Fibromyalgia and gluten: Can gluten-containing foods cause more inflammation in the body?

Last updated 28/02/2024 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

Fibromyalgia and gluten

Many people with fibromyalgia notice that they react to gluten. Among other things, many feel that gluten causes worsening pain and symptoms. Here we take a look at why.

Have you reacted to feeling worse if you got too much gluten-free bread and bread? Then you are not alone!

- Does it affect us more than we think?

In fact, several research studies go so far as to conclude that gluten sensitivity is a contributing factor to fibromyalgia and several other forms of invisible illness.¹ Based on such research, there are also many who recommend that you try to cut out gluten if you have fibromyalgia. In this article you will learn more about how those with fibromyalgia can be affected by gluten - and it is probably the case that Much of the information will surprise you.

How does gluten affect fibromyalgia?

Gluten is a protein found mainly in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten has properties that activate hormones linked to feelings of hunger, which make you eat more and develop a "sweet tooth» above sources of fast energy (products with a lot of sugar and fat).

- Overreactions in the small intestine

When gluten is consumed by someone who is gluten-sensitive, this leads to an overreaction on the part of the body, which in turn can lead to inflammatory reactions in the small intestine. This is the area where nutrients are absorbed into the body, so that this area is exposed leads to irritation and less absorption of nutrients. Which in turn leads to less energy, a feeling that the stomach is swollen, as well as irritated bowels.

- At our interdisciplinary departments at Vondtklinikkene in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Akershus (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood) our clinicians have a uniquely high professional competence in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation training of chronic pain. Click on the links or here to read more about our departments.

Leakage in the small intestine wall

Several researchers also refer to "leakage in the intestine" (2), where they describe how inflammatory reactions in the small intestine can lead to damage to the inner wall. They also believe that this may cause certain food particles to break through the damaged walls, thereby causing greater autoimmune responses. Autoimmune reactions thus mean that the body's own immune system attacks parts of the body's own cells. Which, naturally, is not particularly lucky. This can lead to inflammatory reactions in the body - and thus intensify fibromyalgia pain and symptoms.

Symptoms of inflammation in the intestinal system

Here are some common symptoms that can often be experienced by inflammation of the body:

• Anxiety and sleep problems

• Indigestion (including acid reflux, constipation and/or diarrhoea)

• Headache

• Cognitive disorders (incl fibrous mist)

• Abdominal pain

• Pain in the whole body

• Fatigue and fatigue

• Difficulty maintaining an ideal weight

• Increased incidence of candida and fungal infections

Do you see the red thread associated with this? The body uses significant amounts of energy to reduce inflammation in the body - and gluten helps maintain the inflammatory reactions (in those with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease). By reducing inflammation in the body, one can, for many, help to reduce symptoms and pain.

Anti-inflammatory measures

Naturally, a gradual approach is important when changing your diet. Nobody expects you to cut out all gluten and sugar for the day, but rather that you try to gradually taper off. Also try to implement probiotics (good gut bacteria) in your daily diet.

- Anti-inflammatory and more easily digested food (low-FODMAP) can cause less inflammation

You will get the reward in the form of less inflammatory reactions and a reduced occurrence of symptoms. But it will take time - unfortunately there is no doubt about that. So here you really have to dedicate yourself to change, and that is something that can be very difficult when the whole body aches due to fibromyalgia. Many people simply feel that they do not have the money to do so.

- Piece by piece

That's why we ask you to take it step by step. For example, if you eat cake or candy several times a week, try cutting back to just weekends at first. Set interim goals and take them, literally, bit by bit. Why not start by getting familiar with fibromyalgia diet?

- Relaxation and gentle exercise can reduce stress and inflammatory reactions

Did you know that adapted training is actually anti-inflammatory? This is surprising to many. That is why we have developed both mobility and strength programs at our Youtube channel for those with fibromyalgia and rheumatism.

