Can a ketogenic diet alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms. How does the ketogenic diet impact energy metabolism in fibromyalgia patients. What does research say about the effects of a low-carb diet on chronic pain and inflammation.

Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Challenges

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue. Many individuals with this condition also experience sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog”. While there is no universally effective dietary approach for managing fibromyalgia symptoms, emerging research suggests that a ketogenic diet may offer potential benefits for some patients.

Key Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

• Widespread pain and tenderness
• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Cognitive difficulties (fibro fog)
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating

The Ketogenic Diet: A Brief Overview

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate eating plan. It shares some similarities with the Paleo diet, emphasizing whole foods and eliminating processed foods, sugar, and grains. However, the ketogenic diet is unique in its ability to induce a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body primarily uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.

Key Principles of the Ketogenic Diet

• High fat intake (70-80% of total calories)
• Moderate protein consumption (15-20% of total calories)
• Very low carbohydrate intake (5-10% of total calories)
• Emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods
• Elimination of sugar, grains, and most processed foods

The Connection Between Carbohydrates and Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Research conducted by Dr. John Shelley-Tremblay, a professor of psychology and adjunct professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama, has shed light on the potential relationship between carbohydrate consumption and fibromyalgia symptoms. His work suggests that individuals with fibromyalgia may have difficulty metabolizing sugars and other carbohydrates efficiently, leading to energy deficits in their cells, including brain cells.

Energy Metabolism in Fibromyalgia

Do fibromyalgia patients have unique energy metabolism challenges? According to Dr. Shelley-Tremblay, people with fibromyalgia may be in a constant state of energy deficit, struggling to meet the brain’s high energy demands. This deficit can contribute to various symptoms, including:

• Exhaustion
• Chronic pain
• Poor sleep quality
• Cognitive difficulties (fibro fog)

The brain typically relies on glucose as its primary fuel source. However, in fibromyalgia patients, this reliance on glucose may exacerbate symptoms due to their impaired ability to metabolize carbohydrates effectively.

The Impact of High Blood Sugar on Fibromyalgia Symptoms

A study conducted by Shelley-Tremblay and colleagues investigated the effects of carbohydrate consumption on mood in women with fibromyalgia compared to a control group. The research revealed surprising results that challenge common assumptions about sugar’s impact on energy and mood.

Key Findings of the Carbohydrate Study

1. Many fibromyalgia patients reported craving carbohydrates to manage mood and boost energy.
2. After consuming a high-sugar drink, fibromyalgia patients experienced increased anger and hostility.
3. Instead of an energy boost, participants felt frustrated and lethargic following sugar consumption.
4. Many fibromyalgia patients struggled to metabolize the sugar effectively.

These findings suggest that high carbohydrate intake may have detrimental effects on mood and energy levels in individuals with fibromyalgia, contrary to their expectations.

Long-Term Effects of Carbohydrate Intake on Fibromyalgia

While Shelley-Tremblay’s study focused on the immediate effects of sugar consumption, other research has examined the long-term impact of dietary patterns on fibromyalgia symptoms. A study published in the journal Orthopaedic Nursing investigated the relationship between carbohydrate intake and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia.

Key Findings of the Long-Term Dietary Study

• High carbohydrate and sugar intake was associated with reduced quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.
• Increased sugar consumption correlated with greater pain severity.
• The findings suggest that long-term dietary habits may play a significant role in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.

Potential Benefits of Low-Carbohydrate Diets for Fibromyalgia

Given the challenges fibromyalgia patients face with carbohydrate metabolism, low-carbohydrate diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may offer potential benefits. While human studies on the ketogenic diet and fibromyalgia are limited, some research and anecdotal evidence suggest promising outcomes.

European Studies on Low-Carb Diets and Fibromyalgia

Dr. Shelley-Tremblay notes that some European studies have found significant improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms when patients follow a low-carb or ketogenic diet. These improvements may be attributed to the diet’s ability to provide alternative fuel sources for the brain and reduce reliance on glucose metabolism.

Ketogenic Diet and Pain Reduction

Can a ketogenic diet help reduce chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia? While more research is needed, a study published in the journal PLoS One investigated the effects of a ketogenic diet on pain and inflammation in rats. The researchers found that:

• Rats fed a ketogenic diet for 3-4 weeks showed reduced pain sensitivity.
• The diet appeared to have anti-inflammatory effects.
• The study authors concluded that the ketogenic diet may offer new therapeutic opportunities for controlling pain and peripheral inflammation.

