It would be great if there were a specific dietary regimen that could wipe out your symptoms of fibromyalgia. Truth is, there is no single diet plan, food, or nutrient that will relieve your pain and fatigue. Anyone who claims that there is a dietary cure is misleading you. But that doesn't mean that eating well won't help. In fact, it's always advisable to eat a well-balanced diet, rich in nutrients and limited in unhealthy fats and sugars. A good diet helps reduce your risk for disease, strengthens your immune system, and ensures that your body performs at its best.

Essential Nutrients

People with fibromyalgia should take steps to ensure they get certain nutrients. Some of these nutrients can help relieve their symptoms. Certain vitamins and minerals warrant special attention:

• B vitamins assist in energy metabolism, brain functions and neurological health. These are found in fortified foods, leafy greens, eggs, fish, milk, and other foods.

• Vitamin A is an antioxidant that can improve vision. It can be found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and apricots.

• Vitamin C is another antioxidant that enhances immunity. It can be found in citrus fruits and numerous vegetables.

• Magnesium is a mineral that assists in muscle contractions and energy production. It can be found in nuts, legumes, and whole grains.

• Calcium is a mineral involved in bone formation and proper muscle function. It can be found in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.

• Potassium is a mineral that aids in nerve transmission and muscle function. It can be found in fruits, vegetables, and chicken.

A Healthy Diet

Eating healthy is always important, but when you're sick, a good diet is critical. Fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates. These foods contain important antioxidants and other disease-fighting substances. When choosing meat, stick with leaner varieties such as chicken, fish, and turkey. Make sure to get a balance of carbohydrates and protein. Your body needs both nutrients to stay well.

At the same time, reduce your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can promote heart disease and weight gain. Avoid processed foods. These are often made with refined sugar and partially hydrogenated oils that contain trans-fatty acids, which have been linked to heart disease. Drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all if you're taking medications. Many experts also recommend steering clear of sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, additives, and caffeine — all substances that can aggravate your fibro symptoms.

Some people with fibromyalgia notice they are sensitive to specific foods. To figure out the offending food, do an elimination diet, which involves eating a specific diet, and then gradually reintroducing suspect foods to figure out which ones trigger your symptoms. For specifics, check out the elimination diet offered by the CFIDS Association of America at www.cfids.org. Many people who have irritable bowel syndrome find that they do better if they eliminate glutens, a protein found in wheat and other grains. You can find many gluten-free diets on the Internet. If you are plagued by severe intestinal symptoms, consider trying one of these diets for a week or two. For those who'd rather not abide by a diet, try eliminating the most common allergy triggers, such as milk, wheat, eggs, citrus, and chocolate. To learn more about diet, consult a nutritionist.