Remove Phosphates From Your Diet

There seems to be increasing evidence on phosphate additives in foods contributing to pain issues for fibromyalgia sufferers.  While there are many theories as to what factors contribute to fibromyalgia, scientists are noting reduced pain for those who eleminate phosphates from their diets. Some researchers, such as fibromyalgia expert Dr. R. Paul St. Amand in an article for the "Fibromyalgia Treatment Center," believe that phosphates play a key role in the development of  certain symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Dr. Amand is also a fibromyalgia sufferer and has devoted countless hours of research to this Phenomenon.


Phosphates and Phosphate  Metabolism

Phosphates are derivatives of the mineral phosphorus, and are actually types of salt combined with phosphoric acid. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, because phosphorus is present in foods like milk, proteins and grains, most people obtain more than enough of this mineral from dietary sources. In fact, most people acquire too much phosphorus. Your calcium needs increase with your intake of phosphorus, and too much of the latter and not enough of the former can cause poor bone health and conditions like osteoporosis. A buildup of phosphates can also interfere with cellular energy production and is thought to contribute to fatigue and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. A phosphate buildup occurs when your body doesn't excrete enough phosphates out of your body through  your urine; it is thought to occur due to a kidney malfunction, according to the  National Fibromyalgia Association. -Taken From Live Strong

Foods High in Phosphates

Soft drinks, soda drinks,  especially cola or coke and fizzy lemonade
Cordials/fruit syrup  beverages
Chocolate, lollies,
sweets, candy, and anything else with a high  citric acid and sugar content
Ice-cream
Skim milk powder (often added to  processed foods)
Biscuits, cookies, cakes from the supermarket
Tomato  ketchup 
White tuna
Mayonnaise
Fish fingers
Processed cheese, especially soft  cheese
spread
Frozen pizzas
Hot dogs
Processed meats
Baking  powder and
self-raising flour often contains phosphate aerator

Avoid all  foods that list as an ingredient mineral salts, emulsifiers and lecithin.

Natural Foods that Contain Phosphates

Egg yolks 
Milk
Nuts
Wheat germ
Soybeans and their by-products
Peas 
Beans
Lentils
Corn
Mushrooms
Oats
Cocoa beans (chocolate)
Sweet breads - liver, brains, kidneys 

Be a label checker as you peruse your local grocery.  Try to get all packaged foods void of phosphates this week.  Take note if these reduce your symptoms.