While these results are promising, it’s important to note that animal studies may not directly translate to human outcomes. However, they provide a foundation for further research into the potential benefits of ketogenic diets for fibromyalgia patients.

Mechanisms Behind Potential Ketogenic Diet Benefits

Understanding how the ketogenic diet may improve fibromyalgia symptoms requires examining its effects on metabolism and brain function. Several potential mechanisms could explain the reported benefits:

1. Alternative Fuel Source for the Brain

How does the ketogenic diet provide energy to the brain? When following a ketogenic diet, the body produces ketones from fat, which can serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain. This may help alleviate the energy deficits experienced by fibromyalgia patients who struggle with glucose metabolism.

2. Reduced Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in fibromyalgia symptoms. The ketogenic diet has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in various studies. By reducing inflammation, the diet may help alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

3. Improved Mitochondrial Function

Some research suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms. The ketogenic diet has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and energy production in certain neurological conditions. This effect could potentially benefit fibromyalgia patients as well.

4. Stabilized Blood Sugar Levels

The ketogenic diet’s low carbohydrate content helps stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially avoiding the mood and energy fluctuations observed in Shelley-Tremblay’s study. This stability may contribute to improved energy levels and reduced symptoms in some fibromyalgia patients.

Considerations and Potential Challenges of the Ketogenic Diet

While the ketogenic diet shows promise for some fibromyalgia patients, it’s important to consider potential challenges and limitations:

Adaptation Period

Is there an adjustment period when starting a ketogenic diet? Many individuals experience temporary side effects, often called the “keto flu,” when transitioning to a ketogenic diet. These symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, and irritability. For fibromyalgia patients, this adaptation period may be particularly challenging and should be carefully managed.

Nutrient Deficiencies

The restrictive nature of the ketogenic diet can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies if not carefully planned. Fibromyalgia patients should work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure they meet their nutritional needs while following the diet.

Sustainability

The ketogenic diet can be difficult to maintain long-term due to its strict carbohydrate limitations. Some individuals may find it challenging to adhere to the diet in social situations or when dining out. It’s important to consider the long-term sustainability of any dietary approach for managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.

Individual Variability

As with any dietary intervention, responses to the ketogenic diet may vary among fibromyalgia patients. What works for one individual may not be effective for another. It’s crucial to approach dietary changes with an open mind and be willing to adjust based on individual responses and needs.

Future Research Directions

While the existing research on ketogenic diets and fibromyalgia is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and mechanisms involved. Future research directions may include:

• Large-scale, randomized controlled trials examining the effects of ketogenic diets on fibromyalgia symptoms
• Long-term studies to assess the sustainability and safety of ketogenic diets for fibromyalgia patients
• Investigations into the optimal macronutrient ratios and duration of ketogenic diets for symptom management
• Comparisons of various low-carbohydrate approaches to determine the most effective dietary strategies for fibromyalgia
• Studies examining the impact of ketogenic diets on specific fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and cognitive function

As research in this area continues to evolve, it may provide valuable insights into the role of nutrition in managing fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.

Practical Considerations for Implementing a Ketogenic Diet

For fibromyalgia patients considering a ketogenic diet, it’s essential to approach the change thoughtfully and with proper guidance. Here are some practical considerations:

Consult with Healthcare Professionals

Before starting a ketogenic diet, fibromyalgia patients should consult with their healthcare provider and a registered dietitian. These professionals can help assess whether the diet is appropriate for an individual’s specific health needs and provide guidance on implementation.

Gradual Transition

To minimize potential side effects and make the transition more manageable, consider gradually reducing carbohydrate intake over several weeks rather than making an abrupt change.

Monitor Symptoms and Progress

Keep a detailed log of symptoms, energy levels, and other relevant factors when starting a ketogenic diet. This information can help individuals and their healthcare providers assess the diet’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

While following a ketogenic diet, prioritize nutrient-dense foods to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake. This may include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Nuts and seeds
• Avocados
• High-quality meats and eggs

Stay Hydrated and Monitor Electrolytes

The ketogenic diet can have a diuretic effect, potentially leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Ensure adequate fluid intake and consider electrolyte supplementation if necessary, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Be Patient and Flexible

It may take time to experience the full benefits of a ketogenic diet. Be patient and willing to make adjustments as needed. Some individuals may find that a modified low-carbohydrate approach, rather than a strict ketogenic diet, provides the best balance of symptom management and sustainability.

