Can Change in Stress Level and Dietary Habits Significantly Improve the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Males? A Case Report

We report a male patient with fibromyalgia that significantly improved pain and associated symptoms without medication, physical therapy or psychotherapy. Psychological stress has been implicated in the origin of fibromyalgia and avoidance of stress may be pivotal to its treatment. There are no conclusive studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of diet to treat fibromyalgia, however some reports associated dietary excitotoxins, coenzyme Q10 deficiency, and aspartame ingestion with fibromyalgia and that certain diets such as anti-inflammatory, vegan and leaky-gut diet may ameliorate fibromyalgia symptoms. The pronounced improvement in this patient’s symptoms was obtained by associating stress avoidance and diet changes. The improvement in the pain levels allowed him to engage in a regular exercise program that may have further contributed to the treatment without the need of medication or psychotherapy.