How do you work out what foods effect Fibromyalgia?

The best way I have heard of is to keep a food journal, you can start with what and when you usually eat for a week and then stop one food or spice at a time then write down your reactions or non-reactions in the journal. After about a month, try adding everything back in one at a time. I have gluten/dairy/wheat allergies and believe me you will know which ones to avoid by the time your done.
Hope this helps.

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Crainiotomy Lg. Meningioma Dec.02, Bi-Polar 2004, SMI 06, Gluten/Wheat/Dairy Intolerance, IBS 06, Migraines w/pseudo-seizures 07, Dev. Septum Sur. Sept.07, 2nd Men./Tumor Gamma Knife Rad. Dec.08, Radical Hysterectomy Sept.09 w/instant Menopause, Fibromyalgia 09, Disability since 09, EBV/CFS 11,Vomiting/Multiple Ulcers, Vertigo 12, Chronic Fatigue Moderator 2013.No meds list I ran out of space.

Research, how about starting with websites that mention which foods should be avoided with fibro. Here's one:

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-the-diet-connection

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Fibromyalgia, CFS, MCS, scoleosis, herniated disks, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, sjorgens, sleep apnea, asthma, headaches. I am on a regiment of different supplements including sleep supplements, I eat very nutritiously, and ever since my injury years ago I have been doing prescribed stretches x2 daily.

Keep a journal for at least a month. You can chart food, medications, events, how you feel, pain, etc.

Eventually, a cause-effect will become clear.

It's really best to just work with your Dr. as we are all so different there isn't any just "one" chart, website, suggestion that fits everyone with Fibro.

I don't have any food restrictions as far as any triggers for Fibro. I have made the switch to eating all organic on my own because I wanted to get rid of preservatives and artificial ingredients. The benefits for me has been more energy and better digestion (especially for IBS symptoms). But I eat any type of food I want , it's just all natural or organic. Nothing is off limits as it's all about moderation. If I want a piece of cake, then I eat ONE piece and this satisfies me for a few weeks.

I have always been a water drinker as I dislike sodas....I drink about 12-14 glasses a day because I am on medications for other health issues and this also helps me with energy levels and intestinal issues.

Of course for "regular" good health, most people should avoid extremes with too much salt, sugar, or bad fats....but this is to keep those from developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart/kidney issues. It's all about making smart choices....not going on any "fad" diets.

And daily exercise in some form is also good for most everyone, not just for Fibro so you should work out a good program with your Dr. to make sure it is safe for you in case of other health issues you may have.

I walk every day, a 1.4 mile loop with my dog each night. As well as I make sure I get up and stretch and walk around the house a bit (not working right this moment) every hour or so to keep from getting too stiff or getting muscle spasms. I also lift very light weights a few times a week and this is cleared by my Neurosurgeon because of all my spine issues. I do am/pm gentle yoga too!

I see that you have Sleep Apnea as one of your diagnoses....I hope that you are following the Drs. orders each night by using a C-PAP or other type of machine if this is prescribed as that makes all the difference in the world with not just getting sleep but getting the proper oxygen to your brain, heart, and rest of body to function properly.

Because of my other spine issues, surgeries, and pain while sleeping associated with those, I ended up being prescribed Ambien to help my sleep. This, along with my mattress topper, pillows that fully support my spine, going to sleep and waking the same time 7 days a week, and sleeping in a cool room with total darkness, has made a tremendous difference in my pain and energy levels.

As others mentioned, if you feel that certain foods somehow are the sole cause of your pain or flare in symptoms, then keeping a journal to figure this out would be good.

I have just found that eating well, daily exercise, stretching, getting a good night's sleep and finding things that make me laugh and give me joy have helped make my Fibromyalgia be something in the "background" that I don't think of much.

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SB (Snowbunny) and the pup that snores (my yellow lab:))

3, two-level, cervical fusions over the past 11 years. The last one was anterior and posterior with lots of fun titanium!
Still have active herniations along with knee problems and another Morton's neuroma in left foot.
I try to find joy in each day even with chronic pain:)

I really don't. I mean, I don't eat any fast food, deep fried food, no packaged / highly processed foods... but aside from this, I just try to keep my lean proteins up, my simple carbs down, and my healthy fats reasonable. Typically, I shoot for somewhere around equal 1/3rds for these.

Then I keep my daily cals somewhere close to the "break even" point.

Nowadays, I spend a lot more time thinking > What do I need to eat to lose a couple pounds of fat... and put on some more muscle ? I really don't even think about my Fibro that much, unless I'm here discussing it.

Peace,
Fish

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On a mission to help at least one person with Fibro / IBS, knock it into submission like I have. More than one person would be even better though ;)

Post Edited (Fishchris) : 3/11/2013 11:05:37 AM (GMT-6)

Hi--I recently bought book "Healing Fibromyalgia" written by Dr. Edelberg. It is now my bible. It is a fantastic book and he goes into every topic from medications, natural supplements, alternative therapies to diet. He also lists many different resources and a six week plan to follow. He goes into detail about food allergies, toxins, pesticides in certain foods. I learned a great deal from this book and I have worked in the medical field for years!

I have a lot of hope and I've had fibro for decades! Back when I got it it was called fibrositis and most doctors didn't think it was a true illness. Now they know...most of them at least. Fibro now is recognized by the American Medical Association, the American College of Rheumatology, the National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization just to name a few. Now there there are things that can help you. Plus researchers and doctors are working hard at finding the cause. Once they do that things will be even better.

So never give up hope. Look forward to each new day with anticipation because it could be a good one.

Sherrine

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Forum Moderator/Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, Crohn's Disease, Ostomy, Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Glaucoma, Scoliosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis
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God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Post Edited (Sherrine) : 3/13/2013 6:36:58 AM (GMT-6)