As research into the relationship between ketogenic diets and fibromyalgia continues to evolve, it’s crucial for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to develop an individualized approach to nutrition and symptom management. While the ketogenic diet shows promise for some individuals with fibromyalgia, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing this complex condition.

Can a Ketogenic Diet Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

While there’s not an abundance of studies proving the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet for people with fibromyalgia, emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest that it may be beneficial for some.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder defined by pain and tenderness throughout the body, fatigue, and, often, sleep problems and difficulty with memory and concentration (“fibro fog”). No single diet has been shown to improve these symptoms.

The ketogenic diet is similar to the Paleo diet, which emphasizes whole foods and the elimination of sugar, grains, and processed foods. But the ketogenic diet is extremely low-carb, moderate in protein, and high in fat. It produces a state of ketosis, in which the body’s fat stores are used for energy, and which has been associated with a reduction in hunger, at least anecdotally.

John (Jack) Shelley-Tremblay, PhD, professor of psychology and adjunct professor of neurology at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, has done research on the effects of carbohydrates on fibromyalgia symptoms. And while he’s skeptical of diet fads, he points to research suggesting that the ketogenic diet is helpful for a number of conditions — including, for example, epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. He notes that some European studies have found that many people with fibromyalgia “improve dramatically when they are on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.”;

The Brain Craves Energy to Run

“The standard American diet has a lot of sugar, refined grains, and things you wouldn’t have found in the evolutionary background of humans,” says Dr. Shelley-Tremblay. Research, he says, indicates that people with fibromyalgia do not metabolize sugars and other carbohydrates normally, so their cells, including their brain cells, crave energy.

“The brain is the most energy-craving part of the body pound for pound, and it wants sugar to run,” Shelley-Tremblay says, referring to the brain’s use of glucose as its primary fuel under normal circumstances.

People with fibromyalgia are in a constant state of deficit, he says, and have difficulty meeting the energetic needs of the brain. The result can be exhaustion, pain, poor sleep, and fibro fog, which he describes as “a condition associated with decreased cognitive capacity, specifically decreased short-term or working memory, decreased attentional resources, fatigue, and trouble concentrating.”

It’s a vicious triangle, he says. “Poor sleep, which is both caused by and exacerbates pain, leaves you with fewer cognitive resources to dampen down that pain enough to function.” On top of that, he says, are the energetic deficits associated with the metabolic conditions underlying fibromyalgia.

In Study, High Blood Sugar Leads to Lethargy

Shelley-Tremblay, along with Allen Ernst and John P. Kline, compared the effects consuming carbohydrate had on mood in a small group of women with fibromyalgia with the effects on a similar-size group of women who didn’t have fibromyalgia, in an earlier study published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain.

Many of the women with fibromyalgia acknowledged that they craved carbohydrates and often used them to try to manage their moods and give themselves an energy boost. So when, after having participants fast for 8 to 12 hours, the researchers fed them a big dose of a “super-sugar Kool-Aid mixture,” according to Shelley-Tremblay, the women expected to feel better.

The researchers recorded the women’s blood glucose, assessed their mood using a Profile of Mood States scale, and recorded the electrical activity in certain areas of their brains using electroencephalography (EEG).

“What actually happened was their anger and hostility spiked, almost in sync with their elevated blood glucose,” says Shelley-Tremblay. Soon after, instead of getting an energy boost, they felt frustrated and lethargic, and many did not metabolize the sugar well.

While Shelley-Tremblay’s study looked at the effects of a single, large dose of sugar, a study published in the March-April 2013 issue of the journal Orthopaedic Nursing looked at dietary patterns in women with fibromyalgia over time. The researchers found that high carbohydrate and sugar intake was linked to reduced quality of life, and increased sugar intake was associated with increased severity of pain.

Low-Carb Diets Show More Positive Effects in Lab and in Life

The effects of a ketogenic diet on pain and inflammation were investigated in a rat study published in the journal PLoS One. Adult and juvenile rats were fed a ketogenic diet for three to four weeks, after which they were given standard tests measuring pain and inflammation. Based on their results, the study authors concluded that the diet “offers new therapeutic opportunities for controlling pain and peripheral inflammation, and that such a metabolic strategy may offer significant benefits for children and adults.”

