Is There A Diet For Fibromyalgia?

There is no significant evidence, which supports the existence of the diet as being influential on the effects of fibromyalgia. Only theories are offered which suggest there may be a connection between general mental and physical health, and that of the malady itself.

However, experts do agree that in some cases, diet can have effectual results. Moreover, patient A’s diet plan may have no effect of patient B’s symptoms. Suggesting experimentation with the diet may be of some use in finding some relief of some symptoms.

Diversification of the diet may have little impact on fibromyalgia; however, it may indeed treat secondary illnesses, undiagnosed. These secondary conditions which response to dietary change can relieve, by proxy, the effects of fibromyalgia.

Gluten intolerance, arthritis and restless leg syndrome have overlapping symptoms with fibromyalgia. These ailments have been somewhat relieved with changes in diet, suggesting food sensitivity may be to blame in some cases. While no dietary guidelines exist, it has been discovered that there are food “triggers.” These food products appear to make a difference in significant numbers of patients exploring the diet as causative. Nevertheless, avoidance of these foods carries no guarantee that the particular patient in question, employing these dietary changes, will experience a change in symptoms.

Through trail and error, experts working with patients, have isolated several food products you should avoid if you suffer from fibromyalgia.

Aspartame has been shown to exacerbate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. NMDA, a pain receptor in the nervous system, is affected adversely by Aspartame, which is classified as an excitotoxin. NMDA pain receptors, already in a hyper-state in fibromyalgia patients, become more susceptible to Aspartame stimulation.

The food additive MSG, found in many processed and frozen foods, is thought to intensify the painful symptoms in many sufferers of fibromyalgia.

Like aspartame, MSG is classified as an excitotoxin, producing the same affect on NMDA pain receptors. Food preservatives such as nitrates, found in lunchmeats also have been found causative. Even those without fibromyalgia can experience adverse effects by consuming MSG and nitrate ridden food products. Moreover, if persons without the malady can be effected adversely by the consumption of these excitotoxins, those suffering from fibromyalgia can experience very unpleasant side effects.

There has been no evidence, supporting the cutting out simple carbohydrates, such as sugar or white bread, as having influence in the fibromyalgia diet. However, chronic yeast infections, which thrive on sugars, may be a secondary condition contributing to pain suffered by fibromyalgia patients. Removal of sugar and high fructose corn syrup in the fibromyalgia diet, have shown some promise of relief, some of which is attributed to weight loss. Cutting sugar out of the diet will result in better control of blood sugar, reducing overall fatigue.

Because caffeine is considered a stimulant, many fibromyalgia patients use caffeine-rich beverages to relief their fatigue. However, this can have an adverse effect, quickly exacerbating fatigue. Dairy products have been shown causative as well. Many on a fibromyalgia diet do not consume dairy products. However, consumption of one or two glasses of skim milk per day shows no evidence of unfavorable effects on patients. The importance of the nutrient calcium should be noted.

Perhaps those who are interested in pursuing a fibromyalgia diet would be better served by following a heart-healthy diet plan. A diet low in saturated fat, with lots of fruits and vegetables and lean meats, would eliminate much of the food products, which should avoided. While this may not necessarily reduce your fibromyalgia symptoms, it may reduce the effects of other ailments by association. With the body, being in better health overall, sufferers of fibromyalgia may be better suited to fight the intrusive effects of this malady.