I think that many foods in our case cause some of our symptoms. I think artificial sweet flavoring trigger some of my stomache issues and anxiety problems.

No it is not your imagination. I have RA and certain foods/drinks/vitamins/supplements/environmental triggers sets me off. I will get the aches and pains from the RA as well as from the FMS - muscular issues.

Take care... :-)

What is FMS? How did you get diagnost. I usually only get the aches in my forearms.

Hi Faith, I have read that wine can cause some discomfort due to the tannins in it.
It's not uncommon to develop food sensitivities or allergies when you have graves. I keep track of what foods cause what I call triggers and avoid them or minimize my exposure to them. Red wines are most notorious for causing some reactions in graves disease patients. Switch to a white wine to see if that is any different. If not, you should limit your consumption of wines or don't drink them at all until your disease is more under control with meds.
Do keep a diary or journal of your food sensitivities so that you can discuss with yoour doctor and or keep track of what foods you are sensitive to.

Yes. The way I get my answers is to revert to a very simple diet and then add only one thing at a time and see what happens. I know that tannins and sulphites in wines and processed foods cause me a lot of pain. Anything artificial...MSG and all it's various forms, even silicones in creams and shampoos. I have gone totally natural in all things and now hardly get aches at all. I also had most of them in my shoulders and upper arms but for many years it was my thighs and hips which was horrible too.

I drink lots of water in various forms. With fresh squeezed lime and organic honey and a pinch of cayenne...or with a spoonful or two of coconut milk, a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon and some molasses...I like it warm or hot and it helps me to avoid coffee.

Also, I often do a warm oil rub as recommended by Ayurvedics. I read about it in Deepak Chopras book and it is very soothing and calming and thus relieves the aches. And, the warm bath or if I cannot do that, a hot water bottle.

The most important thing to remember is never to mask your symptoms with drugs. Symptoms are the body telling us it needs us to eliminate toxins. If we cover the symptoms our body gets confused and just goes to another area to try to rid itself of the offending toxins.

Hope that helps a bit. Stay strong and positive. My thoughts totally affect my situation.

Thanks so much I will start a food diary ASAP!!!