Shelley-Tremblay and Ernst compared the effects of different types of diets in humans with fibromyalgia in a study published in November 2013 in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. The participants, all of whom were women, completed a questionnaire on mood, energy level, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Those who reported adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet reported less confusion, distress, and fatigue, and more vigor than those who reported following a typical Western diet.

Parry Lama, a scientist and writer living in London, says that a low-carbohydrate diet helps her tamp down chronic fatigue and pain from fibromyalgia. She adheres as closely as possible to a ketogenic diet, but otherwise always keeps the carbs low. She recently discovered a Mediterranean version of the diet that mirrors what she’d already adopted.

“I almost exclusively eat coconut milk, red meat, and salmon when I need to work an 18-hour day, as I know my body will crash otherwise. However, working an 18-hour day was unheard of for me before I started this diet,” the 27-year-old says.

Though some may find it difficult to follow a low-carb diet, Lama, while she admits to missing the crunchy foods that are hard to come by when eschewing carbs, says, “I can feel the difference so quickly that I’m not inspired to cheat. The impact on pain is so strong that I can feel the difference after more than one carb-heavy meal.”

The Key May Be Reducing Inflammation

The primary benefit of ketogenic diets, says Shelley-Tremblay, is that they’re low in the refined sugars and simple carbs that are so inflammatory.

“Some people can go into ketogenesis with a low-fat, low-sugar diet, while some need to lay on the fats,” he says. But it’s not necessary to be in ketosis to see the health benefits of cutting back on simple starches and sugars.

It’s essentially a low glycemic index–type diet that helps, “because that has the biggest correlation with reducing inflammation.” (More information about the glycemic index is available from the Glycemic Index Foundation.)

For Some, Low-Carb Makes Symptoms Worse

But just as the symptoms of fibromyalgia are variable, so is response to diet. Not everyone will thrive on a low-carb diet. Annie Sisk, 52, of upstate New York, found that her symptoms worsened when she adopted a low-carb diet.

“My pain levels began soaring almost immediately. I felt so much worse. Nothing helped. I missed days from work,” Sisk says.

It took some time for her to realize that cycles of constipation and loose stools tracked with her pain cycles. “Since low-carb diets create or exacerbate constipation, it makes sense my symptoms got worse. ” She tried stool softeners and fiber additives to no effect.

Sisk has settled on a mostly vegetarian, low-fat diet that she says keeps her pain at manageable levels. Her diet includes lean, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and wild fish, along with occasional servings of fruits that have a low glycemic index.

RELATED: All About Fiber: Food Sources and Supplements

Consult an Expert When Changing Your Diet

Whether you’re considering trying a ketogenic diet, another type of low-carb diet, or any nutritional approach that’s different from what you now eat, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian-nutritionist (RDN) for advice on making the switch.

RDNs can help you tailor the approach to your specific needs and help you overcome side effects, such as constipation. In addition, they can help with weight management which, says Shelley-Tremblay, is crucial for those living with fibromyalgia. A healthy weight, he says, is essential, since excess weight can contribute to pain, poor sleep, sleep apnea, and wear and tear on joints.

Fibromyalgia: Foods That Help, Foods That Hurt

Good nutrition is important for everyone, including people with fibromyalgia. Knowing which foods to choose and which to avoid, like sugar and processed…

By Kara WahlgrenMay 13, 2023

What Is Fibromyalgia? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Fibromyalgia is a common, chronic disorder in which the central nervous system is hypersensitive, leading to pain and tenderness throughout the body.

By Julie Lynn MarksDecember 15, 2022

Fibromyalgia: What to Eat, What to Avoid

For people trying to manage their symptoms, a good fibromyalgia diet includes eating more whole foods and avoiding food additives like MSG and artificial…

By Stephanie StephensSeptember 26, 2022

Fibromyalgia Treatment

A variety of medication, lifestyle approaches, and alternative therapies are available to help relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. ..

By Julie Lynn MarksSeptember 26, 2022

Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Diagnosis

People with fibromyalgia often have pain and tenderness throughout their body. Some have tenderness in specific areas, and fatigue is also common.

