How do food additives and artificial sweeteners affect fibromyalgia?

There is little to no evidence that artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free beverages and packaged foods actually worsen people's fibromyalgia. But in a handful of individual case studies, nixing aspartame actually improved, and in some cases eliminated, the fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. And some experts suggest that certain food additives, like the flavor-enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) or the nitrates in processed meat, might make living with fibromyalgia more difficult if it triggers any unpleasant symptoms or side effects. More research is needed in all cases, but you can try an elimination diet if you'd like to investigate the impact that food additives might be having on your fibro symptoms.

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