MSG, Excitotoxins, Nutrasweet (Aspartame) and Fibromyalgia??
At first look, this seems like an unlikely candidate for causing/contributing to fibromyalgia symptoms. There is some evidence that supports removing it from your diet though.
Excitotoxins are considered excitatory neuro toxins because of their influence on increasing glutamate levels. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and too much can drive a neuron beyond it’s capacity for energy production resulting in cell death. This is especially likely in those with metabolic (energy production) issues that are commonly seen in fibromyalgia patients.
Another consideration is that glutamate is the neurotransmitter involved in transmitting ‘pain’ signals in the spinal cord.
Additionally, foods rich in glutamate tend to be heavily processed foods which have their own associated problems in the context of fibromyalgia.
A study published in 2012, supports the idea of reducing dietary excito toxins – in this case glutamate.
From the article… “These findings suggest that dietary glutamate may be contributing to FM symptoms in some patients.”
What are some sources of glutamate?
MSG which is found is so many processed foods and seasonings but is not listed as MSG unfortunately. This is another great reason to give up processed foods.
Aspartame (nutrasweet) is another significant source of glutamate in the diet.
Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2012 Nov-Dec;30(6 Suppl 74):10-7. Epub 2012 Dec 14. The effect of dietary glutamate on fibromyalgia and irritable bowel symptoms. Holton KF1, Taren DL, Thomson CA, Bennett RM, Jones KD.
Other studies support the idea of removing exicitotoxins – glutamate from the diet.
A small study published in 2001:
“Four patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome for two to 17 years are described.
All had undergone multiple treatment modalities with limited success. All had complete, or nearly complete, resolution of their symptoms within months after eliminating monosodium glutamate (MSG) or MSG plus aspartame from their diet.
All patients were women with multiple comorbidities prior to elimination of MSG. All have had recurrence of symptoms whenever MSG is ingested.
The elimination of MSG and other excitotoxins from the diets of patients with fibromyalgia offers a benign treatment option that has the potential for dramatic results in a subset of patients.”
Ann Pharmacother. 2001 Jun;35(6):702-6. Relief of fibromyalgia symptoms following discontinuation of dietary excitotoxins. Smith JD1, Terpening CM, Schmidt SO, Gums JG.
Although this was a small study, the women had suffered for 17 years while undergoing various treatments without success. They made a simple dietary change and quickly got better with ‘complete or near complete resolution of their symptoms!’
Here is another VERY critical factor that you can do that may significantly improve your symptoms.
Often dietary and lifestyle changes can improve pain and health in fibromyalgia sufferers and everyone else.
So can Chiropractic care.
It can make a huge difference in painful neuro-musculoskeletal problems by improving movement of problem joints, reducing muscle tightness, and improving function for better health and reduced pain.
Do you or a loved one live in the Texarkana area, suffer from Fibromyalgia, and would like to see Dr. Hagebusch in our Texarkana Clinic?
Contact Us at 903-793-1084 to set up and appointment with Dr. Hagebusch to see what he can do for you to help you get your life back. We’re here to help.
Hagebusch Chiropractic
4025 N Stateline Ave on the TX side across from Holiday Bowl
Texarkana, TX 75503
903-793-1084
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