It's funny how in the beginning throes of fibromyalgia you become obsessed with medical testing. Tests upon tests blanketed with co-pay after copay, forces one into the self realization that this chronic illness is best approached through personalized symptom reduction. Pharmaceutical medications work in some areas of distress; but overall, the more pills you take, the more disillusioned you become, and the less zest for life you have.
The best defense is a good offense to reducing painful flare-ups. The following supplements have been known to reduce symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B Complex is a group of vitamins that re found in a wide variety of meats, fish, dairy products, vegetables, and whole grains. If you are a vegan or under a lot of stress, you may be short on this vitamin.Research suggests that many fibromyalgia sufferers are low in vitamin B1 (thiamine),
B Complex vitamins are needed for normal muscle function, energy release, a healthy nervous system and for the production of serotonin. Fibromyalgia symptoms have been linked with high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid produced in the body. Supplementing with vitamin B complex has been shown to lower homocysteine levels.
I personally use the Ultra Woman 50 Plus from Puritan Pride. There are other Ultra Woman vitamins available depending on your age. Their vitamins are reasonably priced and they offer free shipping and buy one get two days.
Capsaicin gel is extracted from chillis. It eases tenderness associated with fibromyalgia. The tenderness is due to high levels of a protein called substance P, which is involved in the transmission of pain signals from the nerve endings of the brain and inflammation in the joints. Capsaicin gel reduces these protein levels.
5-Hydorxytryptophan (5-HTP)
The body uses 5-HTP to make serontonin. 5-HTP supplements are usually made from the seeds of the Griffonia plant from west Africa. These seeds ease pain, clear 'fibro-fog', boosts mood, and promotes sleep. Serotonin helps to regulate mood, pain, and sleep. Research suggests that people with fibromyalgia have low levels of serotonin. In a study published in Alternative Medicine Review, research concluded that supplementation with 5-HTP may help relieve fibromyalgia-related pain, stiffness, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Magnesium is a mineral that is deficient in many who suffer from fibromyalgia. It is speculated that chronic fatigue affects levels of a growth hormone, which in turn affects magnesium levels. A shortage of this nutrient is thought to contribute to muscle pain and fatigue. Magnesium boosts mood and energy levels, relaxes the muscles, and eases muscle pain. Magnesium is involved in the production of energy and mood-boosting serotonin which is needed for healthy muscle and nerve function. Magnesium malate, found in apples and oranges, reduces lactic acid in the muscles which is linked to muscle pain and tenderness.
I use Cal-Mag from Puritan Pride. This supplement gives me my daily quota of Calcium, magnesium, and zinc in a simple to take tablet. A coupon is provided below for Puritan Pride. Sign up today for great incentives that will be sent via email. All their products are made at the facility and closely monitored for peak freshness.