Whenever there is a chronic condition that affects 6 million Americans there is a lot of talk about what causes the condition. One theory is that food allergies cause fibromyalgia. Researchers, scientists and doctors are still trying to pinpoint the exact causes of fibromyalgia and some researchers do believe that there are some valid points to the theory that it can be caused or at least contributed to food allergies; especially when it comes to delayed pattern food allergy and non-specific pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia.

Triggers are often discussed when it comes to flares in conditions such as fibromyalgia where one day symptoms are mild and the next they are severe. What causes the difference in intensity of symptoms from one day to the next? One explanation would be food sensitivities to staple food substances such as eggs, coffee, meat, milk and wheat.

One fact that seems to support the food allergies theory is that interestingly enough the one earliest symptom described by those who have yet to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia and that comes out after the diagnosis is that they first became aware of something being wrong when they noticed digestive system problems. This would suggest a connection between food sensitivities or food allergies and fibromyalgia.

There are however a different set of symptoms that are also known to be connected to food allergies that are not connected in any way to the digestive system and they include aches, confusion, irritability, food poisoning symptoms, drowsiness, and lack of motivation or energy and also headaches, skin rashes, depression or mental fogginess, joint and muscle pains and weight fluctuations. These symptoms are more likely to be associated with immune mechanisms then they would be with a food delay pattern allergy.

Because there are so many different symptoms associated with fibromyalgia there may be different manifestations of food allergies with different clinical conditions for instance those with fibromyalgia often suffer associated conditions such as asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome both of which can be manifested by food allergies.

Researchers have identified the following symptoms suffered by those who have been identified as having fibromyalgia that are and have been associated with food allergies including:

* Abdominal pain (irritable bowel syndrome)
* Bladder issues
* Cold intolerance
* Dry Eyes and mouth
* Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
* Restless legs syndrome
* Secondary to growth hormone deficiency or to psychological problems

Researchers have also made a connection to immune system mechanisms that are common to both food allergies and fibromyalgia symptoms such as irregular or improper entry of food molecules into the bloodstream, the activation of certain immune cells and immune complexes and also the release of chemicals that are active immune cells. This occurs because the human body’s immune system is set to recognize foods that are toxic and may be harmful to the body.

So there you have the arguments for and against food allergies causing fibromyalgia. You can see why a cause for fibromyalgia has not been determined yet. There are many factors involved with so many different symptoms be attributed to fibromyalgia.