How probiotics help in the treatment of fibromyalgia
According to a study carried out in 2017, the consumption of probiotics by fibromyalgia patients positively influences their treatment, especially emotionally and mentally.

Fibromyalgia is a non-articular rheumatism of unknown origin . People suffering from this disease suffer from obesity, eating disorders, metabolic syndrome and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It is believed that dietary patterns 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 treatment response to the disease.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia
This condition causes muscle pain and tiredness. Q ho Sufferers have some "sensitive points" in the body, which cause pain when they are pressed. They can be found in the following places:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Back
- Hip
- arms
- Legs
They may also have the following symptoms:
- Difficulty to sleep
- Headache
- Muscle stiffness upon waking up in the morning
- Very painful menstruation
- Cognitive problems related to memory and thinking
- Numbness of feet and hands
For the treatment of fibromyalgia, psychological therapy and analgesic techniques are used . Thus, problems caused by this disease can be managed and controlled. Also, probiotics can work in this process.
Read this article: 5 health problems that cause back pain
What are probiotics?

The probiotic foods containing live microorganisms that survive and remain active long enough to alter the microbiota.
It is understood by intestinal microbiota the bacteria that live inside the intestine, in a symbiosis relationship. Now, these bacteria are not harmful to health, but 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 Almeria found that fibromyalgia patients who consume probiotics have a positive improvement in the decisions they should make in their daily activities . That is, these healthy microorganisms increase the predisposition to change from one activity to another.
The research results indicate that ingesting these elements influence having a proactive attitude that allows you to perform any activity. Similarly, the impulsiveness in decision-making decreases considerably.
In this work, physical and cognitive tests of memory , emotional, attention and momentum were performed. Biological samples were also taken to indicate stress levels in patients.
This disease is related to sudden mood swings, emotional dysfunctions and frequent fatigue. Probiotics given in adequate amounts have a considerable influence on improving complex cognitive functions, which are normally altered in these patients.
Benefits of probiotics in mental functions
The researchers from the University of Almeria worked with the premise that consuming probiotics has advantages in the treatment of fibromyalgia . Above all, those related to mental functions, in the emotional and physical planes.
In that sense, the leader of this work, Pablo Román, in his work published in the journal Hospital Nutrition , indicates that his initial objective was to determine the following:
- If these healthy bacteria helped decrease the intensity of pain.
- Control anxiety and depression suffered by fibromyalgia patients.
- Find some kind of cognitive improvement.
The author explained that people with this disease lose lexical wealth and memory as time goes by. 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 the ability of people to adapt to a certain task without showing signs of fatigue. Given this, Román points out that, when they had to make decisions, the patients who had ingested probiotics acted less impulsively.
Discover: Habits that help you reduce the risk of dementia
Probiotic foods
To give the body healthy bacteria, the following foods are the healthiest and recommended options:
- Kefir: It stands out for its richness in live ferments and contains less lactose than yogurt . It is a live fungus that must be mixed with goat, sheep or cow's milk. It must be strained after 24 to 48 hours have elapsed.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage increases the amount of bacteria inside 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 take 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 naturally 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 discarding others have medical advice . The specialist will help you determine the most appropriate according to your needs.
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