Sugar
Sugar is commonly known as an overall "bad for you" food. Given that it's the cause of diabetes because it causes an imbalance in insulin levels, sugar can worsen a person's pain. Most sugar found in nature can even have this effect on people with diabetes. And, as is commonly known, diabetes can cause nerve damage and resulting pain.Caffeine
If you have Fibromyalgia, drinking caffeine is probably the worst thing for you. Fibromyalgia is often linked with lack of sleep and is associated with mental mood imbalances. Drinking coffee will not only through off your body's natural wakefulness but for people suffering from Fibromyalgia, it could leave them feeling more tired than they were without the coffee. It also keeps these sufferers awake longer than necessary and the less sleep people with Fibromyalgia get, the more pain they experience.Additives
One of the most common additives monosodium glutamate (MSG) stimulates pain receptors in the brain via excitatory neurotransmitter. Specifically for people with fibromyalgia, high glutamate levels in the spinal fluid exacerbate the pain. High glutamate levels are almost always found in MSG which means that MSG intake can lead to an increase in pain.Nightshade Veggies
Some vegetables may cause more pain in people with chronic pain conditions. Nightshade vegetables are vegetables that contain the chemical solanine, which can exacerbate arthritis pain in those with the preexisting condition. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and most peppers fall under this botanical category, and if you suffer from arthritis it's best to stay away.Aspartame
This little-known chemical found in artificial sweeteners can make your chronic pain worse, especially if you suffer chronic psychological illnesses. Aspartame falls under a chemical group known as excitotoxins, which is a slightly dangerous chemical group because it has the ability to excite your neurons so much that you are more sensitive to pain. If you have a chronic illness at all, this will certainly make it worse.