By Julie Lynn MarksSeptember 26, 2022

10 Myths and Facts About Fibromyalgia

Everyone who has fibromyalgia experiences it differently, which is one reason misunderstandings and myths often surround this condition.

By Quinn PhillipsJuly 26, 2022

Reiki for Fibromyalgia: Does It Actually Work?

Can Reiki relieve the pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia? The evidence is limited, but a few studies suggest it can.

By Becky UphamApril 24, 2020

How Water-Based Therapies Can Ease Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Water-based exercise and aquatic physical therapy can help alleviate fibromyalgia pain, induce relaxation, increase energy, and improve sleep. Learn more…

By Kate JacksonFebruary 21, 2019

Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet on Reported Pain, Blood Biomarkers and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Randomized Controlled Trial

. 2022 Feb 1;23(2):326-338.

doi: 10.1093/pm/pnab278.

Rowena Field 
¹
, Fereshteh Pourkazemi 
¹
, Kieron Rooney 
¹

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, NSW, Australia.

• PMID:

  34534353

• DOI:

  10. 1093/pm/pnab278

Randomized Controlled Trial

Rowena Field et al.

Pain Med.

2022.

. 2022 Feb 1;23(2):326-338.

doi: 10.1093/pm/pnab278.

Authors

Rowena Field 
¹
, Fereshteh Pourkazemi 
¹
, Kieron Rooney 
¹

Affiliation

• ¹ Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, NSW, Australia.

• PMID:

  34534353

• DOI:

  10. 1093/pm/pnab278

Abstract

Background:

A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has been reported to improve chronic pain by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and sensitivity within the nervous system. The main aim of this trial is to evaluate the effects of a ketogenic diet on reported pain, blood biomarkers and quality of life in patients with chronic pain.

Methods:

Participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain were recruited for a 12-week diet intervention that commenced with a 3-week run-in diet removing ultra-processed foods, followed by randomization to either a whole-food/well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) or to continue with the minimally processed whole-food diet (WFD). Outcome measures included: average pain (visual analogue scale VAS), blood biomarkers, anthropometrics, adherence, depression, anxiety, sleep, ketones, quality of life, diet satisfaction, and macronutrient intake.

Results:

Average weekly pain improved for both groups. WFKD group VAS reduced by 17.9 ± 5.2 mm (P = .004) and the WFD group VAS reduced 11.0 ± 9.0 mm (P = .006). Both groups also reported improved quality of life (WFKD = 11.5 ± 2.8%, P = .001 and WFD = 11.0 ± 3.5%, P = .014). The WFKD group also demonstrated significant improvements in pain interference (P = 0.013), weight (P < .005), depression (P = .015), anxiety (P = .013), and inflammation (hsCRP) (P = .009). Significant average pain reduction remained at three-month follow-up for both groups (WFKD P = .031, WFD P = .011).

Conclusions:

The implementation of a whole-food diet that restricts ultra-processed foods is a valid pain management tool; however, a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets may have potentially greater pain reduction, weight loss and mood improvements.

Keywords:

Chronic Pain; Human; Inflammation; Ketogenic Diet; Low-Carbohydrate; Nutritional Ketosis; Quality of Life; Randomized Clinical Trial; Whole-Food Diet.

© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected].

Similar articles

• Experience of participants with chronic pain in a pilot randomized clinical trial using a ketogenic diet.

  Field RJ, Field TJ, Pourkazemi F, Rooney KB.

  Field RJ, et al.
  Pain Manag. 2022 Apr;12(3):313-322. doi: 10.2217/pmt-2021-0084. Epub 2021 Nov 11.
  Pain Manag. 2022.

  PMID: 34758629

  Clinical Trial.

• Effect of a ketogenic diet versus Mediterranean diet on glycated hemoglobin in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The interventional Keto-Med randomized crossover trial.

  Gardner CD, Landry MJ, Perelman D, Petlura C, Durand LR, Aronica L, Crimarco A, Cunanan KM, Chang A, Dant CC, Robinson JL, Kim SH.

  Gardner CD, et al.
  Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Sep 2;116(3):640-652. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac154.
  Am J Clin Nutr. 2022.

  PMID: 35641199
  Free PMC article.

  Clinical Trial.

• Low-fat versus ketogenic diet in Parkinson’s disease: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

  Phillips MCL, Murtagh DKJ, Gilbertson LJ, Asztely FJS, Lynch CDP.

