Fibromyalgia is a condition defined by chronic pain, swelling, stiffness and inflammation of the musculoskeletal system. Those with fibromyalgia may also be depressed, experience mood changes and have problems with memory, thinking clearly and understanding concepts. Fatigue and weakness may be so intense as to prevent a person from leaving the sofa or getting out of bed all day long. Some folks may be surprised to find out how many foods can be implicated in causing or contributing to their experiencing chronic pain. Eliminating those foods may change their world.
Gluten-containing Grains
Wheat, rye, barley and maybe even oats contain a protein called gluten, which adds to the elasticity of the grain when baked, making bread chewy and giving other baked goods their deliciousness. But along with great texture, gluten-containing grains may bring agony to those with gluten allergies. A variety of symptoms may arise from eating wheat, the most widely used grain containing gluten, explains The Savvy Celiac website. Whole-body conditions such as pain, inflammation, swelling, gastrointestinal upset, breathing problems, headaches, fatigue, weakness and overall agony may affect you if you are sensitive to gluten. Giving up the foods containing gluten including those that may be exposed to gluten through cross-contamination in a factory or your own kitchen may help reduce your fibromyalgia greatly. Start with highly processed white flour and work outward from that starting point.
Nightshade Vegetables
Certain vegetables known as nightshades contain a toxic compound called solanine which is not a problem for the average person, but for those who are sensitive to it, solanine-containing vegetables may contribute to severe body pain, mostly felt in joints and muscles, according to Ygoy.com. Although there is not much scientific evidence to support this, anecdotal evidence certainly points its fingers at eggplant, white potatoes, tomatoes, all peppers, paprika and tobacco, the most commonly consumed nightshades which may be responsible for adding to your suffering. Pain may be experienced immediately after eating the food, but more often is felt within the next several days thereafter. And if you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, here is another good reason to give them up. Avoid the nightshades for a while and see how it makes you feel.
Food Additives
Certain food additives may create serious side effects in those who are sensitive to food additives. The most common food additive with the chance of causing problems for fibromyalgia sufferers is monosodium glutamate or MSG, explain Laura A. Coleman and R. Roubenoff in their book, "Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease (Nutrition and Health)". MSG is used as a flavor enhancer and preservative in almost all packaged and canned foods and labeled under many different names. Unless you are familiar with the numerous names of MSG, you may be buying foods laced with the culprit even if you think you are avoiding it. MSG is suspected of creating a myriad of symptoms, many of them recognizable to fibromyalgia patients and ranging from headaches, to dizziness, nausea, loss of cognitive ability, aches and pains in the hands, arms and shoulder, abdominal and gastrointestinal effects and more. Learning the various terms used for MSG and avoiding the majority of canned and packaged foods unless they are clearly labeled "MSG free", is one way to help yourself if you react to the this substance. And for those who enjoy Asian restaurants, be aware that a great many of these places use MSG in their preparations. Ask for them to omit it or eat elsewhere.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Pseudonyms
The food additive MSG has a long list of alternate names and keeping a list in your wallet or purse will better enable you to check to see if any of these names are on ingredient list of the foods you buy. There are many familiar foods on the hot list that are highly laced with MSG and should be avoided or at least monitored. They are yeast nutrient, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, autolyzed yeast, textured protein, yeast extract, yeast food, hydrolyzed protein, monopotassium glutamate, hydrolyzed corn gluten, natrium glutamate, natural beef flavoring, natural pork flavoring, carrageenan, maltodextrin, malt extract, whey protein protease, citric acid, soy protein isolate, malt flavoring, natural chicken flavoring, and ultra-pasteurized. Any food labeled, enzyme modified contains MSG. Soy sauce, soup stock, pectin, soy protein, soy sauce extract, bouillon and broth, soy protein concentrate all contain MSG. Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, barley malt, protease enzymes, and any food labeled as protein fortified are dangerous to those sensitive to MSG. Watch out for flavorings and fermented foods, natural flavor, enzymes, seasonings. If it isn't labeled "MSG Free", then assume it contains MSG.
References
- "Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease (Nutrition and Health)", Laura A. Coleman and R. Roubenoff , 2008
- The Savvy Celiac: Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease
- Nightshade Vegetables for Arthritis Treatment
