Chronic pain is a pervasive issue and one of the most common forms of it is fibromyalgia. It is a chronic condition that comes with symptoms such as muscle and tissue pain, fatigue, depression, and sleeping problems.
Recent data suggests that central sensitization (i.e., when neurons in your spinal cord become sensitized by inflammation or cell damage) may be involved in the way fibromyalgia sufferers process pain.
When it comes to diets and chronic pain, certain chemicals in the foods you eat may trigger the release of neurotransmitters that heighten this sensitivity. So, heed the tips below because certain foods can make the difference between painful and painless.
11 Tips for Dealing with Chronic Pain
Although there have been only a handful of studies on diet and fibromyalgia, the following eating rules can’t hurt and may help you when dealing with chronic pain.
1. Limit Sugar as Much as Possible
Increased insulin levels will typically dramatically worsen pain, so it’s in your best interest to limit all sugars. This even includes certain 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 will also want to limit grains as much as possible as they are metabolized very similarly to sugars. Believe it or not, this would also include unprocessed organic grains. But the main ones to avoid are wheat and gluten grains.
2. Eat Fresh Foods
Eating a diet of fresh foods, devoid of preservatives and additives, may ease symptoms triggered by coexisting conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s also a good idea to buy organic food when possible, as they’re usually free of pesticides and chemicals. However, fresh foods are best, especially ones rich in the ‘miracle mineral’ magnesium.
3. Avoid Caffeine
Fibromyalgia is believed to be linked to an imbalance of brain chemicals that control mood and is often linked to inadequate sleep and fatigue. The temptation is to artificially and temporarily eliminate feelings of fatigue with stimulants like caffeine. However, this approach does 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 (and agitated).
4. Try Avoiding Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant may trigger arthritis and pain conditions in some people.
5. Be Careful with Your Fats
Animal based omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA have been touted as a heart-healthy food, and may also help with pain. They can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function. At the same time, you want to eliminate all trans fat and fried foods because they’ll only further inflame your joints.
6. Use Yeast Sparingly
Consuming yeast may also contribute to the growth of yeast fungus, which can lead to pain and inflammation.
7. Avoid Pasteurized Dairy
Many fibromyalgia sufferers have trouble digesting milk and dairy products. However, many find that raw dairy products, especially from grass fed organic sources, are well tolerated.
8. Cut Down on Carbs
About 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients’ adrenals function at low levels. This can,in turn, affect the metabolism of carbohydrates and may lead to hypoglycemia.
9. Avoid Aspartame
The artificial sweetener found in some diet sodas and many “sugar-free” sweets is part of a chemical group called excitotoxins, which activate neurons that can increase your sensitivity to pain.
10. Avoid Additives
Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) often cause trouble for pain patients. MSG is an excitatory neurotransmitter that may stimulate pain receptors. In fact, glutamate levels in spinal fluid have been shown to correlate with high levels of pain in fibromyalgia patients.
11. Stay Away From Junk Food
Limit or (better yet!) eliminate fast food, 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.
While it’s definitely possible to fill every meal with anti-inflammatory ingredients, it can be challenging! So, if you’re looking for long-lasting relief and just don’t feel like cooking, myKore Essentials transdermal magnesium is the perfect solution. No digestive discomfort – just fast-acting 100% pure magnesium oil to soothe your pain and lower inflammation.
