Fibromyalgia

What you need to know

There is no known cure and its cause is unknown, but women are more likely suffer with this problem. Fibromyalgia could be possibly linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, candidiasis, Epstein-Barr virus, Anaemia, low blood sugar, immune system irregularities, thyroid problems, mercury poisoning or parasites.

There are supplements and remedies that can help relieve some of the symptoms, especially the pain. It may also be useful to visit a naturopath to try to assess the cause of Fibromyalgia.

Nutritional supplements that could help:

With this condition absorption of many nutrients can be impaired, hence taking a Multivitamin and mineral supplement daily, will help to ensure that there are no nutritional deficiencies. Other supplements to help control pain include:

• 5HTP

• DLPA

• Fish-oil and evening primrose oil

• Green-lipped mussel

• Magnesium

• Vitamin E

Others that could help:

Betaine hydrochloride, Bromelain, Digestive Enzymes.

Herbs which may help:

There are various herbs that help with pain relief, inflammation and muscle spasms.

• Cayenne

• Black Cohosh

• Devils claw

• ginger

• Ginseng

• Liquorice

• St Johns Wort

• White Willow

Topical preparations may reduce pain:

Cayenne cream or ointment

Homoeopathy

• Arnica

• Byronia

• Rhus tox

Aromatherapy

The following essential oils added to a carrier oil and massaged into the muscles are very useful:

• Black pepper

• ginger

• Jasmine

• Juniper

• Lavender

• Roman chamomile

• rosemary

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Primary advice really involves reducing the foods that aggravate pain and inflammation and eating more foods that have the opposite effect.

Reduce animal and saturated fats, nightshade foods (tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and potatoes), sugar, instant coffee

Eat more ginger, chilli, oily Fish, fresh fruit & juices especially pineapple and Papaya

Generally eating a good whole food diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, cereals, nuts and seeds is advisable with moderate amounts of protein such as Fish, Poultry, eggs and lean cuts of meat.

Drink at least 2 litres of water every day to keep the body cleansed and free of toxic build-up.

Other useful advice:

It is important to know that there are various factors that can either trigger or make this condition worse:

• Anxiety & Stress

• Depression

• Illness and infections

• Lack of exercise

• Lack of sleep

• Overexertion

• Sudden changes or extremes in temperature or humidity

• Moderate exercise can be very useful at helping the body cope with pain, due to the production of endorphins. These chemicals are the body's own pain killers and are release during physical activity.

Therapies that could help include:

• acupuncture

• Biofeedback

• Hypnotherapy

• Massage

If you are already using conventional medications to for Fibromyalgia, it is important to know that some may cause you to loose certain nutrients. Taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement will help to offset this.

It may be useful to take DGL Liquorice to help protect stomach lining from the damaging effects of certain types of drugs, especially aspirin. Slippery elm or marshmallow are also protective to the digestive system.

The herbs, Milk thistle and Artichoke will also protect the liver from the burden of certain medicines, in particular paracetemol.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.