications to consider include:

• Shifting macros - Altering carb, protein and fat ratios could change effectiveness
• Intermittent fasting - Time-restricted eating may amplify benefits for some
• Cyclical keto - Brief moderate carb refeeds 1-2 times per week could prevent plateaus
• Stressing vegetable carbs - Focus on below ground veggies better tolerated by some

Supplements to Enhance Effects

Certain supplements may also support keto adaptation and help reduce symptoms like pain, fatigue and neurological dysfunction:

• MCT Oil or exogenous ketones - Boost ketone levels
• Magnesium, Omega 3s - Fight inflammation
• Digestive enzymes, probiotics - Improve gut issues
• Adaptogens - Modulate stress response

Monitoring progress and coordinating care with both keto-savvy health coaches and fibromyalgia specialists allows tailoring the diet as needed on an ongoing basis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.