Chronic pain, also referred to as fibromyalgia, is a disorder which magnifies pain; fibromyalgia patients experience symptoms such as frequent headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, fatigue, depression and anxiety.
Pain medications are only 30%-50% effective at relieving the many symptoms of fibromyalgia; many chronic pain sufferers are turning to alternative medicine and changes in their diet to alleviate some of the symptoms, finding that certain foods have a profound effect on their level of pain and muscular stiffness.
Experts are still uncertain as to the exact cause of fibromyalgia, but many agree that food allergies may play a key role in the disorder.
Here are 10 foods which have a high correlation with chronic pain relief…and some which might be causing your pain.
Food #1: Keep it fresh!
About 50% of chronic pain sufferers also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies of the season is a good battle plan against some of the symptoms of IBS, such as indigestion, diarrhea and nausea.
Food #2: Go easy on the caffeine!
Fibromyalgia patients often suffer mood disorders; fatigue and sleep difficulties are common side effects. Don’t be tempted by the allure of that quick pick-me-up cup of coffee. Your caffeine buzz will soon plummet into yet another cycle of irritability and sleeplessness.
Gotta Have Your Coffee Fix? It May Be in Your Genes
Food #3: Not all veggies are your friends!
Studies say that joint pain sufferers should avoid “nightshade” vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants. Some scientists believe that nightshades have neurotoxins which may exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
Food #4: Get mega doses of Omega-3′s!
Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t just great for your heart; they’re also beneficial for your body’s response to inflammation! Studies have proven that fish oils help to maintain joint functioning, in addition to enhancing cognitive health. Salmon and ground flax seeds are good sources of omega-3 oils.
Food #5: Don’t be a gluten glutton!
Gluten intolerance, linked with celiac disease, is known to trigger migraines and irritable bowel syndrome.
Is Gluten Sensitivity Giving You a Headache?
Food #6: Leave some milk for the cows! 
The fact is, none of us really need cow’s milk, and most of us would be better off without it. Lactose intolerance causes health conditions such as irritable bowel, congestion, migraines and many other pain related symptoms. Many fibromyalgia patients have found relief by switching to a vegan diet.
Food #7: Don’t go crazy over carbs!
About 90% of chronic pain sufferers have an adrenal gland disorder which could lead to hypoglycemia. To avoid the sugar-high roller coaster, remember to include protein foods with healthy carbohydrates.
Food #8: Sugar-free is not pain-free!
Aspartame, which is found in many diet sodas and sugarless treats, contains excitotoxins, which are known to increase pain sensitivity. Weaning off imitation sugar has brought relief to many fibromyalgia and migraine sufferers.
Food #9: Eat naked food!
Avoid extra ingredients like additives and preservatives. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a repeat offender when it comes to causing intense migraines and increased receptiveness to pain.
Food #10: There’s nothing refined about eating processed food!
The days when white flour and refined sugar were considered a status symbol are long gone. Most people today acknowledge that a diet high in white bread, fried processed foods and syrupy sweet drinks cause a host of ailments, not the least of which being obesity, heart disease, muscular soreness, hypertension, diabetes and chronic fatigue…all of which amount to a very big headache.
Also read:
Are You on the Rebound with Your Headache?
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