The Link Between Your Gut and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia effects up to one in twenty Australians and is a painful condition that effects your central nervous system with widespread tenderness, stiffness, and musculoskeletal pain. A lot about this condition is unknown but recent research may provide insight to the role of the diversity of your gut microbiome.

The direct link between your gut and the brain via the brain-gut axis. When your gut is out of optimal balance the health of your entire body can be affected including your brain and central nervous system. If your gut microbiome is out of balance the lining of your gut can be altered and allow release of inflammatory chemicals and messengers which may promote the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Two strains of bacteria called Eubacterium and Bifidobacterium were found to be reduced in those with fibromyalgia. These strains of microbes are health promoting and play many important roles including metabolising or making the components in your brain which send signals called neurotransmitters.

Your gut plays a major role in keeping your immune system working at its best, protecting the lining of your gut and promoting a balanced, anti-inflammatory state. By eating a diet rich in different types of plant-based foods you will be feeding these good bacteria. Plant foods which support the health of your good bacteria include whole grains, or whole grain containing foods like Corn Thins® slices, nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. When these good bacteria eat these foods, they release signals called short chain fatty acids which help to keep your body functioning in a healthy state.

Take home message: Much more research is needed to understand and to treat Fibromyalgia. However, this research does provide insight to fibromyalgia and the role the gut may play in promoting the condition. Specifically, how the diversity of your gut microbiome and reduced health promoting strains may affect the painful symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Reference:

Clos-Garcia M, Andrés-Marin N, Fernández-Eulate G, Abecia L, Lavín JL, van Liempd S, Cabrera D, Royo F, Valero A, Errazquin N, Vega MCG, Govillard L, Tackett MR, Tejada G, Gónzalez E, Anguita J, Bujanda L, Orcasitas AMC, Aransay AM, Maíz O, López de Munain A, Falcón-Pérez JM. Gut microbiome and serum metabolome analyses identify molecular biomarkers and altered glutamate metabolism in fibromyalgia. EBioMedicine. 2019 Aug;46:499-511. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.07.031. Epub 2019 Jul 18. PMID: 31327695; PMCID: PMC6710987.