There's strong evidence indicating diet is the way to control pain from fibromyalgia. Which foods to avoid and which foods to eat are discussed in this fibromyalgia pain relief article....

Below is a list of common foods to avoid if you suffer from fibromyalgia.

Processed foods

Many processed foods contain preservatives and large amounts of salt, sugar and fat which can trigger food sensitivities and inflammation.

Processed foods often have a lot of additives (excitotoxins) that can cause fibromyalgia flare ups. Excitotoxins include:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common flavor enhancer Aspartame, a common artificial sweetener Research has shown that fibromyalgia patients who stopped consuming MSG and aspartame experienced great reduction in painful symptoms. The symptoms returned when substances were reintroduced in their diets.

Gluten

Studies have shown that gluten sensitivity may be an underlying cause of fibromyalgia. Patients who followed a gluten-free diet reported improvements such as pain reduction and quality of life.

Refined carbohydrates

While there is little evidence linking sugar to fibromyalgia pain, reducing intake of refined carbohydrates such as white rice and bread can help reduce symptoms.

Refined carbohydrates can aggravate pain because these foods are digested very quickly, causing blood sugar levels to spike and then drop. The body converts refined white flour into sugars, which promote fatigue, disrupt sleep patterns and increase pain. Eating foods made of refined flour can also contribute to weight gain, placing additional stress on the joints and muscles. Whole wheat or almond flour are great alternatives to white flour.

Oily Foods and Fried Foods Could Cause Fibromyalgia Pain

Because corn oil, sunflower oil and other vegetable oils often have inflammatory effects on the body, foods fried in these oils may fibromyalgia symptoms to flare. It’s important to avoid foods containing unhealthy oils and fats, including pizza, cheese, cookies, doughnuts and other junk foods.

Alcohol

I personally admit to missing beer and Jim Beam with honey due to my own issues with pain and diverticulitis. In my case it could have caused me to bleed to death so I decided no alcohol. There is a good online service to help you to reduce or even stop drinking

Caffeine

Because caffeine can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, placing additional strain on muscle tissue, those with fibromyalgia should avoid caffeinated foods and beverages.

Red Meat

Saturated fats in red meat interfere with proper circulation and increase pain sensitivity. They also contribute to fatigue, making it difficult for patients with fibromyalgia to get the exercise they need to promote muscle flexibility and range of motion.

Nightshade Fruits and Vegetables

Studies have shown that 74%-90% of people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia experienced increased inflammation and pain after eating nightshade family fruits or vegetables. These include tomatoes, bell peppers, white potatoes, eggplant, chilies and paprika.

Dairy Products

Many people with and without fibromyalgia are lactose-intolerant and experience bloating and gas after consuming milk or other dairy products. Eating a dairy-free diet may help reduce some of these symptoms.

Coincidence?

As a teacher and health educator I find it interesting that what seems to alleviate fibromyalgia also alleviates flareups for diverticulitis. It's difficult to believe this is a coincidence. All of my research in this field suggested three strategies to start with;

Speak to The Ultimate Healer

As a Christian I believe the first thing one should do is pray for healing.

Stop drinking alcoholic beverages or cut down a lot.

Go on a gluten free diet for one month to test the results. I'm serious from personal experience and from research gluten seems to be a hidden cause of a lot of health issues or at the very least exacerbates a lot of conditions.

Even if you have a raging sweet tooth like mine, it is possible to have even gluten free ice cream and other desserts!

This information has not been approved by the FDA, CDC, The government nor Big Pharma (is there a difference anymore?).

Some links are affiliate links which cost you nothing to click on and help support my efforts.

Yours in health,

Rick

J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.