vitamins for fibromyalgia

Using Vitamins to Manage Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition currently affecting millions of people all over the globe.

Characterized by chronic muscle pain, poor sleep, and unrelenting fatigue, scientists are currently baffled as to what actually causes the disorder.

The disorder is found to be more common in women and while there is currently no known cure, there are specific vitamins and supplements that can be taken to help manage the symptoms.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition where the body experiences widespread pain in the muscles without any real cause. The pain is typically chronic and can last for months at a time without much relief.

Those who suffer from Fibromyalgia often experience other symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, memory issues, depression, sleep disturbances, and even touch sensitivity.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

While the exact cause of this disorder is still unknown, Fibromyalgia has been linked to high levels of stress, imbalances in hormones and cortisol, and heavy metals.

It is highly recommended that anyone suffering from Fibromyalgia consult with their doctor to test for the presence of heavy metals in their system.

The Brain, Pain, and Fibromyalgia

Pain is simply the body’s way of saying that something is not right. When a person gets a cut on their arm or accidentally bangs their knee into a coffee table, the body sends signals to the sensory cortex part of the brain that there has been a disturbance.

The brain then processes these signals and, depending on the magnitude of the injury, will either increase or decrease the amount of pain someone is experiencing.

When it comes to Fibromyalgia, it is believed that there is a disconnect in the way a person’s brain processes pain signals, causing someone to feel the pain that is not really there.

Fortifying the Body with Vitamins

While there is no real cure for Fibromyalgia, there are vitamins people can take to help them manage their symptoms.

Magnesium

One of the most important supplements someone can take when suffering from Fibromyalgia is magnesium.

Fatigue, hormone, and sleep problems are all common symptoms of Fibromyalgia and they are symptoms that point to a magnesium deficiency.

Taking a magnesium supplement regularly can also help to bring energy into the cells to combat the fatigue often associated with the disorder.

Vitamin D

Depression, fatigue, and muscle pain are among the top three complaints from those who are deficient in Vitamin D.

This is why adding a Vitamin D supplement to the diet of someone suffering from Fibromyalgia can go a long way.

Vitamin D is most commonly referred to as “the sunshine vitamin” and often is a great benefit to people suffering from depression.

L-Tryptophan

L-tryptophan is an important supplement for someone who has trouble sleeping.  In order to combat the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, it is beneficial to do so after a good night’s rest.

If taken regularly, this supplement has been known to improve melatonin levels, increase energy, decrease anxiety, and combat symptoms of insomnia over time.

5 HTP

In addition to L-tryptophan, 5 HTP is another supplement that is important for both sleep and anxiety.

It is a great vitamin that aids in comforting those suffering from high anxiety and panic attacks but is also beneficial in combating the effects of insomnia.

It is recommended to take this supplement on an empty stomach half an hour before bedtime for the best effects.

vitamins for fibromyalgia

Glutathione

If heavy metals are present in your system, it is beneficial to take a supplement like glutathione. Glutathione is a peptide that is produced naturally by the body. It will often bind itself to toxins to help flush them out of our systems.

If the body is deficient in Glutathione or if there is an excess in toxins and heavy metals, it can be beneficial to take a supplemental form of the supplement in order to aid in detoxification.

Ginko Biloba

Since two of the common symptoms of Fibromyalgia are memory loss and a disconnect in the way the brain processes pain, ginkgo Biloba can be a vital supplement.

Commonly referred to as “the brain herb”, Ginkgo Biloba has been known to improve memory function by regulating blood flow to the brain.

This supplement has been known to be particularly beneficial in patients who are also suffering from disorders such as Alzheimers and Dementia.

Phospholipids

When it comes to experiencing phantom pain in the body, part of the problem is the receptors in the brain and the receptors in the nerves are not communicating with each other properly.

This malfunction of the system is thought to be caused by the body not absorbing nutrients properly.

Adding phospholipids and omega-3 fatty acids to the supplement program can not only help the body to absorb vital nutrients but can also help to reconnect the receptors in the brain.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are very important when it comes to treating fibromyalgia. When taken in supplement form, amino acids provide a much-needed source of protein to the body and stimulate the growth and repair of muscle tissue.

It has been theorized that part of the cause of Fibromyalgia is the body’s inability to break down amino acids on its own.

Taking a supplement form of the acids have been shown to help the body combat the symptoms of the disorder.

It is important to keep in mind that taking all of these supplements at once can be overwhelming, and most likely unnecessary.

Every case of Fibromyalgia is different and should be treated as such. If you or anyone you know is suffering from the condition, it can be beneficial to make an appointment with your doctor to not only be tested for the presence of heavy metals in your system but also to check the levels of each of these vitamins in your system.

It is only after you have an accurate picture of what your body is lacking that you will be able to work with your doctor to create a custom plan as to which vitamins and minerals will be most beneficial to take going forward.

One Comment

  1. This is great. Thank you.

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