10 Foods that Worsen Fibromyalgia

by Julia Nelson

Fibromyalgia being a persistent health condition causes a wide range of mental and physical symptoms. Moreover, it is a condition that causes widespread pain in combination with memory, fatigue, mood and sleeping issues.

An unfamiliar symptom of Fibromyalgia is an enhanced sensitivity to a variety of substances together with food. Poor food preference can in a roundabout way impact the symptoms. Following an anti-inflammatory diet and staying attentive of food sensitivities can help people with Fibromyalgia to get the most out of their foodstuff while avoiding the symptom flare-ups.

In the following article, we will have a look on how diet can influence one’s Fibromyalgia symptoms, and which foods one should avoid.

Sugar:

Sugar is probably one of the biggest enemies of Fibromyalgia for two reasons. Firstly, the medical literature has shown that eating foods high in sugar increases Fibromyalgia pain. Secondly, sugar causes a sharp rise in blood glucose levels. This means that you get a temporary energy boost, but it will be short-lived, and after it wears off, you will feel even more fatigued.

If you have a sweet tooth and you crave for something sugary then go for natural sugars i.e. a piece of fruit or try opting for unrefined organic sugars.

Caffeine:

Caffeine is among the worst foods for Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia sufferers should ideally stay away from foods containing caffeine, including chocolate in addition to coffee and soft drinks, as caffeine is a stimulant and can have a downbeat effect on sleeping patterns.

Caffeine increases the heart rate and blood pressure that places extra strains on muscle tissues. A Norwegian study was printed in the journal i.e. Arthritis & Rheumatism also recommended that sleep problems may possibly play a role in Fibromyalgia growth. One should consume them during the first half of the day to cut sleep problems.

Dairy:

Although, there is some degree of evidence that dairy and gluten products’ effects Fibromyalgia directly, these two are the most common type of food intolerances out there. Some people suffering from Fibromyalgia found that consuming these foods causes a momentary worsening of symptoms while avoiding them can help reduce them.

Processed foods:

Processed foods are more likely to contain preservatives such as MSG, artificial sweeteners, sugar and other unsafe chemicals such as sodium nitrate. Flavorings and preservatives that are usually used in processed foods also may activate food sensitivities.

Red meat:

Red meats are inclined to be high in saturated fats. The saturated fats in red meats obstruct in proper circulation and increase sensitivity to pain. Red meat furthermore contributes to fatigue, thus making it difficult for Fibromyalgia sufferers do the exercise they need to help muscle flexibility.

Night shades:

The nightshade family of fruits and vegetables include eggplant, bell peppers, white potatoes, tomatoes, paprika and chillies. The key problem in the nightshade family of fruit and vegetable is Solanine. It’s produced naturally by these plants as a guard mechanism and has fungicidal and pesticidal properties. Researches show that 74 to 90 percent of people who suffer from Fibromyalgia got increased inflammation and pain after eating these fruits or vegetables.

Carbohydrates:

Refined carbohydrates such as cookies, breads, pastries, and white rice are quickly digested that causes sugar level to increase. This consequence does not last longer and blood’s sugar level soon drops making the person hungry again. This inconsistency can worsen the pain of Fibromyalgia and also contributes to overeating. These carbohydrates promote fatigue, disrupt sleep patterns and increase in pain.

Unhealthy fats:

The medical literature associated fried foods to worsening of symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Vegetable oils have an inflammatory effect especially when used in frying food. Fried food contributes to the feeling of fatigue like that of saturated foods. They also slow down circulation and increase the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain.

Whole grains:

Whole grains may also raise symptoms of Fibromyalgia. A high level of sucrose is found in it that increases the blood sugar levels. People with high sugar levels are prone to body inflammation, which leads to pain.

Alcohol:

While some research has found moderate alcohol use can ease symptoms, on the other hand, some people with Fibromyalgia reports that alcohol causes symptoms to increase. Drinking alcohol while consuming medications prescribed for Fibromyalgia can cause harmful interactions.

Either you suffer from Fibromyalgia or not, it makes sense to try to eat a more healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables (aside from nightshades), lean protein, and whole grains. It’s also pretty obvious not to consume foods that are highly processed and stuffed with preservatives. A balanced diet will for sure give you more energy that’ll let you stay physically active and will improve your overall health.