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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭

I have a dumb question:
What do you mean when you say this food increases inflammation?
What inflammation do you mean? Nerve, joints?

I read this word every day in your chats and I don't get it.

I read some months ago that fibro has nothing to do with inflammation.

June 5, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members clarified that inflammation in fibromyalgia often refers to systemic inflammation triggered by foods like sugar, dairy, and processed... Read more

Members clarified that inflammation in fibromyalgia often refers to systemic inflammation triggered by foods like sugar, dairy, and processed ingredients, which can worsen pain and flare-ups even though fibro itself is not traditionally considered an inflammatory condition. Several members shared practical strategies for reducing flare severity, including cutting back on sugar and processed foods, following anti-inflammatory diets, setting timers to avoid overdoing household tasks, and relying on medications like Cymbalta and gabapentin alongside dietary changes. A recurring theme was frustration with the healthcare system's lack of nutritional guidance and the profit-driven nature of pharmaceutical and insurance industries, with members encouraging each other to advocate for prevention and root-cause approaches to managing chronic pain.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I have a really good book called The Complete Guide To Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Support Your Health and Immune System. The biggest driver of inflammation in the body is sugar and processed foods and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Splenda. Cancers feed off sugar. It's why so many in the US end up prediabetic or diabetic. Also seed oils like canola, sunflower and safflower drive up inflammation too. Those oils are in 90% of processed foods. Dr William Li and Dr. Mark Hyman have very good content on YouTube discussing food as medicine and what to avoid. It's always a good idea to eat as clean as possible or at least eliminate sugar.

June 5, 2023 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have RA as well as fibro. When my RA flairs it causes my nerves to flair. I didn't think that nerves flair, but some do. Like the ones in our brain that cause our fibro to fire way to much and way to fast, anything sugary will cause flairs. Just like caffeine and all that other bad stuff that makes your body sick. Now, I have started to slow down on my sugar. I've started cutting out things like cookies, donuts and things like that. I also have cut way, way back on my Starbucks. But I do drink a small bottle of Carmel Frappuccino that has 210 calories and not as much sugar that you would have in coffee with creamer. And I only get a Frappuccino when I see my therapist every other week. It's been really, really hard, but I've been doing it. My flair ups have started to subside. Now, my fibro will never go away. But I do take Cymbalta for my fibro. That and my medication for my RA, I don't have horrible, horrible days very much. Now, If I overdo, just like all of us, I'll have sever pain, but it doesn't take as long to get better. It's all I can do to keep up with my house. I've learned that if I want to get something done in my house, I set a timer. So that way I don't over do.
I hope this has helped. If you have any other questions or whatever, I'll try and help.

June 5, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

I found this article on foods for inflammation of fibro. I hope it will help.

https://www.myfibroteam.com/resources/the-simpl...

June 5, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

I forgot to take my Cymbalta for 4 days like 7 years ago, and I thought I was gonna die. When we finally figured out what I had done, I went back on it and within 2 days I was starting to feel better. I've never let that happen again. I take gabapentin for onset anxiety from my fibro. I know a lot of people say not to take it, but it works and as long as I'm careful I don't overdose. I see a psychiatrist and therapist and that along with my medication for my fibro and RA, I'm pretty well set. Unless I do something stupid like try and do to much around my house. Or when we go out to one of the festivals around here. To much sun and fibro don't mix well, at all....

June 5, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

Pharma, Insurance, and Healthcare count on our world becoming sicker and sicker, it's good for business.

June 6, 2023

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