Foods to Avoid with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia & Diet

Which foods not to eat with fibromyalgia?

When you’re living with fibromyalgia, food choices can either support your healing—or quietly sabotage it.

The reality is, some foods actively fuel inflammation, disrupt cellular balance, and overload an already struggling nervous system. For people with fibromyalgia, that extra burden is the last thing you need.

Let’s talk about the types of foods that are best avoided to help your body calm inflammation, restore balance, and support real healing.

2. Omega-6 Overload

Today’s average diet is drowning in omega-6 fats thanks to oils like canola, soy, corn, sunflower, and safflower—common in mass-produced and fast foods. While omega-6 isn’t inherently bad, the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio has gotten wildly out of balance. This imbalance promotes inflammation and is especially harmful for fibromyalgia sufferers. Reducing your intake of processed oils and increasing high-quality omega-3s (like from wild fish or flax) is essential.

4. High Glycemic and Refined Carbs

Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pastries, sugary snacks, and high-GI grains spike insulin, promote inflammation, and stress the body. Instead, stick to low-GI carbs in moderation, like fruits and vegetables, and keep “bad carbs” as rare treats, not daily staples.

5. Nightshade Vegetables

This one surprises many: nightshades like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant contain alkaloids that may worsen joint and nerve pain. Many people with fibromyalgia report symptom relief when they eliminate or reduce these from their diet.

For more information about Fibromyalgia symptoms, click here.