Anybody subscribe to the idea that fibromyalgia is worsened by artificial sweetners? I thought it was a bunch or bologna. I ran out of diet drinks for a week and I was bouncing back there for awhile. What do you think? Anybody out there with FM that has any tips on coping with the pain?
2006-12-26 16:12:04 · 3 answers · asked by Honesty given here! 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder of hypersensitivity, meaning that people who have it react more intensely to anything. Some artificial sweeteners are neurotoxins, so it makes sense that they would make you feel worse when you ingest them.
While I find most of the "EEEK! Nutrasweet is the Antichrist!" web sites out there to be absolutely ludicrous, I know that the stuff is a migraine trigger for me, so I avoid it. Some people find that they feel worse after eating corn, or wheat, or having refined sugars. Whatever it is, if you feel better when you don't have it, eliminate it from your diet it. Your body is pretty smart that way.
As for coping with the pain in general, I find that listening to my body and honoring it is a great way to do that. Reducing the amount of stress in my life has been vital. Getting treatment for other health issues, like allergies and sleep disorders, is important. Learning to pace yourself and prioritize is essential. And if you need help beyond what your general doctor or rheumatologist can/will give you, go to a pain management specialist. It's worth kicking up a fuss to get there.
Good luck!
2006-12-26 16:44:17 · answer #1 · answered by TechnoMom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keeping your diet as free as possible from artificial anything will help any problem, including FM. What should be of a bigger concern is that there is an apparent link between some artificial sweeteners and MS.
In general with FM, stay as active as you can without precipitating a flare, stretch as much as you can every day, and find your best relaxation method and use it. There really isn't anything else that's effective.
2006-12-27 11:26:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
FM is not the same for everyone. It may well be that artificial sweeteners or colors make you worse. I find that heat helps me. I use thermocare warmers and I take lots of ginger.
2006-12-26 16:18:43 · answer #3 · answered by Susan M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