The Fibromyalgia Diet: 40/30/30
from Dr Devin StarlanylDr Devin Starlanyl MD in her book: ‘Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome’ recommended this diet. (See: A Survival Manual Chapter 24.) We feel that the guidelines in Dr Starlanyl's book are very good for many people with FMS / MPS and have chosen to include it in our website.
The first guidelines Dr. Starlanyl has are to avoid the following:
1. Refined sugar
2. Alcohol
3. Caffeine
4. Foods high in saturated fats
5. High-calorie, high-fat, low-food-value junk food
In addition, Dr. Starlanyl and Dr. Lynne August have both found that a balanced diet of moderate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats has been beneficial to people with FMS / MPS.
Dr. August has studied the intricate relationships between FMS, nutrition, and electrolytic imbalance and has successfully brought her own FMS into remission. A moderate diet containing the following ratio (based on percentages of calories, not grams): 40% carbohydrates / 30% proteins / 30% fats for each meal and snack has enabled many people with FMS/MPS to reach their optimum weight with maximum health benefit.
It is also very important to drink lots of water! The water will help to flush toxins out of your body. Drink at LEAST 8 glasses (8oz ea.) of water every day!
Dr. Starlanyl and Dr. August recommend a book called The Zone (Sears and Lawren, 1995). There is also a sequel to this book: Mastering the Zone (Sears) that may be easier to find in bookstores. The first book: ‘The Zone’ goes into the healing aspects of this eating plan in great detail, while also giving you the basic eating plan. The second book, ‘Mastering the Zone’ includes the eating plan in great detail and has sample menus.
Dr. Sears states in his book ‘The Zone’ that this diet is of great benefit and is highly recommended to people with various diseases, including (but not limited to) MS, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, lupus and is also used by some Olympic athletes to maximize their performance.
Dr. Starlanyl says that on this diet, people usually feel some improvement in seven to ten days. They are, however, seven to ten very uncomfortable days. She says that the headaches and fatigue can be extreme, but in one month you will see considerable improvement. In her book she states:
"This can be a tough diet, because if you really need it, you really crave carbohydrates. You try it for a few days and your body informs you "Yes, this is what you must do," because you are attacked by whopping headaches and extreme fatigue as soon as your body begins to struggle for a new balance. Your excess fat will start to break down and release large amounts of toxic substances and waste material. It is not fun. But it does work."