How to Create a low Oxalate Diet for Fibromyalgia

Research indicates that a low oxalate diet can help sufferers of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread muscle pain, sleep problems and debilitating fatigue. Oxalate is found in many plants. In high amounts, it can cause damage to human cells, especially among those who have absorption problems or frequent antibiotic use.

Instructions

1

Print lists of low oxalate foods from the Low Oxalate website (see Resources). Compare the lists to your usual diet. Eliminate the foods that are high in oxalate first. After a week, eliminate the medium oxalate foods.

2

Plan your diet so that you get enough calories and nutrients while sticking to low oxalate foods. Use the Adult Energy Needs Calculator (see Resources) to find out how many calories you need and the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Pyramid to make choices from each food group.

3

Use a resource like the "Low Oxalate Cookbook" to plan meals and try new recipes. Make sure meals are flavorful and contain some variety to make it easier to stick with the diet.

4

Take your low oxalate lists with you when you do your grocery shopping or go out to eat. Keep the list in your kitchen to aid in planning meals and snacks.

5

Eliminate high oxalate foods like chocolate, coffee, tea, beets, spinach, nuts and strawberries.

6

Limit foods that have a medium oxalate content, such as whole wheat flour, peanut butter, grapes, berries, beer, dark leafy vegetables and beans.