  Phillips MCL, et al.
  Mov Disord. 2018 Aug;33(8):1306-1314. doi: 10.1002/mds.27390. Epub 2018 Aug 11.
  Mov Disord. 2018.

  PMID: 30098269
  Free PMC article.

  Clinical Trial.

• Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet for Improvement of Glycemic Control: Mechanism of Action of Ketosis and Beneficial Effects.

  Sakr HF, Sirasanagandla SR, Das S, Bima AI, Elsamanoudy AZ.

  Sakr HF, et al.
  Curr Diabetes Rev. 2023;19(2):82-93. doi: 10.2174/1573399818666220511121629.
  Curr Diabetes Rev. 2023.

  PMID: 35546779

  Review.

• Do ketogenic diets really suppress appetite? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

  Gibson AA, Seimon RV, Lee CM, Ayre J, Franklin J, Markovic TP, Caterson ID, Sainsbury A.

  Gibson AA, et al.
  Obes Rev. 2015 Jan;16(1):64-76. doi: 10.1111/obr.12230. Epub 2014 Nov 17.
  Obes Rev. 2015.

  PMID: 25402637

  Review.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Ketogenic diet enhances the effects of oxycodone in mice.

  Trinko R, Diaz DM, Foscue E, Thompson SL, Taylor JR, DiLeone RJ.

  Trinko R, et al.
  Sci Rep. 2023 May 9;13(1):7507. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-33458-8.
  Sci Rep. 2023.

  PMID: 37160959
  Free PMC article.

• Ketolysis is Required for the Proper Development and Function of the Somatosensory Nervous System.

  Enders J, Jack J, Thomas S, Lynch P, Lasnier S, Cao X, Swanson MT, Ryals JM, Thyfault JP, Puchalska P, Crawford PA, Wright DE.

  Enders J, et al.
  bioRxiv. 2023 Mar 30:2023.01.11.523492. doi: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523492. Preprint.
  bioRxiv. 2023.

  PMID: 36711538
  Free PMC article.
  Updated.

• The Importance of Nutrition as a Lifestyle Factor in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review.

  Elma Ö, Brain K, Dong HJ.

  Elma Ö, et al.
  J Clin Med. 2022 Oct 9;11(19):5950. doi: 10.3390/jcm11195950.
  J Clin Med. 2022.

  PMID: 36233817
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Postprandial Glucose Response after Consuming Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie Rice Cooked in a Carbohydrate-Reducing Rice Cooker.

  Ahn H, Lee M, Shin H, Chung HA, Park YK.

  Ahn H, et al.
  Foods. 2022 Apr 6;11(7):1050. doi: 10.3390/foods11071050.
  Foods. 2022.

  PMID: 35407137
  Free PMC article.

• Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Quality of Life in Adults with Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

  Abboud M, AlAnouti F, Georgaki E, Papandreou D.

  Abboud M, et al.
  Nutrients. 2021 Dec 14;13(12):4463. doi: 10.3390/nu13124463.
  Nutrients. 2021.

  PMID: 34960015
  Free PMC article.

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic pain

When I started my medical practice 30 years ago, fibromyalgia could not be accurately diagnosed, so a person had to go to the doctor for 9-10 years before the disease could finally be diagnosed. The situation has changed dramatically, and today a wide variety of symptoms are attributed to fibromyalgia. However, there is no doubt that this disease really exists, is painful and sometimes detrimental to health.

An estimated 5 million people in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia. 9 out of 10 of all cases are women (29). Unfortunately, there is still no special diagnostic analysis for the detection of this pathological condition. There are clinical diagnostic criteria, and the most common of these is the presence of hypersensitivity to pain in certain areas of the body, including:

• elbows;

• clavicle;

• knees;

• thighs.

Patients often complain of pain throughout the body, such as in muscles, ligaments and tendons, which is accompanied by a strong feeling of fatigue. That is why in this section I am talking about fibromyalgia with reference to chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic pain.

Painkillers and, in some cases, psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants, are the traditional treatments prescribed by doctors. I do not advise taking these medicines because they do not address the root cause of the disease.

Recent evidence suggests that central sensitization, where neurons in the spinal cord are sensitized by inflammation or cell damage, may be associated with pain in people with fibromyalgia (30).

