Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in numerous parts of the body. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, around 5 million Americans have fibromyalgia, and 80 to 90 percent of those who are diagnosed are women. There is no cure for fibromyalgia. People with the disease take pain medications or other prescriptions to treat the symptoms.
Symptoms
While people with fibromyalgia tend to have a lot of pain, pain is not the only symptom associated with the condition. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease states that fibromyalgia also causes difficulty sleeping, headaches, joint stiffness and bouts of extreme fatigue.
Arginine Definition
Arginine is an amino acid that is naturally present in walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, brown rice and chicken. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that arginine is needed by the body every day to aid in immune system function and keep blood flow to the heart strong. People who are deficient in arginine may experience a sluggish immune system and difficulty healing from wounds.
Arginine Supplementation
While most people get enough arginine from diet alone, people with fibromyalgia often choose to supplement with arginine in order to experience greater benefits. While arginine has not been specifically tested for the treatment of fibromyalgia, taking arginine may help to ease some of the symptoms associated with the condition. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center advises that supplementing with arginine can reduce fatigue and boost the immune system. It may even be able to reduce headache pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Recommended Dose
There is no standard recommended dose of arginine supplements, and further research needs to be done on the effects of arginine supplementation. Generally people who take arginine capsules safely take 2 to 3 g three times a day, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Safety
Arginine may effectively reduce some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, but it is not safe for everyone. Arginine can decrease blood pressure, which can result in serious electrolyte imbalances in anyone with blood pressure problems, heart disease or kidney disease. Arginine can also raise blood sugar levels, so the Mayo Clinic recommends that people with diabetes speak to their doctor before trying arginine. For people who have no other conditions besides fibromyalgia, arginine may be safe, but side effects can include nausea, stomach cramps and increased stool output.
