Foods To Avoid With Fibromyalgia

Nightshades

The nightshade family of fruits and vegetables or Solonaceae are very complex and contain approximately 2,000 species including: tomatoes, bell peppers, white potatoes, eggplant, chilies and paprika. They are thought to have been named nightshade vegetables because they grow in the shade of night rather than during the day. The main debilitator in the nightshade family of fruit and vegetable is called Solanine. Solanine is is a glycoalkaloid poison and is primarily displayed by gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. It’s produced naturally by these plants as a defense mechanism and has fungicidal and pesticidal properties. Research shows that 74 to 90 percent of people who had inflammatory conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia suffered from increased inflammation and pain after eating nightshade fruits or vegetables.

People with fibromyalgia should try to avoid food additives, and in particular, aspartame and MSG.

Chocolate and Coffee

This is a painful one but fibromyalgia sufferers should stay away from foods containing caffeine, including chocolate and coffee. Caffeine increases the heart rate and blood pressure, placing additional strain on muscle tissue. Chocolate and other caffeine-containing foods can also disrupt productive sleep, which is essential for managing fibromyalgia-related pain.

Fried Foods

Like saturated fats and sugars, fried foods contribute to feelings of fatigue. They also inhibit circulation and increase the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain. Fibromyalgia sufferers should avoid fried foods entirely. The one exception would be, of all things, potato chips. Since potatoes are a nightshade vegetable and contain Solanine, they are not a good option, but the healthiest way to eat potatoes is fried. The deep frying process destroys a good percentage of the solanine since it is close to the surface of the potato skin. This is not a ringing endorsement for eating potato chips and French fries but if you are going to eat potatoes, deep frying them would be the best option for fibromyalgia sufferers.

White Flour

White flour can aggravate the pain symptoms of fibromyalgia. The body converts white flour, which is a simple carbohydrate, into sugars. These sugars promote fatigue, disrupt sleep patterns and increase pain. White flour can also contribute to weight gain, placing additional stress on the joints and muscles. Using whole wheat or almond flour would be a great alternative.

Red Meat

Red meats tend to be high in saturated fats. The saturated fats in red meats interfere with proper circulation and increase sensitivity to pain. They also contribute to fatigue, making it difficult for fibromyalgia sufferers to get the exercise they need to promote muscle flexibility and range of motion. White meat found in chicken and fish are the best to eat. Fish contains healthy omega oils which help combat certain symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Found this on foods that interfere with fibro

Red Meat

Red meats tend to be high in saturated fats. The saturated fats in red meats interfere with proper circulation and increase sensitivity to pain. They also contribute to fatigue, making it difficult for fibromyalgia sufferers to get the exercise they need to promote muscle flexibility and range of motion. White meat found in chicken and fish are the best to eat. Fish contains healthy omega oils which help combat certain symptoms of fibromyalgia.

There are a number of good reasons to avoid red meat, especially cows meat. It usually has hormones and antibiotics in it. Because fibromyalgia affects our hormones to such an extent, that's one reason. Eating meat with antibiotics too much can cause us to become resistant to antibiotics so if we should get a bad infection, an antibiotic may not work. Humans aren't hurt by consuming meat so long as it is in moderation. Western culture's tend to eat bigger portions than are healthy. To be on the safe side eat organic red meat in small portions.

The final reason for not eating cows.is that all the grains that go to feed.them would be better utilized in feeding the hungry. There are many good statistics on this. But I don't believe we all have to be vegan or vegetarians. I think there's a happy medium. And people should have choices about their diets for all kinds of reasons.

Personally, I avoid red meat unless I can get a bit of organic now and then. I'd love to be able to eat venison more, but I don't know any hunters in my area. Prepared well, venison is a clean meat.and healthy.

I do ok with red meat but I stick w lean

Thank you @A MyFibroTeam Member
I am lucky that I don't eat chocolate and don't miss it for a couple of reasons.
1. I am lactose intolerant
2. Chocolate gives me headaches

You can have my share. ❤

We eat a lot of white meat in our house. Pork, chicken and fish.
Hope you are having a low pain evening.
Hugs Heather xo

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