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Treating fibromyalgia with vitamins and supplements

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder where a person experiences pain as well as fatigue and issues with sleep, memory, and mood swings. The disorder often affects women more than men and is caused by stressful psychological and physiological events. Genetics also plays a role in causing fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia causes repeated nerve stimulation that creates physical transformation in the brain. It causes the secretion of chemicals which make the person more receptive to pain. The person afflicted suffers from pain throughout the body, not specific to any body part. It is accompanied by fatigue and sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome.

The disorder creates what is known as a ‘Fibro Fog’ and patients are unable to concentrate on everyday tasks due to the pain and fatigue. There is no permanent cure for the disorder; it can only be managed with vitamins, supplements and other interventions like medications to control the symptoms as well as regular exercise. If untreated, fibromyalgia can lead to depression and extreme anxiety as patients may not understand the cause of the incessant stress and pain.

Here are a few supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia that can alleviate the symptoms of the disorder.

Vitamin D supplement
Vitamin D popularly known as the sunshine vitamin is crucial for the growth and maintenance of bones. It is generated by the body when the skin is exposed to the sun. However, this depends on the presence of melanin and dark skinned and older people often produce very little of this vitamin. 600 IU of vitamin D is necessary for a normal person and helps in alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. When vitamin D is orally taken, it relieves the symptoms of pain. However, it takes a long time even up to 20 weeks to observe the effect.

Vitamin B12 supplement
Vitamin B12 is extremely important to the health of the nervous system. It controls the functioning of the nerve pathways and its deficiency can be responsible for symptoms of fibromyalgia like numbness of extremities, fatigue and a depressed immune system. Generally, a vegan or a vegetarian diet is low in vitamin B12 and it is best if patients with fibromyalgia take vitamin B12 supplements. Vitamin B12 is also responsible for the manufacturing of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and folate mechanism. These supplements taken over time will improve nerve responses and undo the damage done by the disorder.

Omega-3 supplement
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as improving immunity. Fibromyalgia causes pain in the joints and muscles due to inflammation. This is due to the increased secretion of the inflammatory hormone, prostaglandins. However, omega-3 helps in reduction of this hormone and this decreases pain caused due to inflammation. One of the best sources of omega-3 is fish oil and is taken as capsules. Patients need to check with their doctor before using omega-3 supplements, especially if they are also using other blood thinning medication like aspirin or warfarin.

SAMe supplement
S-Adenosyl methionine is a compound that is created by the body. It plays an important part in the immune system and in the forming of cartilage and DNA. It is particularly crucial for patients dealing with fibromyalgia because it helps in the production and transmission of brain hormones. These hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are responsible for the moods of a person. The SAMe supplement hence works on the symptoms of fibromyalgia related to depression and mood swings. It also helps in reducing chronic pain symptoms seen in older patients.

Magnesium supplement
Magnesium supplements are often administered to patients with fibromyalgia. Magnesium is crucial to the body and is a catalyst for most body processes. A magnesium deficiency leads to the inability of muscles to relax and causes muscles spasms and pain. This is because magnesium is necessary for the muscles to create energy as it converts 5 HTP to Serotonin. Patients are suggested to take magnesium supplements orally in the form of pills. About 300-500mg of magnesium is required every day to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Apart from these supplements, doctors also prescribe a variety of supplements for fibromyalgia:

Probiotic supplement – To increase immunity by developing the health of the gastrointestinal system
Melatonin supplement – To induce sleep and improve immunity
Brown Seaweed Extract supplement – To reduce inflammation and chronic pain
Colostrum supplement – To increase growth hormone and the stress handling ability

Fibromyalgia can only be managed if we follow a holistic treatment. Nutrition is an important aspect and patients should increase the intake of fruits and vegetables as they are high in minerals and vitamins. A reduction in processed foods and meats, as well as stimulants like alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, needs to be done. Adequate water should also be consumed as even dehydration leads to muscle fatigue. It is advisable to take these supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia after consulting a doctor.

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