How Probiotics Help In The Treatment Of Fibromyalgia
According to a study carried out in 2017, the consumption of probiotics by patients with fibromyalgia has a positive influence on their treatment, especially emotionally and mentally.
Fibromyalgia is a non-articular rheumatism of unknown origin. People with this disease suffer from obesity, eating disorders, metabolic syndrome, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Dietary patterns are believed to influence symptoms. In that sense, probiotic foods can be used in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
In any case, the support of medical specialists is necessary during this process. As the causes are unknown, greater control is required to monitor the response of treatment to the disease.
Fibromyalgia symptoms
This condition causes sore muscles and tiredness. Sufferers have some “tender points” on the body, which cause pain when pressed. They can be found in the following places:
- Neck.
- Back.
- Hips.
- Arms.
- Legs.
- Shoulders.
They may also have the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Difficulty to sleep.
- Very painful menstruation.
- Numbness of feet and hands.
- Muscle stiffness when waking up in the morning.
- Cognitive problems related to memory and thinking.
For the treatment of fibromyalgia, psychological therapy and analgesic techniques are used. This way, the problems caused by this disease can be managed and controlled. Also, probiotics can work in this process.
What are probiotics?
Probiotic foods contain live microorganisms that survive and remain active long enough to alter the microbiota.
Gut microbiota is understood to be the bacteria that live inside the intestine, in a symbiotic relationship. Now, these bacteria are not harmful to health, quite the opposite. In fact, they are necessary to maintain balance within the human body.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) explains that probiotics have an important action in the following functions:
- Immune.
- Digestive
- Respiratory.
Probiotics in the treatment of fibromyalgia
A group of scientists from the University of Almería found that fibromyalgia patients who consume probiotics have a positive improvement in the decisions they must make in their daily activities. That is, these healthy microorganisms increase the predisposition to switch from one activity to another.
The results of the research indicate that ingesting these elements influence having a proactive attitude that allows any activity to be carried out. Similarly, impulsiveness in decision-making is considerably reduced.
In this work, physical and cognitive tests of memory, emotional, attention and impetus were performed. Biological samples were also taken to indicate the stress levels in the patients.
This disease is related to sudden mood swings, emotional dysfunctions, and frequent fatigue. Probiotics supplied in adequate quantities have a considerable influence on improving complex cognitive functions, which are normally impaired in these patients.
Benefits of probiotics on mental functions
Researchers at the University of Almería worked with the premise that consuming probiotics has advantages in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Above all, those related to mental functions, on the emotional and physical levels.
In this sense, the leader of this work, Pablo Román, in his work published in the journal Nutrition Hospitaliaria , indicates that his initial objective was to determine the following:
- If these healthy bacteria helped reduce the intensity of the pain.
- Control anxiety and depression suffered by fibromyalgia patients.
- Find some kind of cognitive enhancement.
The author explained that people with this disease lose lexical richness and memory as time passes. The conclusions indicate that the intake of probiotic microorganisms does not affect the area of the brain that is responsible for motor functions. However, it does influence the area that is responsible for controlling people’s ability to adapt to a certain task without showing signs of fatigue. Given this, Román points out that, when they had to make decisions, patients who had ingested probiotics acted less impulsively.
Probiotic foods
To provide the body with healthy bacteria, the following foods are among the healthiest and recommended options:
- Kefir: stands out for its richness in live ferments and contains less lactose than yogurt. It is a live mushroom that must be mixed with goat, sheep or cow milk. It should be cast after 24 to 48 hours have elapsed.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage increases the amount of bacteria within the intestine. To prepare it, the cabbage leaves must be fermented with water and salt.
- Fermented pineapple: a drink made from the skin of pineapple. It is recommended to drink it cold.
- Yogurt: it is very nutritious, takes care of the intestinal flora and allows to regulate the functions of the intestine. It can be consumed natural and with some fruits to add flavor.
- Tempeh: this food is produced after the fermentation of soybeans. It is very rich in protein and has essential amino acids.
People can choose the one that best suits their tastes to contribute to the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, it is important that before opting for some and ruling out others they have medical advice. The specialist will help you determine the most suitable ones according to your needs.
