Is There A Link Between Gluten And Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a health problem characterized by muscle pain and constant bouts of fatigue.

The people who suffer from it often experience tension and sensitivity in different parts of their body. In addition, they may experience symptoms such as stiffness, headache, and tingling in the hands and feet.

Fibromyalgia is considered a chronic syndrome and is estimated to affect nearly three percent of the world’s population, with the syndrome occurring ten times more often in women than in men.

Most severe cases occur in adults and people who also suffer from conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Arthritis
• Lupus
• An outdated spine

Some experts believe that the main cause of fibromyalgia can be found in the genes, but this condition has also been linked to other factors such as:

• trauma from an accident
• physical activities
• other illnesses

In fact, a recent study shows that people who suffer from this condition can experience complications from simply consuming gluten. This protein structure, which is found in wheat, among other things, can exacerbate inflammation in the body. That can then make it more difficult to relieve the symptoms.

What Is the Connection Between Gluten and Fibromyalgia?

A study published by the BMC Gastroenterology found that a gluten-free diet can provide significant improvements for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and also fibromyalgia.

While the researchers of this study acknowledge that the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, the results of the study are promising for those who suffer from this condition.

The study is based on the idea that inflammatory processes linked to the presence of gluten in the intestinal tract can contribute to the development of a hypersensitive central nervous system.  That is precisely the problem primarily responsible for the development of fibromyalgia.

Gluten is a protein that can be found in, for example, wheat, rye, barley and other grains. The link between gluten and inflammation has been studied several times, because people who have a gluten sensitivity often also suffer from inflammatory reactions.

The relationship between fibromyalgia and gluten is based on inflammation in certain cells in the body, which affects the joints, muscles and other body tissues as well.

Often people are not even aware that they are gluten intolerant. As a result, this condition can cause much worse complications for them. Therefore, many experts recommend that these people remove gluten-containing foods from their diet, as an adjunct to their usual fibromyalgia treatment.

What other measures can I take to prevent fibromyalgia?

In addition to eliminating gluten from your diet, you can also take a few other measures to control this condition. For example, changing your eating habits and exercising regularly. These are two main ways to deal with this condition.

Make sure you get more magnesium

Consuming foods rich in magnesium can help protect your muscles and cartilage and reduce tension and joint pain.

For example, some magnesium-rich foods are:

• Spinach
• head lettuce
• asparagus
• pumpkin seeds
• Molasses

Take Vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D may be associated with complications in patients with fibromyalgia. Moderate consumption of this vitamin thus appears to help reduce chronic pain and improve physical performance.

Some sources of vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish
• beef liver
• Cheese
• egg yolk
• mushrooms
• fortified milk

Consume Calcium

Foods rich in calcium can reduce muscle spasms. They can also strengthen bones and improve joint health.

You can get calcium through, among other things:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• soy milk
• beans
• Broccoli

Exercise

Exercise is good for things like:

• Improving blood circulation.
• Shapes of muscles.
• Can help maintain a healthy weight.
• Put less pressure on your body.

Forms of exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming are ideal for patients who suffer from this disorder.

Massage

Massages with relaxing oils seem to help reduce pain as well as other symptoms characteristic of this syndrome. The secret, however, is to apply the right amount of pressure to avoid muscle injury. Therefore, seek professional help.

So, while further scientific research is needed to determine whether there is a link between gluten and fibromyalgia, we can say that changing your eating habits can be a great way to manage your symptoms.