Improving Widespread Chronic Pain and Overall Symptoms in Gulf War Illness With the Low Glutamate Diet

Objectives: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multi-symptom disorder characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, cognitive impairments, and mood disturbances. Evidence suggests that GWI is driven by excitotoxicity resulting from excessive levels of glutamate. Our lab has shown that the low glutamate diet, which eliminates free glutamate and emphasizes healthy whole foods, alleviates symptoms of GWI, including chronic pain. This study analyzes preliminary data from a phase III clinical trial evaluating the diet’s effects on symptom number, severity, and widespread chronic pain in veterans with GWI.