Mobility exercises as anti-inflammatory

Research has shown that exercise and movement have an anti-inflammatory effect against chronic inflammation (3). We also know how difficult it is to get regular exercise routines when you have fibromyalgia due flare-ups and bad days.

- Mobility stimulates circulation and endorphins

Therefore we have, through our own chiropractor Alexander Andorff, created a program that is gentle and customized above rheumatics. Here you see five exercises that can be done daily and that many people experience that provide relief from stiff joints and aching muscles.

Feel free to subscribe to our YouTube channel for free (click here) for free exercise tips, exercise programs and health knowledge. Welcome to the family you must be!

Fibromyalgia and anti-inflammatory diet

We have previously mentioned how inflammation affects and plays a central role in fibromyalgia, many forms of invisible disease, as well as other rheumatism. Knowing a little more about what you should and should not eat is therefore incredibly important. We recommend that you read and learn more about the fibromyalgia diet in the article we have linked to below.

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Fibromyalgia [Big Diet Guide]

Holistic treatment of fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes a whole cascade of different symptoms and pains - and will therefore require a comprehensive treatment. It is of course not surprising that those with fibromyalgia have a higher use of pain-relieving medication - and that they need more follow-up with a physiotherapist or chiropractor than those who are not affected.

- Take time for yourself and relaxation

Many patients also use self-measures and self-treatment which they think works well for themselves. For example compression supports og trigger point balls, but there are also many other options and preferences. We also recommend that you join your local support group - possibly join a digital group like the one shown below.

Recommended self-help for fibromyalgia

Many of our patients ask us questions about how they themselves can contribute to reduced pain in muscles and joints. In fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes, we are particularly interested in measures that provide relaxation. We therefore gladly recommend training in hot water pool, yoga and meditation, as well as daily use of acupressure mat (trigger point mat)

Our recommendation: Relaxation on an acupressure mat (link opens in new window)

This can be an excellent self-measure for you who suffer from chronic muscle tension. This acupressure mat we link to here also comes with a separate headrest that makes it easy to get to tight neck muscles. Click on the image or link here to read more about it, as well as see purchase options. We recommend a daily session of 20 minutes.

Other self-measures for rheumatic and chronic pain

• Compression Noise (such as compression socks that contribute to increased blood circulation to sore muscles or specially adapted compression gloves og socks against rheumatic symptoms in the hands and feet)

Click on the image to read more about compression gloves.

• Toe pullers (several types of rheumatism can cause bent toes - for example hammer toes or hallux valgus (bent big toe) - toe pullers can help relieve these)
• Mini tapes (many with rheumatic and chronic pain feel that it is easier to train with custom elastics)
• Trigger point Balls (self-help to work the muscles on a daily basis)
• Arnica cream or heat conditioner (may help relieve pain)

Fibromyalgia and invisible illness: Support group

Join the Facebook group «Rheumatism and Chronic Pain - Norway: Research and news» (Press here) for more recent updates on research and media articles on rheumatic and invisible diseases. Here, members can also get help and support - at all times of the day - through the exchange of their own experiences and advice.

Help us raise awareness of invisible illness

We kindly ask you to share this article in social media or via your blog (please link directly to the article or our website vondt.net). We are also happy to exchange links with relevant websites (contact us by message via Facebook if you want to exchange links with your website or blog). Understanding, general knowledge and increased focus are the first step towards a better everyday life for people with an invisible illness. If you follow our Facebook page It is also of great help. Also remember that you can contact us, or one of our clinic departments, if you have any questions.

Source and research

1. Isasi et al, 2014. Fibromyalgia and non-celiac gluten sensitivity: a description with remission of fibromyalgia. Rheumatol Int. 2014; 34(11): 1607–1612.

2. Camilleri et al, 2019. Leaky gut: mechanisms, measurement and clinical implications in humans. Gut. 2019 Aug;68(8):1516-1526.

3. Beavers et al, 2010. Effect of exercise training on chronic inflammation. Clin Chim Acta. 2010 Jun 3; 411(0): 785–793.