Yes, I know there are a number of people who are experimenting w/ gluten free, and I think some find it to be helpful.

Me? I love my gluten filled carbs, and have less IBS when I include a good amount in my diet. So I think it's another one of those things that varies between individuals.

When I went gluten free I had less fatigue. Then I went preservative free and had less pain in my arms, neck and shoulders. But one thing to note is that many gluten foods, such as gf bread are often low in b vitamins, calcium, vitamin d, iron, zinc, magnesium and fiber. I took out the gluten but I did not substitute other processed gluten free products. Instead I added more brown rice, veggies, chicken and other naturally gluten free foods. I do occasionally buy gf bread or pasta, but not on a regular basis. Hope that helps.

I've been gluten-free for over a year now and I've noticed a lot less fatigue. I think my pain flare-ups have been less intense as well. I still have them but they're manageable. This has been the first really bad week I've had in a long time.

By extension we do very few processed foods. I hadn't thought about the difference that might make until vbway mentioned it. :) Couldn't hurt!

My nieces all have gone gluten free mostly because it is the latest fad..but I thought I would try it to see if it had any affect on the fibro or any of my other problems..I have been totally gluten free for almost 2 months now and can definitely say it made absolutely no difference..not in the pain and I honestly think the IBS is worse..If you have proven celiac disease that is a totally different story..but otherwise, at least for me, it doesn't seem to help..

Thank you for your question and all responses. I've been wondering the same thing. It just sounds overwhelming to deal with to me. Then again, any new undertakings feel that way to me now. Even on good days!

After being diagnosed with Celiac disease, I went on a strict gluten free diet. I felt amazing after two to three weeks. I continue to have less fibro issues. I have since then went thru various allergy testing and have had to eliminate more foods. I am so thankful that I can do something to control the disease. I really encourage you to get tested for celiac first, then go on a gluten free diet. It needs to be strict, with no cheating.

I've heard a lot of positive from people who have taken wheat out of their diet. Everyone is different.

For me, it is crucial. Even the slightest amount of gluten, as in soy sauce or a few ounces of beer, constipates me and then I feel ache all over and foggy. It takes one and a half to two days to clear my system. NO DOUBT

As someone else said, additive free also helped and dairy free, except for small amounts of butter, is a must. Small amount as in 1/2 a pat on a gluten free bread. I definitely do not use it in cooking.

I have just been placed on a gluten free diet by my doctor. She wants me to try it for the next six months. I have been managing my fibro pretty well; as long as I don't veer from my regimen or overdo it.

My new doctor is AWESOME, and has put me on a plan to help me further get control of my fibromyalgia. There office specializes in chronic pain conditions and sees many fibromyalgia patients. I have been gluten free for two days now, so we shall see what the future holds.

Personally I believe eating meats, vegetables, and fruits, (or veggies and fruits) should be the bulk of ones diet; whether they are eating gluten free or not. A healthy diet is crucial in the management of chronic pain conditions; as well as other medical conditions.

I did it to help with my joint issues, IBS and reflux. It has helped on all of those levels. However, my regular fibro pain I can't say I see much of a difference, but if it is just the fibro pain I am dealing with it is much easier if I don't have the joint pain, IBS and reflux on top of it.

Some great advice! Thanks! Since I deal with mostly joint pain, I think this may help.

I went gluten free two years ago after testing negative for gluten problems. That's why you don't see me on here anymore. IBS, Migraine, Fatigue, Insomnia, Nausea, Anemia, Hair Loss, etc... gone. Some trigger points are still resolving but I don't notice them unless the doc pushes on them! I not only stopped bone loss, but reversed it. if anyone is interested hit me up because I don't come on here much. Blessings to all.

I too tried gluten free when I found out I had fibromyalgia because I do feel like there is absolutely a connection with what foods and drinks I put in my body and how I feel. I not only went gluten free, but I also stayed away from most processed foods, meaning I didn't buy any special gluten free pasta, flour or pastries. I ate a lot of whole foods, vegetables, meat, eggs, rice, and beans. Most everything home made, delicious and easy to make, i never felt deprived. If I wanted to splurge on a carb I would eat corn chips or wrap my food in a corn tortilla.... all organic as much as possible. If I wanted to eat out a taqueria or chipotle had something I could eat. I could even go to a burger place and have my sandwich wrapped in lettuce and forego the buns.
I also eliminated caffeine and cut down on dairy. I lost 20 lbs quickly as well. So the benefits of it really were worth the effort. It's a no brainer when you feel like your dying every day.
I want to add that I had a celiac test done and it came back negative. I have strayed off my strict diet and am now struggling with pain, fatigue, brain fog, constipation or IBS and worse menstral cramps and breast tenderness, among all the other regular fibro type symptoms I have not mentioned. Eating whole organic foods helped relieve 95% of my symptoms and I didn't feel sick anymore for that period of time. I felt better slowly after about two weeks but give it a whole month to see if it helps you.
Hope this helps!

I have been gluten free and artificial sweetners free for two months now and I can definitely feel the difference. Flare up are not as bad anda lot less ffatigue no doubt! I also eat a whole lot less processed foods in general. Oh and vitamin supplements too.