The problem is that fibromyalgia has a very wide range of symptoms, including extensive pain and weakness, and many causative factors. No treatment can eliminate them all at once.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or chronic pain, you know how difficult it can be to manage these conditions and navigate the many conflicting dietary recommendations. In fact, there is very little scientific evidence in favor of any particular nutrition program that can be classified as effective.

But I am sure that a high-fat diet can significantly alleviate unpleasant symptoms and change the quality of life of patients. This is primarily due to the fact that by improving the functioning of mitochondria, you improve the body’s ability to produce energy.

There is evidence that people with fibromyalgia experience fewer symptoms when they eliminate one or more foods that cause food allergies or sensitivities from their diet. Common foods include corn, wheat, soy, dairy products (which are likely high in glyphosate), citrus fruits, and sugar. The top 3 are pasteurized milk, soy, and gluten (wheat and similar grains). A study in 17 patients with fibromyalgia found that after cutting out corn, wheat, dairy, citrus and sugar, almost half experienced a “significant reduction in pain” (31).

Scientists are only just beginning to recognize the link between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and health problems such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia (32), two conditions that a high-fat diet can help restore balance to your body.

While there has been very little research on the effects of a high-fat diet on chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain, there is one study worth noting, published in 2013 in the December 9 issue. 0031 Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain (33). The diet used in this study was unequivocally non-ketogenic (i.e., its goal was not to force the body to actively produce ketones through high fat or intermittent fasting), but it was low-carbohydrate. The researchers noted that 33 middle-aged women who followed this diet experienced increased energy, decreased pain, and improved scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire.

If you suffer from one of these pervasive and difficult-to-treat disorders, you will be glad to know that you can dramatically improve your health and quality of life. Just rethink your diet and ditch carbs in favor of high quality fats.

Plant-based nutrition and the ketogenic diet for cancer. What’s better?

You can lower your risk of developing cancer!

The incidence of cancer and metabolic disorders is steadily increasing. Against this background, scientists decided to evaluate the impact of nutrients and diet on the development of cancer. It turns out that a healthy diet can prevent the development of cancer.

A recent review of evidence found that, compared to the keto diet, a plant-based diet is more effective in reducing the chance of developing cancer.

Findings from the Plant-Based Nutrition and Ketogenic Diet for Cancer Study

In July 2020, a review published in JAMA Oncology assessed the impact of a ketogenic diet and a plant-based diet on cancer risk. Despite their differences, both eating styles are associated with weight loss, reduced inflammation, and reduced insulin levels, scientists say.

A plant-based diet has also been associated with increased intake of fiber and phytochemicals, while a ketogenic diet has anti-cancer effects due to beta-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone known to have an effect on cancer cells.

An analysis of the data from both diets showed that a predominantly plant-based diet reduced the risk of cancer. However, the researchers note that there are currently no well-studied approaches that support the use of any particular diet for cancer treatment.

What does it mean

Scientists have found that when comparing a plant-based diet and a keto diet in terms of reducing the risk of cancer and combating metabolic disorders, the resulting collective evidence speaks in favor of the former.

The keto (or ketogenic) diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat intake. This puts the body into ketosis, a metabolic state that allows the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. The ketogenic diet has been proven to have an antitumor effect and is believed to create a hostile environment for cancer cells.

A plant-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, beans, beans, nuts, seeds, grains, and healthy fats. Cancer prevention intervention studies have found that increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed while reducing fat reduces common cancer risk factors such as inflammation, excess body fat, and insulin resistance.

Studies have shown that a plant-based diet contributes to both the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. A meta-analysis based on over 3 million subjects found that plant-based diets reduce the risk of developing digestive system cancer.

There is evidence that both a plant-based diet and a ketogenic diet reduce cancer risk, with a diet high in whole foods and low in fat generally more effective.

Cancer Prevention

Since cancer is not a single disease, but a group of related diseases, there are many risk factors that affect the occurrence of this disease, including diet, lifestyle, environment and genetics.

But you can reduce your risk of developing cancer by:

• Eat cancer-fighting foods, including fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, nuts, and seeds
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid processed foods
• Avoid foods with added sugar and artificial sweeteners
• Do sports
• get enough sleep
• Avoid stress
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Drink enough water
• Reduce exposure to chemicals both at home and outside
• Maintain optimal vitamin D levels

Conclusion

• A recent review published in JAMA Oncology found that a plant-based diet was more effective than a ketogenic diet in reducing the risk of cancer.