Chronic pain is a common problem and fibromyalgia is a very common form. It is a chronic condition whose symptoms include muscle and tissue pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Recent data suggests that central sensitization, in which nerve cells in your spinal cord become sensitized due to inflammation or cell damage, may be involved in the way people with fibromyalgia treat them. pain management.
Certain chemicals in the foods you eat can trigger the release of neurotransmitters that increase this sensitivity.
While there’s only been some research on diet and fibromyalgia, the following eating rules aren’t likely to do any harm and may be helpful when dealing with chronic pain.
Limit sugar as much as possible. Increased insulin levels will often make the pain significantly worse. So you’ll want to limit all sugars and this often includes fresh fruit juices. Whole fresh fruit is the preferred method for consuming fruit products.
If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, you should also limit grains as much as possible because they are metabolized similarly to sugar. This will also include unprocessed organic whole grains. Wheat and gluten-containing grains are the top things to avoid.
Eat fresh food. Eating a diet of fresh foods, free of preservatives and additives, can relieve symptoms caused by co-existing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
You should also buy organic food when possible, as it’s best to avoid pesticides and chemicals. However, fresh is best. So if you have to choose between local, fresh, non-organic and organic but wilted – go with fresh and clean properly.
Avoid caffeine. Fibromyalgia is thought to be related to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that control mood, and it is often associated with insufficient sleep and fatigue. The temptation is to temporarily and artificially eliminate fatigue with stimulants like caffeine, but this practice does more harm than good in the long run. While caffeine provides an initial energy boost, it is no substitute for sleep and has the potential to keep you awake.
Try to avoid nightshade vegetables. Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants can cause joint inflammation and pain in some people.
Be careful with your fat. Animal-based omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA have been considered heart-healthy foods, and they can also help with pain. They may help reduce inflammation and improve brain function. At the same time, you want to get rid of all trans fats and fried foods, as they promote inflammation.
Use less yeast. Consuming yeast can also contribute to yeast growth, which can contribute to pain.
Avoid pasteurized milk. Many people with fibromyalgia have difficulty digesting milk and dairy products. However, many people find that raw dairy products, especially from grass-fed organic sources, are well tolerated.
Cut down on carbs. About 90% of fibromyalgia patients have low adrenal function, which affects carbohydrate metabolism and can lead to hypoglycemia.
Avoid aspartame. The artificial sweetener found in some diet soft drinks and many sugar-free sweets is part of a class of chemicals called excitotoxins, which activate nerve cells that can increase sensitivity your feelings for the pain.
Avoid additives. Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) are often troublesome for pain patients. MSG is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can stimulate pain receptors; Glutamate levels in spinal fluid have been shown to correlate with pain levels in fibromyalgia patients.
Stay away from junk food. Limit or eliminate fast food, candy, and vending machine products. In addition to contributing to weight gain and unhealthy eating habits, these diet-destroying agents can irritate your muscles, disrupt sleep, and affect your system. your immunity.
