Top 5 Foods Fibromyalgia Sufferers Need To Avoid

There is a good chance that someone you know whether family or friends have fibromyalgia. Right there with diabetes and heart disease, fibro has become one of the most pervasive diseases in the 21st century.

There is so much confusing and conflicting nutritional advice out there about what to eat and what not to eat. If we were to be honest, there is little scientific evidence to support any single eating plan that will work for all fibromyalgia sufferers.

You’ve probably read:

• Eat more whole grains. Then, avoid grains altogether.
• Eat fruit of all kinds. Then, some fruit increases pain.
• Eat fresh, organic tomatoes. Followed by, tomatoes and other nightshade vegetables will make you feel worse.

Are you confused yet?

I am not a Doctor or nutritionist, however after spending countless hours researching foods to help my wife’s fibromyalgia  here is a list of foods we have found tend to increase pain and other fibro symptoms. Through our facebook page and group many agree with this list but you need to listen to your body and feed it what works best for you. Look at this as a helpful tool not as a strict rule to follow.

Top 5 Foods Fibromyalgia Sufferers Need To Avoid

1.Sugar

Increasing your insulin levels usually cause your pain to worsen dramatically. So if at all possible you will want to try to limit all sugars including fresh fruit juices. If you would like to consume from, whole fresh fruit is the preferred method.

You will also want to limit grains as much as possible as they are metabolized very similarly to sugars. Especially if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.  Wheat and gluten grains are the top ones to avoid.

 2. Caffeine

I get it, you are tired a lot! Dealing with fibromayglia can really limit the amount of quality sleep you get and will greatly increase the temptation for caffeine. However, in my opinion this will do more harm than good in the long run. Though caffeine provides an initial boost of energy, it is no substitute for sleep, and is likely to keep you awake. Try natural energy boosters found in various herbs and organic foods. As hard as it might be, try to found ways to practice healthy sleeping habits. A good restful night can do wonders for your body.

3. Nightshade vegetables

For some people nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant can trigger arthritis and pain.

4. Trans fat and fried foods

Eliminate all trans fat and fried foods, as these can cause inflammation and pain. The other side of the coin there are healthy fats such as Animal based omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA. These heart-healthy fats can help with pain and may reduce inflammation and improve brain function at the same time.

5. Junk food

Try to Limit or if you can completely eliminate fast food. If you are on the go a lot and don’t have time to prepare your meals a head of time try to stick with the healthiest options you have available. Avoid candy, and vending-machine products. In addition to contributing to weight gain and the development of unhealthy eating habits, these diet-wreckers may also irritate your muscles, disrupt your sleep, and compromise your immune system.

Kent Holtorf, MD, the medical director of the Holtorf Medical Group Center for Endocrine, Neurological and Infection Related Illness in Torrance, California states:

“We’re at the point now where we know diet plays a role in this disease—it’s just not the same diet for everybody. And not everybody is helped in the same way.”

We want to hear from you. What foods do you avoid? What foods did we miss?

Sources: Bouchez C, “Fibromyalgia: The Diet Connection,” WebMD, articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/19/foods-that-chronic-pain-sufferers-need-to-avoid.aspx, Rawlings D. “Proper Foods to Eat for Fibromyalgia,” Fibromyalgia Cures, Mayo Clinic staff, “Fibromyalgia Causes” (2009) Mayo Clinic