Fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance - The connection
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain throughout the body, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues. The literal translation of the disease means "fibrous muscle pain."
It describes a complex condition where the exact causes are not yet fully understood. However, it is striking that those affected often have an issue with histamine. In the following blog article, you will learn more about fibromyalgia and the existing connections to histamine problems.
Fibromyalgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is mainly characterized by the occurrence of chronic pain. About 2 out of 100 people are affected by fibromyalgia – women are six to seven times more likely to be affected than men. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 40 and 60, and less frequently in children, adolescents, or the elderly. The causes are still not 100% clear to this day; however, it is suspected that a genetic predisposition, traumatic life events, poorly processed stress, and overexertion play a role.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but the most common complaints are persistent pain in various body regions, which is often described as dull, aching, or burning. Exhaustion and fatigue are also among the most common symptoms, even after sufficient sleep. Sleep disturbances such as restless sleep or insomnia are also common. Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from cognitive problems such as memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and what is known as "fibro fog."
Further complaints associated with fibromyalgia include
- Inner restlessness, feelings of anxiety, or low spirits, potentially leading to depression
- Sensory disturbances in the hands and feet
- Increased menstrual cramps
- Heart palpitations, shortness of breath
- Stomach and intestinal issues
It often takes a long time to reach a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Many sufferers are not taken seriously at first because the cause of their symptoms is difficult to identify. To make a diagnosis, however, the attending physician must carefully take the medical history and thoroughly examine the body. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia cannot be detected via blood tests, although these values can be used to rule out other diseases. A significant indicator of fibromyalgia includes painful pressure points at the attachment sites of tendons.
Since the symptoms differ from person to person, the therapy is usually adapted individually to the affected individual. According to the current state of conventional medicine, fibromyalgia is not curable, but it is possible to alleviate the symptoms through therapy. So far, for example, light endurance training has proven to be effective. However, it should be noted that sufferers should start moving slowly and should not overexert themselves. Physical activity during training can also cause pain. However, if those affected accept this and overcome internal resistance, they usually feel better afterwards.
In addition to exercise, the following treatment options are recommended
- Relaxation exercises for stress, such as breathing therapy or yoga
- Heat therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Medication in consultation with the attending physician
In addition to the measures mentioned, a balanced diet also plays an important role in everyday life. An uncomplicated way to achieve this is our Organic Grain Bread made from gluten-free whole grain oat flour and whole grain oat flakes as well as selected seeds such as pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. With 13 g of dietary fiber per 100 g, it is high in fiber and also vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free, as well as suitable for a low-histamine and low-fructose diet.
Fibromyalgia and Histamine Intolerance: A Look at Overlapping Symptoms
Fibromyalgia and histamine problems are two different "medical conditions" that, however, share a number of symptoms. This can make diagnosis and treatment difficult, as the symptoms are often confused with one another. Overlapping symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, or sleep disturbances, for example. Furthermore, both conditions can lead to increased sensitivity to pain and gastrointestinal issues.
It is important to note here that the causes and treatments for fibromyalgia and histamine problems are different. In conventional medicine, fibromyalgia is usually treated with medication, physical therapy, and behavioral changes, while histamine problems are usually treated with a low-histamine diet and, if necessary, the use of antihistamines.
Good to know:
Of course, a histamine issue can also be treated using natural or alternative medical methods.
If you have symptoms that could potentially point to both diagnoses, it is recommended to consult your trusted doctor. Because an accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment and can help to significantly improve your quality of life.
Potential Interactions between Fibromyalgia and Histamine Intolerance
One possible interaction is that people with fibromyalgia are more frequently affected by histamine problems than the general population. This is because fibromyalgia influences, among other things, the immune system and inflammatory processes in the body, which are important for a normal histamine reaction.
Conversely, a histamine issue can worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia, as histamine is a messenger substance that triggers inflammatory reactions in the body and can increase pain sensitivity. Therefore, if sufferers of a histamine issue consume histamine-rich foods, this can lead to increased inflammation and pain sensitivity, which in turn can intensify the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The Role of Nutrition in Fibromyalgia and Histamine Intolerance
It becomes clear time and again that an anti-inflammatory and low-histamine diet is recommended not only for histamine problems. It can also make sense in the case of fibromyalgia to counteract inflammation with an adapted diet and to stabilize mast cells.
- high-quality fats such as linseed or olive oil, salmon (omega-3 fatty acids)
- low-histamine fruits such as blackberries, red currants, blueberries, peach, apricot
- antioxidants in herbs, vegetables, and spices
- B vitamins (especially B1 and B6): whole grain products, oatmeal, asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, parsley
- vitamin E: rosehip, kale, leeks, sweet potatoes, peppers, black currants, flaxseeds, almonds
- magnesium: nuts and seeds, oatmeal, whole grain products
- selenium: Brazil nuts, broccoli, mushrooms, kale, white cabbage, oats, natural rice, sesame, chia seeds, pistachios
- copper: whole grain cereals, salmon, sweet potatoes, artichokes, scorzonera, garlic, parsley
Some of the micronutrients mentioned here can also be found in our BalanceFit. The formula combines, among other things, vitamin B6, magnesium, selenium, and copper with other selected vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, and manganese, as well as OPC and quercetin. BalanceFit is laboratory-tested, vegan, and suitable for a low-histamine, low-fructose, gluten-free, and lactose-free diet.
Conclusion: Shared Symptoms and Hope
Sources
- https://www.rheuma-liga.de/rheuma/krankheitsbilder/fibromyalgie#:~:text=Die%20Krankheit%20%E2%80%93%20was%20ist%20Fibromyalgie,ist%20auch%20die%20Wirbels%C3%A4ule%20betroffen.
- https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Fibromyalgie-Symptome-erkennen-und-Schmerzen-lindern,fibromyalgie118.html
- https://fruhimi.de/2021/02/12/schmerzen-ohne-ursache/
- https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/krankheiten/rheuma-knochen-gelenke/fibromyalgie-uebersicht/fibromyalgie
- https://www.liebscher-bracht.com/schmerzlexikon/tipps/histamin/
